Indulge in the ultimate cookie experience with these Big, Chewy, Buttery Turtle Cookies, a delightful homage to the classic candy. Each bite is a symphony of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans, perfectly encapsulated in a tender, golden-brown cookie. These hearty, irresistible treats are more than just a dessert; they are a comforting companion for your morning coffee, an afternoon tea break, or a festive holiday gathering. Prepare to fall in love with a cookie that rivals even the most beloved classics.
Just as Rocky Road delivers a delightful mix of flavors to ice cream, Turtle brings a similar magic to cookies. It’s a marvelous medley of textures and tastes, featuring decadent chocolate chips, luscious caramel, and crisp pecans. I firmly believe these unique cookies deserve a place among the cookie classics, standing proudly alongside timeless favorites like oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookies. Their intricate flavor profile and satisfying chewiness offer a gourmet twist that makes them utterly unforgettable.
This recipe was proudly created for #ChristmasCookiesWeek! I extend my sincere gratitude to the sponsor companies who provided samples and products, though my opinions, as always, remain 100% my own.
For crafting these exceptional Turtle Cookies, I utilized premium products from Millican Pecan Company, known for their high-quality nuts, robust bakeware from Anolon, and exquisite flavors from Adams Extracts & Spices.
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Unraveling the Mystery: Where Did the Term “Turtle” Originate?
The inspiration for these magnificent cookies came directly from the beloved “Turtle” style candies. A box of these delightful chocolate-covered confections is a universal crowd-pleaser, ensuring that every piece is cherished and none are returned to the box half-eaten. This widespread appeal speaks volumes about the timeless combination of flavors that defines a “Turtle.”
The story of the Turtle candy begins in 1916, amidst the bustling streets of Chicago. It was here that George DeMet, founder of DeMet’s Candy Company, brought his iconic creation to life. The original candy was a harmonious blend of creamy caramel, crunchy pecans, and a generous coating of rich chocolate. Its distinctive bumpy appearance, created by the pecans nestled beneath the chocolate shell, reminded observers of a turtle’s back – thus, the charming name was born. The concept was simple yet ingenious, capturing hearts and taste buds for over a century.
Traditionally, turtle candies feature nuts bound together with soft caramel, then fully enrobed in chocolate. When transforming this concept into a cookie, the cookie dough itself takes on the crucial role of binding agent. This innovative approach not only holds all the delectable components together but also allows for an even more generous distribution of caramel, premium pecans, and substantial chocolate chunks. The result is a more substantial, more satisfying treat that elevates the classic turtle flavor profile to new heights, making it a truly exceptional cookie experience.
The Essence of a Turtle Cookie: What Makes It Special?
To truly earn its name, a Turtle Cookie must be bursting with its signature ingredients: generously chopped pecans, an abundance of rich chocolate chunks, and swirls of wonderfully gooey caramel. When I first envisioned these cookies, the decadent fillings were the star, almost making the cookie dough an afterthought. However, I quickly realized the dough is the unsung hero, providing the perfect foundation to unify all these incredible flavors and textures.
For the base, I chose my tried-and-true Butter Brickle Cookie recipe. This selection was no accident; its inherently chewy, buttery texture creates an ideal canvas for the turtle components, ensuring a harmonious balance between the soft cookie and the crunchy, gooey additions. The buttery notes of the base dough perfectly complement the richness of the chocolate and caramel, adding depth to every bite.
Once the cookie dough is generously packed with chocolate, caramel, and pecans, and baked to perfection, the finished product truly evokes the appearance of its namesake. The slightly raised, uneven surface, dotted with nuts and chocolate, bears a charming resemblance to a turtle’s shell, a visual cue that hints at the treasure of flavors within. This delightful visual and taste experience is what makes these Turtle Cookies a standout treat.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Turtle Cookies:
Crafting these irresistible Turtle Cookies requires a careful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of chewy, buttery, and decadent. Below is a concise list of what you’ll need. For a comprehensive, detailed, and printable recipe card with exact measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the bottom of this post.
- **Butter:** The foundation of our chewy, rich cookie dough, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- **Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar:** A perfect blend for sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar adding a delightful depth of flavor.
- **Vanilla Extract:** Essential for enhancing all the other flavors, giving the cookies a warm, inviting aroma.
- **Salt:** Balances the sweetness and brings out the nuances of the chocolate and caramel.
- **Baking Soda:** The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly and contributes to their tender crumb.
- **Eggs:** Provide structure and richness, binding the ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
- **All-Purpose Flour:** The primary dry ingredient, giving the cookies their body and shape.
- **Caramel Bits:** These sweet, chewy morsels melt beautifully into pockets of gooey caramel goodness throughout the cookie.
- **Chocolate Chunks:** Large pieces of semi-sweet chocolate provide a rich, luxurious chocolate flavor and texture that melts wonderfully.
- **Pecans:** Chopped pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, completing the iconic “turtle” trio.
Once your buttery cookie dough is perfectly mixed, it’s time for the most exciting part: gently folding in all that glorious turtle goodness! Watch as the caramel bits, chocolate chunks, and chopped pecans become beautifully integrated, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.
To ensure consistently perfect cookies, I recommend using a reliable cookie scoop to form uniform dough balls. Each scoop, approximately a tablespoon in size, creates beautifully portioned cookies. This not only ensures even baking but also provides the ideal housing for all the delicious turtle fillings, making each cookie a perfectly balanced treat.
