Go Back
At the heart of every great cookie recipe is butter, and for our Decadent Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cookies, unsalted butter is the star of the show. Why unsalted? Using unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium levels in your cookies, ensuring that you can balance the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate effectively. Unsalted butter also provides a fresh, creamy flavor that enhances the overall taste of your cookies. When making Turtle Cookies, it’s crucial to use butter that is at room temperature, as this will help achieve a smooth and creamy consistency when creamed with the sugars.

Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cookies

Dive into the world of baking with these Decadent Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cookies! Combining rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy nuts, these cookies are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. Discover the key ingredients like unsalted butter, a mix of sugars, and quality chocolate chips that create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Follow our expert tips for preparation and baking to achieve cookies that are perfectly chewy and bursting with flavor. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or impress your guests with an elegant presentation. Baking these cookies not only fills your home with irresistible aromas but also offers a sweet treat that everyone will love.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts for a twist)

1 cup caramel bits (or soft caramel candies, chopped into small pieces)

Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.

      Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is homogeneous.

        Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

          Add Chocolate and Nuts: Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and caramel bits using a spatula or wooden spoon. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

            Portion the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

              Top with Sea Salt: Before baking, lightly sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough mound to enhance the flavors and provide a satisfying contrast to the sweetness.

                Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. Note that the centers may appear slightly underbaked; they will set up as they cool.

                  Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Serve and Enjoy: Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of your Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cookies!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Makes 24 cookies