• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Run Lift Eat Repeat

  • About
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Breakfast
      • Breads
      • Donuts
      • Eggs
      • French Toast
      • Muffins
      • Pancakes
    • Dessert
      • Brownies & Bars
      • Cakes & Pies
      • Cookies
      • Cupcakes
    • Dietary
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Paleo
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
    • Dinner & Sides
    • Holidays
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Fourth of July
      • Labor Day
      • Memorial Day
      • Thanksgiving
    • Savory
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Fish
      • Pasta
      • Soups
      • Turkey
    • Method
      • One Pan
      • Instant Pot
      • Slow Cooker
  • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Workouts
  • Extra
    • Baby
  • Shop
  • Work With Me
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • RECIPES
  • SHOP MY FAVORITES
  • ABOUT ME
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Chocolate Turtle Cookies

    This post may contain affiliate sales links. This website generates income via ads. Please see our full privacy policy for details.

    Jump to Recipe

    Fudgy brownie-like cookies rolled in pecans and topped with a drizzle of homemade caramel. 

    Fudgy brownie-like cookies rolled in pecans and topped with a drizzle of homemade caramel. #cookies #chocolate #pecans #brownie #christmas

    Welcome to the first annual Cookie Week!

    Over the next week I will be sharing a new cookie recipe each day. That's 7 (!!!!) new recipes just in time for Christmas! I've been baking like a crazy person for the past couple weeks in preparation. The local grocery store employees have seen me make numerous trips to buy pounds of butter + endless cartons of eggs, the ovens have been non-stop, all 3 stand mixers have been hard at work, and I've washed more dishes than I can count. I'm 100% certain that there's a cookie for everyone.

    Fudgy brownie-like cookies rolled in pecans and topped with a drizzle of homemade caramel. 

    Are you ready for cookie #1? 🙂

    Fudgy brownie-like cookies rolled in pecans and topped with a drizzle of homemade caramel. #cookies #chocolate #pecans #brownie #christmas

    I swear that you are not seeing things — these cookies are, indeed, as good as they look.

    You see, each year I give cookie platters out to family, friends, and co-workers for the holiday. I make a big variety of cookies but there's always a few "staple" cookies that are never left out like chocolate chip cookies and biscotti. For the last few years I've been adding these chocolate turtle cookies and from the rave reviews, it looks like they're here to stay. Give it up for CHOCOLATE TURTLE COOKIES!

    Between the brownie-like cookie and the crunch from the pecans, these are a texture lover's dream. But that caramel drizzle is what makes this an incredible cookie. The more the better. Or is that just me?

    Give me that spoonful of caramel. ↓ ↓

    Fudgy brownie-like cookies rolled in pecans and topped with a drizzle of homemade caramel. #cookies #chocolate #pecans #brownie #christmas

    What is Cookie Week?

    This year is the first annual cookie week! Every December I will share 7 brand new cookies recipes in a row just in time for Christmas! And don't worry, there's cookies for everyone– from sprinkles, to peanut butter, to the classics, and even gluten-free. Sign up for free email alerts whenever I publish a new cookie recipe.

    See the recipes for Cookie Week so far!

    Grab 'em fast! These are first to go on that cookie platter!

    Fudgy brownie-like cookies rolled in pecans and topped with a drizzle of homemade caramel. #cookies #chocolate #pecans #brownie #christmas

    Chocolate Turtle Cookies

    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    CHILLING: 2 hours
    Yield: 26 cookies
    Print Pin

    Rate the Recipe:


    Description

    Fudgy brownie-like cookies rolled in pecans and topped with a drizzle of homemade caramel. 

    Ingredients

    Cookies

    • 2 and 3/4 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 2 teaspoons baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
    • 1 and 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1/4 cup chocolate chips
    • 1 teaspoon milk*
    • 1 and 1/2 cups chopped pecans

    Caramel Sauce

    • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 8 slices
    • 1 cup packed light brown sugar packed
    • 1/3 cup heavy cream*
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Equipment Needed

    • large baking sheet
    • silicone baking mat
    • stand mixer

    Instructions

    • Make the cookies: Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
    • Add the chocolate chips and milk to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring in between until melted. It should only take about 15-30 seconds total. Set aside to allow to cool.
    • Using a handheld or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Reduce the mixer to medium speed and add the brown sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients. I find it's easiest to use a 1/4 cup dry measuring cup or spoon for this. Add in the melted chocolate and beat until just combined. The dough will be very sticky. Cover the dough tightly, or place in an airtight container and chill for at least 2 hours. Chilling is required.
    • Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. If refrigerated for more than 4 hours, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats (preferred). Set aside.
    • Scoop 1 Tablespoon of dough, form into a ball, and roll in the pecans. Repeat for each cookie. Place 8-10 balls onto each baking sheet. Bake for 10-11 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
    • Make the caramel: In a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat, melt the better. Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar and whisk continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. 
    • Whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up a bit due to the temperature difference. Allow the caramel to cool before storing in a jar.
    • Drizzle warm caramel over the cookies and allow to set for at least 10-15 minutes.
    • Store cookies at room temperature for up to 5 days in an airtight container. The caramel stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

