These Chocolate Chip Turtle Cookies are a decadent treat packed with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate chips. Inspired by classic turtle candies, these soft and chewy cookies bring together the best of sweet and salty flavors, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want an indulgent dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, chewy, and gooey – A perfect balance of textures in every bite.
- Loaded with caramel and pecans – Just like turtle candies, but in cookie form!
- Easy to make – No chilling required, so they come together fast.
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for cookie exchanges, holidays, or just a sweet treat.
- Customizable – Swap out ingredients to fit your taste!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- Chopped pecans
- Soft caramels, chopped (or caramel bits)
- Sea salt (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars – In a bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla – Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in mix-ins – Stir in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and caramel pieces.
- Scoop and bake – Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy – Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Salted Caramel Turtle Cookies – Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.
- Extra Chocolatey – Use dark chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over baked cookies.
- Gluten-Free Option – Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Nut-Free Version – Skip the pecans or replace with pretzel pieces for crunch.
- Stuffed Turtle Cookies – Wrap dough around a whole caramel for a gooey center.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use caramel sauce instead of caramel pieces?
No, caramel sauce will melt too much. Use soft caramel candies or caramel bits.
How do I prevent caramel from sticking to the baking sheet?
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking.
Can I make these without nuts?
Yes! Just omit the pecans for a nut-free version.
What’s the best way to get gooey caramel centers?
Use soft caramel candies and slightly underbake the cookies.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a richer, more intense flavor.
How do I keep cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Can I add more mix-ins?
Yes! Try adding toffee bits, coconut flakes, or white chocolate chips.
What can I serve these with?
Enjoy with a glass of milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is required, but chilling for 30 minutes can make the cookies thicker.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Turtle Cookies combine caramel, chocolate, and pecans into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet, salty, and chewy flavors!
PrintChocolate Chip Turtle Cookies
These Chocolate Chip Turtle Cookies combine the best flavors—gooey caramel, melty chocolate chips, and toasted pecans—all in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or anytime you want a decadent treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- ¾ cup soft caramel bits (or chopped soft caramels)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for melting caramel, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in eggs and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, pecans, and caramel bits.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown but the centers look slightly underbaked.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 4: Optional Caramel Drizzle
- Melt extra caramel bits with 2 tablespoons heavy cream in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled cookies for an extra caramel touch!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, toast the pecans at 350°F for 5 minutes before adding them to the dough.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Soft Caramel vs. Caramel Bits: If using soft caramels, freeze them for 10 minutes before chopping to make them easier to cut!