Description
Deliciously rich Turtle Cookies combine chocolate chip cookie dough enhanced with cocoa powder, studded with crunchy pecans and topped with smooth caramel drizzle for an indulgent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 17.5 ounces chocolate chip cookie mix
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 10 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups chopped pecans (divided as ⅓ cup for dough, 1 1/3 cups for rolling)
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 1 ½ tablespoons heavy cream (for caramel)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the chocolate chip cookie mix and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl until fully combined for a smooth chocolate base.
- Form Dough: Add the softened butter, large egg, and 4 tablespoons heavy cream to the dry mixture. Beat with a hand or stand mixer until a soft, thick, and slightly sticky dough forms.
- Add Pecans to Dough: Stir in ⅓ cup of chopped pecans into the dough to distribute the nuts evenly throughout.
- Shape Cookies: Use a 1 ½ tablespoon cookie scoop to form the dough into evenly sized balls. Roll each ball lightly in the remaining chopped pecans, then place them on the baking sheets spaced about 1 ½ inches apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges are set and the tops show cracks, indicating doneness.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Caramel: Place caramel bits in a microwave-safe bowl and pour the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons heavy cream over the top.
- Melt Caramel: Microwave the caramel mixture for 30 seconds, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 10-15 second increments, stirring each time, until the caramel is smooth and fully melted.
- Adjust Caramel Consistency: If the caramel is too thick, add a teaspoon of cream to thin it out, stirring until desired consistency is achieved.
- Drizzle Caramel: Drizzle the warm or cooled caramel over the cookies and serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Microwave caramel carefully in short increments to prevent burning.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- For extra gooeyness, drizzle caramel while cookies are still warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
