Turtle Cookies

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

My Turtle Cookies recipe is going to become a new favorite. Loaded with nuts, chocolate, and caramel, these rich, decadent cookies are a family favorite that wows everyone!

If you love the flavors of turtles, you will also love these Chocolate Pecan Turtle Clusters Recipe.  They are so easy and absolutely delicious!

turtle cookies on a plate

Crumbl Turtle cookies

Who doesn’t love a good turtle cookie? These turtle cookies are out of this world! They’re soft, chewy, and delicious – perfect for any occasion. You won’t be able to resist their sweet, caramel-y goodness.

Another spin on turtles is these yummy Rolo pretzel rods.  So easy to make and really delicious. You may also love this turtle brownie cheesecake as a great addition to your dessert routine.

What are turtle cookies?

Turtle cookies are a type of cookie that is made with chocolate, pecans, and caramel. They are often thought of as a gourmet cookie, and can be found in many different bakeries and specialty stores. Turtle cookies are made by combining all of the ingredients together to form a dough, which is then rolled into balls and baked. The result is a chewy, chocolatey cookie that is filled with nuts and caramel. Turtle cookies are a favorite among many people, and are often served at parties and other special occasions.

Key Ingredients for Crumbl Turtle Cookies

  • Light brown sugar – You want use brown sugar because it adds the richness t the cookies.
  • Light corn syrup – Using corn syrup gives the cookies moisture and also helps to prevent sugar crystals.
  • Cornstarch – Using cornstarch helps create a crumbly and tender dessert-like texture
  • Pecans- Pecans are typical for Turtle cookies. You want to chop them very fine in order to have the perfect bite.
  • Caramel bits – Caramel bites are used to help make center of the cookies.
  • Ghirardelli milk chocolate melting wafers – This adds the center chocolate to the cookies.

How to Make Turtle Cookies

Preheat the oven and prep 2 cookie sheets with silicone baking mats. Using a stand mixer, beat the wet ingredients together until light and fluffy.

In a different bowl, combine the dry ingredients and then slowly beat in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until it forms a dough.

Use a cookie scoop, scoop the dough and then roll it in the chopped pecans along the sides and not the top. .

Place the cookie dough on the sheet and press it down to make a disk. Bake until the cookies are firm.

Once the cookies are cooled, melt the caramel bits and then add to the center of the cookies. Let harden.

Melt the chocolate and add over the caramel, sprinkle with pecans.

turtle cookies

Can I Freeze Turtle Cookies or Cookie Dough?

If you love to have homemade cookies but don’t always have time to make cookie dough, you might reach for the premade cookie dough at the grocery store. You can make up batches of this cookie dough and freeze it for later use. It doesn’t take much time to make more than one batch as it does it make one. Make an extra batch and store it in the freezer. You can store it as a whole batch or scoop the cookies and have them ready for the oven.

Can I Substitute Walnuts for Pecans When Making Cookies?

There are many times that I am making different recipes that call for pecans. To give the recipe a twist, or because I only have walnuts or walnuts are on sale, I will substitute the pecans with walnuts.

Variations to Turtle Cookies

I am using dark chocolate when making the cookies, but you can use milk chocolate, semi sweet and even white chocolate to make these cookies. 

Traditionally, pecans are used when making the cookies, but you can use different nuts as well. I love using walnuts in place of the pecans. Almonds and even macadamia nuts can be used. 

Want to use something other than vanilla? You can use almond extract. 

Want to give the cookies a Christmas flare? Try adding Ground ginger, Cinnamon, Ground nutmeg and/or Allspice. 

turtle cookies on a plate

More Cookie Recipes

Up close picture of a turtle cookie on a cutting board
No ratings yet

Turtle Cookies

My Turtle Cookies recipe is going to become a new favorite. Loaded with nuts, chocolate, and caramel, these rich, decadent cookies are a family favorite that wows everyone!
Servings: 16 cookies
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients
  

Toppings

  • 2 cup melted caramel bits
  • 8 oz Ghirardelli milk chocolate melting wafers
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line two cookie sheets with a silicone baking mat
  • Using a standing mixer, beat the melted butter, sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla until light and fluffy
  • Using a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, salt and baking soda Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the wet until a dough forms
  • Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop out dough mound into your hand and roll into a ball Pour the chopped pecans into a bowl
  • Roll the sides of the cookie dough ball into the chopped pecans to coat the sides Make sure the top is bare
  • Place the cookie dough ball onto the cookie sheet and gently press down into a thick disk Bake in the oven for 13-15 minutes or until firm around the edge
  • Allow to cool completely
  • Follow the directions on the back of the caramel bits to melt properly
  • Spoon 1 tablespoon of melted caramel onto the center of the cookies Allow to harden for 5 minutes
  • Melt the Ghirardelli melting wafers and spoon 1 tbsp of melted chocolate onto the hardened caramel
  • Sprinkle a few chopped pecans on top of the melted chocolate
  • Enjoy!

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

Categories:

Leave a Review!

We LOVE hearing from you! Submit your question or comment here.

Your email address will not be published.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating:




I accept the Privacy Policy