The culmination of these efforts can be summed up in a single, fitting word: pure perfection. From the first tantalizing aroma to the last satisfying bite, these Turtle Cookies deliver an experience that truly lives up to their promise.
Adore These Cookies? Pin Them for Later!
Don’t let this incredible Turtle Cookie recipe get lost in the endless scroll! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest baking board so you can easily find it whenever a craving for these chocolate, caramel, and pecan delights strikes. Pinning helps you keep track of your must-try recipes and ensures you’re always ready to bake something extraordinary!
A Collection of Irresistible Pecan Recipes
My passion for baking with pecans runs deep! These versatile nuts add an unparalleled richness and crunch to a myriad of dishes, from sweet desserts to savory appetizers. I have curated an extensive collection of recipes that prominently feature pecans, guaranteeing there’s something for every pecan enthusiast. So, go ahead and stock up with a BIG BAG of pecans – you’ll want to try every single one of these reader favorites!
Here are some highly-rated pecan-centric recipes that have captured the hearts of my readers:
- Classic Pecan Pie (as beautifully pictured above)
- Decadent Graham Cracker Toffee
- Enchanting Cinderella Cake
- Irresistible Ice Cream Sticky Rolls
- Comforting Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake
- Savory Reuben Cheese Ball
- Moist Banana Bread Coffee Cake
- Zesty Orange Cranberry Pecan Bread
- Crunchy Sugared Pecans
Kicking off Christmas Cookies Week, I also featured these delightfully simple Chocolate Sugar Kiss Cookies. They are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only four basic ingredients, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking. If you visit that recipe post, you’ll also discover a comprehensive list of all the fabulous prizes generously offered by our wonderful sponsors: Millican Pecan Company, Adams Extracts & Spices, Anolon, and Sweets & Treats Boutique. Don’t miss out on the chance to win!
ENTER TO WIN Exciting Prize Packages HERE:
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Explore ALL of my amazing COOKIE RECIPES HERE
Before you dive into baking, I encourage you to discover the incredible cookie creations from all the other talented bloggers participating in Christmas Cookies Week. You’ll find their links listed directly beneath my printable recipe card, offering a treasure trove of holiday inspiration.
Now, let’s get right to the star of the show – the exquisite Turtle Cookies recipe! Happy baking! 
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Print Recipe
Turtle Cookies
Equipment
- Kitchenaid Stand Mixer (or a large mixing bowl for hand mixing)
- KitchenAid Hand Mixer (if not using a stand mixer)
- Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop (for perfectly portioned cookies)
- 13×18 Half Sheet Pan (heavy-duty for even baking)
- Parchment Paper (for easy release and cleanup)
- Wire Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 1 stick salted butter softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (high-quality for best flavor)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup caramel bits (or chopped soft caramels)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks (or good quality chocolate chips)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (freshly chopped for best flavor)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients until thoroughly combined, then set the bowl aside. Sifting helps ensure a lighter, more even texture in your cookies.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), cream the softened butter on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes. Next, add both the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar, along with the vanilla extract, and mix thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and slightly lighter in color. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until fully combined. Gradually add the prepared flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Finally, with a spatula, gently fold in the caramel bits, chocolate chunks, and chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a 1-tablespoon sized cookie scoop, form uniform dough balls and place them onto your parchment-lined cookie sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. It’s crucial not to overbake these cookies, as this will prevent them from achieving their signature chewy texture.
- Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them set and maintain their shape while retaining that wonderful chewiness.
Nutrition
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the wonderful hosts of #ChristmasCookiesWeek! This fantastic event brought together more than 25 talented bloggers, all sharing their most festive and delicious cookie recipes, perfect for elevating your holiday celebrations. Special appreciation to Ellen from Family Around the Table, Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures, and Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks for organizing such a sweet and inspiring week.
Don’t miss out on a single delectable cookie recipe from this incredible collection! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest to explore all the festive treats and find your next favorite holiday cookie.
Wednesday Christmas Cookie Recipes
- Almond Shortbread Bites by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Brown Sugar Ice Box Cookies by West Via Midwest
- Chocolate Dipped Cranberry Oatmeal Cookie by Lemon Blossoms
- Chocolate Pecan Cookie Crisps by Eat Move Make
- Christmas Checkerboard Cookies by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Christmas Chippity Chip Cookies by Daily Dish Recipes
- Christmas Tree Cookies by Swirls of Flavor
- Cinnamon Snowball Cookies by Jersey Girl Cooks
- French Toast Cookies by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Frosty Ginger Cookies by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Ginger Snap Cookies by Devour Dinner
- Holiday Coins by Family Around the Table
- Italian Christmas Cookies by Blogghetti
- Meringue Christmas Trees Two Ways by Art of Natural Living
- New York-Style Black & Whites by Kate’s Recipe Box
- Pecan Crescent Cookies by Palatable Pastime
- Pepparkakor by That Recipe
- Peppermint Cream Cheese Crushed Oreo Cookies by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
- Reindeer Haystacks by Leftovers Then Breakfast
- Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies by Sweet Beginnings
- Soft Italian Wedding Cookies by Making Miracles
- Sweet Potato Pecan Cookies by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Turtle Cookies by An Affair from the Heart
- Vegan Italian Wine Cookies by Frugal & Fit
- Whipped Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies by Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Zimstern – German Cinnamon Stars by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures