Turtle cookies
How to make Turtle Cookies:
To make this recipe even easier, you could make the cookie dough one day in advance. Wrap it really well and refrigerate it.
Can I freeze turtle cookies?
You have two options for freezing these turtle cookies. The first option is to make the cookie dough, freeze it, and use it to make the cookies. The second option for freezing thumbprint cookies is to follow the recipe completely and make all cookies, allow them to cool completely, and then place them in a gallon freezer bag. When you are ready to eat them, allow them to come to room temperature on your counter top.
CONSIDER TRYING THESE POPULAR HOLIDAY TREATS:
- Homemade Caramels
- Caramel Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Rods
- Peppermint Candy Cane Brownies
- Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
- Caramel Hot Chocolate
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Recipe
Turtle Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter 1 stick
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg , separated
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans , finely chopped
For the Caramel:
- 2/3 cup Kraft Caramel Bits or regular caramels, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Combine flour, cocoa and salt. In a separate bowl cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the egg yolk, milk and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, just until combined. Chill dough in the refrigerator for one hour.
- Whisk egg whites in a bowl until frothy. Place chopped pecans in another shallow bowl. Remove dough from fridge and roll into small balls (however many cookies you want--I made 20 small ones).
- Roll each dough ball in the frothy egg whites, and then roll and press in the chopped pecans. Place on a greased baking sheet.
- Use the back of a small measuring spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Bake at 350 Degrees F for about 10-12 minutes, or just until set. Don't over-bake as cookies will harden as they cool.
- As the cookies come out of the oven, gently re-press the indentations with a small spoon.
- In a microwavable bowl mix the caramel bits and water. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until caramel is melted (1-2 minutes). Pour small spoonfuls of caramel into the indented cookies. *Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate (or sprinkle with sea salt)!
Notes
Nutrition
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I originally shared this recipe December 2013. I updated in November 2017 with new photos and clearer instructions.
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Looks delish can’t wait to make.
Very good cookies, caramel a nightmare to work with, can you give an easier way to work caramel? Seems that the caramel got hard after filling two cookies.
These are good chocolate cookies but I couldn’t taste the carmel. Two other people had them and they too couldn’t taste it. That’s why I giving it a 2 star rating.
Well I tried making the turtle cookies and thought I’d be smart by buying the Smuckers caramel sauce. It never did harden and the caramel just dropped all over n was gooey. So I learn melt caramel bits!
These look so good. I can’t wait to make them. Happy Holidays to you and your Family. Thank you for Sharing. 🎄❄️🎅🏻🎄Susie
I have made these for last 5 Christmases. Every yr. People want their turtles. Has anyone ever tried to freeze the cookie part ? (Without the carmel). I haven’t tried. Hate to waste them if not. Lol
Also I use werthers soft carmels , then it stays soft. Easy to melt
Can u freeze them ?
Thank you
Sonia
You have two options for freezing these turtle cookies. The first option is to make the cookie dough, freeze it, and use it to make the cookies. The second option for freezing thumbprint cookies is to follow the recipe completely and make all cookies, allow them to cool completely, and then place them in a gallon freezer bag. When you are ready to eat them, allow them to come to room temperature on your counter top.
AMAZING!!!
Delish! Quick! Easy!
Made this for Christmas dinner with my u cle and everyone absolutely loved it! Very easy to make and super tasty!
Fun to make and so good! My neighbor said “don’t ever make these again!” “They’re way way too good!”