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Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

The ultimate comfort food, Turtle Thumbprint Cookies combine rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans into one irresistible treat. Perfect for any occasion, these easy-to-make cookies will become a favorite in your household. Bake some tonight and experience the joy!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 30 servings
Course: Desserts
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 1 egg Egg divided
  • ½ cup Unsalted Butter room temperature
  • cup Sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Milk
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup All Purpose Flour
  • ½ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt
  • 16 caramels Caramels
  • 3 tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream
  • cups Chopped Pecans
  • 1 teaspoon Shortening
  • ½ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Oven
  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Beat butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds.
  2. Add sugar and continue beating until combined and creamy.
  3. Add egg yolk, milk, and vanilla and beat until well combined.
  4. Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt together in a separate bowl.
  5. Add flour mixture to the butter mixture a little at a time.
  6. Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill for a couple hours.
  7. Chop the pecans pretty fine.
  8. Heat unwrapped caramels and whipping cream in a small saucepan over low heat until nice and smooth.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  10. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll the balls in slightly beaten egg white.
  11. Then roll in pecans until coated.
  12. Place balls on a lightly greased cookie sheet about one inch apart. Use your thumb to press in the center, making an indention.
  13. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are set. If the indention has disappeared during baking, use a measuring spoon to re-create the indention.
  14. Spoon caramel mixture into the center of the cookies and remove to a wire rack and let cool.
  15. Once cooled, melt chocolate chips and shortening in microwave by heating in 15 second intervals, stirring in between.
  16. Drizzle the chocolate over the tops of the cookies and get ready to enjoy!

Notes

  • Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness.
  • Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls; just shape them and place them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer!
  • Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee, making them a perfect snack any time of day.
  • Variations: Consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the dough for a mocha flavor, or swap the pecans for walnuts for a different nutty twist.
  • Presentation: Drizzling extra chocolate over the cookies right before serving adds a beautiful finishing touch!