Name: Chocolate Turtle Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 24 soft caramels (or caramel squares); 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk; 3/4 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are a dream for chocolate and caramel lovers alike. The soft, brownie-like cookie base is packed with cocoa flavor, while the melted caramel and pecan topping adds just the right amount of chew and crunch. They’re easy to make, visually impressive, and ideal for holidays, bake sales, or gifting. Plus, they taste just like the classic turtle candy—in cookie form.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Soft caramels (or caramel squares)
Heavy cream or milk
Chopped pecans
Semisweet or dark chocolate chips (optional for drizzling)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Fold in chopped pecans if adding them directly into the dough.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Press a small indent in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are set and centers still look slightly soft.
While the cookies are baking, melt caramels with heavy cream in the microwave or on the stovetop until smooth.
Once cookies come out of the oven, immediately spoon a small amount of caramel into each indentation.
Let the cookies cool slightly before optionally drizzling with melted chocolate.
Allow cookies to set completely before serving or storing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 8–10 minutes per batch
Cooling and caramel filling: 20 minutes
Total time: About 50 minutes

Variations

Salted caramel: Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the caramel for a sweet-salty contrast.
Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle with white chocolate for visual contrast and added sweetness.
Pecan half topping: Instead of chopped pecans, press a whole pecan half into the top of each cookie.
Stuffed version: Wrap the dough around a soft caramel candy for a molten caramel center.
Nut-free option: Omit pecans entirely for a nut-free version, or replace with crushed pretzels for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
To refrigerate, layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking; they’ll keep for about a week.
To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
For best texture, allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving.
To reheat, microwave a cookie for about 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey center.

FAQs

What are chocolate turtle cookies?

They’re cookies inspired by turtle candies, featuring chocolate, caramel, and pecans in a rich, chewy cookie form.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, but it needs to be thick enough to stay in place. Homemade or melted soft caramels usually work better.

Do I have to add pecans?

No, you can leave them out or replace them with other toppings like crushed pretzels or toffee bits.

How do I keep the caramel from hardening?

Use soft caramels melted with a bit of cream to keep the caramel smooth and chewy rather than hard.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What type of cocoa powder should I use?

Natural unsweetened cocoa powder works great, but Dutch-processed cocoa can be used for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Why do I need to make an indent in the cookies?

The indent holds the caramel filling in place and mimics the classic turtle candy design.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be chilled for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Can I make these cookies larger?

Yes, just increase the scoop size and adjust the baking time by a couple of minutes.

Will the caramel set completely?

The caramel will firm up slightly but stay soft and chewy at room temperature, especially if made with cream.

Conclusion

Chocolate Turtle Cookies are a rich, chewy, and satisfying treat that combines the best elements of turtle candy into one delightful cookie. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or just treating yourself, their gooey caramel centers, crunchy pecans, and deep chocolate flavor make them truly unforgettable. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your cookie rotation