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Ultimate Turtle Cookies

Irresistible chocolate cookies loaded with gooey caramel pieces, crunchy pecans, and chocolate chips. Ready in 25 minutes with no chilling required.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 145 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1¼ cups all-purpose flour 150 g
  • ¼ cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder 21 g
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened 113 g
  • ½ cup brown sugar 107 g
  • ½ cup granulated sugar 99 g
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 85 g
  • ½ cup chopped caramel squares
  • ½ cup chopped pecans 57 g

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
  • Using an electric mixer, cream softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  • Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, mixing on low speed until almost combined.
  • Fold in chocolate chips, caramel pieces, and pecans. Don't overmix.
  • Using a cookie scoop, form dough balls (about 3 tablespoons each). Press extra caramel pieces, pecans, and chocolate chips onto the outside of each ball.
  • Bake for 10-14 minutes until edges are set but centers still appear slightly soft.
  • Cool on baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack.

Notes

Use caramel squares instead of caramel bits for better melting and caramel puddles
Room temperature butter and egg work best for proper mixing
Press extra mix-ins onto dough balls for bakery-style loaded appearance
Don't overbake - cookies continue cooking on hot pan after removal
Store in airtight container for up to 1 week
Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months - bake directly from frozen with 1-2 extra minutes
Keyword chocolate caramel cookies, turtle cookies recipe