Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies are a decadent treat that combine some of the most beloved flavors in dessert making. These cookies are named after the famous turtle candy, which features a combination of caramel, pecans, and chocolate, and are a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth.
Here’s a recipe for Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies:
Serving size and preparation time:
This recipe for Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies should make approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of the cookie dough balls you form.
As for the preparation time, it should take about 20-30 minutes to prepare the dough and form it into balls. Baking time should be around 10-12 minutes, and preparing the caramel sauce and toppings should take another 20-30 minutes. So in total, you can expect to have these cookies ready to enjoy in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. However, note that the caramel sauce can take some time to reach the desired color and consistency, so the actual preparation time may vary.
Ingredients:
For the cookie dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the caramel sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the toppings:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Divide the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand.
- Bake the cookies in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until set.
- While the cookies are baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Continue cooking the sugar mixture, without stirring, until it turns a deep amber color. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Be careful as the mixture will bubble up and steam.
- Return the saucepan to the heat and cook the caramel sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until it is smooth and thickened.
- Once the cookies have finished baking, remove them from the oven and press a small indentation into the center of each cookie with your thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Spoon a small amount of the caramel sauce into the center of each cookie, and then sprinkle with chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
- Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the chocolate chips are melted and the caramel sauce is bubbly.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies!
Overall, Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtle Cookies are a crowd-pleasing dessert that is sure to impress any sweet lover. They’re great for serving at parties or gatherings, but also make a delicious treat for any time you need a little pick-me-up.