    Notes

    Make ahead tip: Cookies (without caramel) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Unbaked, unrolled cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, pre-heat the oven, then roll in chopped pecans. The caramel can be made up to 2 weeks in advance. Warm the caramel up for a few seconds in the microwave before using.
    1Any milk fat % can be used. I typically use 1% or 2%.
    2Heavy cream or half-and-half work best for producing the best tasting caramel. Whole milk may work but I can guarantee results.
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @runlifteatrepeatblog or tag #runliftandeat!

    PIN IT for later!

    Fudgy brownie-like cookies rolled in pecans and topped with a drizzle of homemade caramel. #cookies #chocolate #pecans #brownie #christmas

    « My Favorite Minestrone Soup
    Flourless Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies »

    Filed Under: Cookies Tagged With: christmas

    You Might Also Like...

    This has been my go-to banana bread recipe for years— with its moist texture, buttery flavor, and incredibly soft crumb, this is truly the best banana recipe that you'll ever have!

    The Best Banana Bread Recipe

    These flourless peanut butter brownie cookies are rich, soft-baked and chewy— that you won't believe that there's no flour or butter! With just 8 ingredients and no chilling, you'll find any excuse to make them. I recommend using mini chocolate chips to pack more into each cookie.

    Flourless Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies

    Favorite Memorial Day Recipes

    Zucchini, Mushroom & Tomato Herbed Ricotta Flatbread Pizza

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Rate this recipe




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Christina! I’m a cook, baker, photographer, and fitness enthusiast. I started this space to share the truth, the fails, the struggles, and the triumphs about my weight loss journey. It later turned into a way to also share healthier recipes.

    More About Christina →

    Trending Right Now

    • These easy to make cookie dough protein bites are made from just 6 basic ingredients and taste just like cookie dough. Perfect on-the-go or pre-workout snack!
      Cookie Dough Protein Bites
    • This creamy mushroom pasta recipe is an easy weeknight meal that's ready in just 30 minutes! The mushroom sauce is incredible — it's bright, flavorful, tons of garlic and incredibly creamy.
      Creamy Mushroom Pasta
    • These gluten-free pancakes are light and fluffy, just like all pancakes should be. Load them with the add-ins of your choice!
      Gluten-Free Pancakes
    • This avocado egg toast is a simple breakfast that takes just 10 minutes. With just 5 ingredients, this breakfast will keep you full for hours!
      10-Minute Avocado Egg Toast
    • These big fat soft-baked chocolate chip cookies are thick and slightly crispy around the edges. The secret for the chewiest chocolate chip cookie texture is more brown sugar than granulated sugar, an extra egg yolk, plus a little cornstarch! No chilling required!
      Soft-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • This banana pudding pie recipe combines a crunchy cookie crust, soft and sweet vanilla pudding, thick slices of bananas, layers of Nilla Wafers, and a mountain of homemade whipped cream. Everyone who tried a slice instantly loved it.
      The Easiest Banana Pudding Pie
    • These soft and chewy oatmeal cookies have that classic homemade flavor—made with no refined sugar, hearty oats, and whole wheat flour. Your family will fall in love with this recipe.
      Healthier Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
    • When you're craving donuts but want to make them at home without all the work— these glazed donuts save the day! This glazed donut recipe is incredibly simple, 35 minutes start to finish, and are baked, not fried. Perfect for the weekend or even during the week!
      Easy Baked Glazed Donuts

    Recent Recipes

    • This has been my go-to banana bread recipe for years— with its moist texture, buttery banana flavor, and incredibly soft crumb, this is truly the best banana recipe that you'll ever have.
      The Best Banana Bread Recipe
    • These flourless peanut butter brownie cookies are rich, soft-baked and chewy— that you won't believe that there's no flour or butter! With just 8 ingredients and no chilling, you'll find any excuse to make them. I recommend using mini chocolate chips to pack more into each cookie.
      Flourless Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies
    • From turkey burgers to black bean burgers to banana pudding pie to classic chocolate chip cookies, find inspiration with this collection of Memorial Day recipes.
      Favorite Memorial Day Recipes
    • This zucchini & tomato herbed ricotta flatbread pizza uses my favorite flatbread dough recipe. It's topped with herbed garlic ricotta cheese, zucchini, tomatoes, and a little fresh basil to finish it off. It's a dinner recipe that the entire family loves!
      Zucchini, Mushroom & Tomato Herbed Ricotta Flatbread Pizza

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Meet Christina
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! to get recipes to your inbox for FREE!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    This website earns from qualifying purchases from affiliate links and generates income via ads.

    Copyright © 2022 Run Lift Eat Repeat on the Foodie Pro Theme