Ultimate Turtle Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 18 –20 soft caramel candies unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- ¾ cup chopped pecans lightly toasted
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- Flaky sea salt optional
- Melted chocolate optional
Instructions
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy
- Mix in egg and vanilla until fully combined
- Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until combined
- Cover dough and chill for 30 minutes
- Microwave caramels with cream in short intervals, stirring until smooth
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Scoop dough into balls and place on baking sheet, spaced apart
- Bake for 6–7 minutes until lightly set
- Remove from oven, gently indent centers, add caramel, pecans, and chocolate
- Return to oven and bake 4–5 minutes until edges are golden
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack
- Finish with flaky salt or chocolate drizzle if desired
Notes
Use soft caramels only to keep centers gooey
Chill dough to prevent excessive spreading
Do not overbake or caramel may harden
Store airtight at room temperature up to 3 days
Reheat briefly to soften caramel again