Lu-Ann Simon November 17, 2025

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Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies

Name: Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, unwrapped

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On a cozy afternoon, there’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. The sweet and buttery scent mingles with an earthy nuttiness, wrapping you in warmth and comfort. These Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies are not just any treats; they are a delightful fusion of gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate that will make your taste buds sing. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy weekend baking, or simply to indulge in a cozy treat at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Adore Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies

Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies offer a symphony of flavors and textures that can elevate any sweet craving. Each cookie is the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, with a rich, nutty flavor that sings in harmony with the sweet caramel and chocolatey goodness. Here’s why these cookies capture hearts:

Irresistibly sweet and salty combo
Gooey caramel melting in your mouth
Crisp pecans adding delightful crunch
Simple ingredients you likely have at home
Perfect for sharing or savoring solo

Gather These Ingredients

Before you dive into the delightful world of baking, it’s essential to gather the right ingredients. Keep in mind that each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies. You can easily swap in turkey bacon for a lighter touch if a recipe calls for it, and you won’t find any alcohol or wine here. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, unwrapped

How to Prepare Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies

Let’s journey through the steps to make these decadent Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies. Your kitchen will soon be filled with mouthwatering aromas that will coax everyone to gather around.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and toasty.
Cream the butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and mix until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, creating a sweet aroma that fills the air.
Add the eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then mix in the vanilla until fully incorporated.
Combine the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the pecans and chocolate chips. The chunky nuts and irresistible chocolate pieces should be evenly distributed throughout the dough for that delightful crunch.
Scoop and form the cookies. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each scoop as they’ll spread while baking.
Add caramel bits. Gently press a few caramel bits into the top of each cookie scoop before baking, ensuring you get that gooey goodness in every bite.
Bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they should be golden brown around the edges while still slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Cool on a wire rack. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep ~ 20 minutes, Cook ~ 12 minutes, Total ~ 32 minutes, Servings ~ 24 cookies, Kcal ~ 150 (estimate).

Plan Ahead

You can make these Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies ahead of time! Prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop and proceed with the shaping and baking steps. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just allow it to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies as fresh as possible, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll be just right for about 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container with layers of parchment paper between them. They’ll remain delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that gooey center.

Perfect Pairings

These Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also make a lovely accompaniment to other treats. Consider pairing them with:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A steaming cup of coffee or tea
A glass of cold milk
Fresh fruit, such as strawberries or apples
Creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream

Taste Variants and Customizations

There are so many ways to make these Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies your own! Here are some fantastic ideas:

Nut substitutes: Swap out pecans for walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds for a twist.
Add a sprinkle of sea salt: A pinch on top before baking enhances the sweet and salty flavor.
Try a different type of chocolate: Opt for white chocolate or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Make them gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
Add spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring extra warmth and depth to these cookies.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Here are some expert tips to ensure your Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies turn out perfectly:

Let your butter come to room temperature for easy creaming, resulting in a smooth batter.
Space the cookie dough at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to give them room to spread without merging.
Keep an eye on them while they bake; cookies can go from golden to overdone quickly!
Allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Use a kitchen thermometer; a soft and chewy cookie should have an internal temperature of about 180°F (82°C).

Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies FAQs

Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Yes! You can substitute vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to make these cookies dairy-free.
What if I don’t have caramel bits?
You can use soft caramel candies, just be sure to unwrap them beforehand. Cut them into smaller pieces for easier melting.
Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Definitely! Just adjust the baking time; smaller cookies may take around 8-10 minutes, while larger ones may need a few more minutes.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for slightly browned edges and a soft center. They will continue to firm up after baking.
Why are my cookies flattened?
This could be due to using melted butter instead of softened butter. Ensure your butter is adequately soften for the right texture.

Final Thoughts

Baking Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies is an experience filled with warmth and joy that brings people together. Each bite offers a delectable medley of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Don’t wait too long to gather your ingredients and make a batch; your taste buds will thank you!

Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 32
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious cookies combining gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich chocolate, perfect for cozy gatherings.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream the butter and sugars in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add it to the wet ingredients.
Fold in the pecans and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each scoop.
Press a few caramel bits into the top of each cookie scoop.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before transferring to cool completely.