Ingredients

Cookies:

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg, separated

1 additional egg white

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups pecans, finely chopped

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, softened

Caramel Filling:

3 tablespoons heavy cream

14 soft caramel candies

Chocolate Drizzle (optional):

1 teaspoon shortening

2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

Instructions

Instructions for Cookie Dough Preparation:

Combine flour, cocoa powder and salt in a bowl.

In a separate bowl cream together softened butter and sugar.

Mix in egg yolk, milk and vanilla extract with the butter mixture until blended.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the mixture until everything is just combined.

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for 1 hour to allow it to firm up.

Baking the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

Whisk two egg whites until they become frothy.

Shape the chilled dough into 1-inch balls.

Dip each dough ball into the frothy egg whites then roll them in chopped pecans.

Place the balls on a baking sheet ensuring they are spaced 2 inches apart from each other.

Use a spoon to press an indentation into each ball of dough.

Bake for 12 minutes. Until the cookies are set.

Preparing the Caramel Filling:

In a microwave bowl microwave caramels along with heavy cream while stirring occasionally until smooth.

Finishing Touches for Your Cookies:

If needed, re-press any indentations that may have lost their shape and fill them with caramel filling.

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.

Optional Chocolate Drizzle:

If desired melt some chocolate along, with shortening. Drizzle it over your cookies.

Enjoy these delectable homemade Turtle Cookies!

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 130 kcal | Total Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 70mg | Total Carbohydrates: 14g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugars: 8g | Protein: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer or have allergies to pecans.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the cookie dough?

Refrigerating the dough helps it firm up and enhances the texture of the cookies.

It’s recommended for better results.

Can I substitute the cocoa powder with chocolate chips?

Cocoa powder provides a rich chocolate flavor.

Using chocolate chips may alter the texture, but you can experiment based on your preference.

Do I need to use shortening for the chocolate drizzle?

Shortening helps create a smoother drizzle, but you can use butter as a substitute if you don’t have shortening.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last for about a week.

The caramel filling may cause them to soften over time.

Can I freeze Turtle Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze these cookies for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

What’s the purpose of the extra egg white in the recipe?

The egg white helps the chopped pecans adhere to the cookie dough, giving the cookies their distinctive appearance.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making the filling?

While homemade caramel provides a unique taste, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a time-saving alternative.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the cookies?

You can adjust the sweetness by altering the quantity of granulated sugar or choosing sweeter chocolate for the drizzle.

What variations can I make to the recipe?

You can add a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast or incorporate a different type of chocolate for the drizzle, such as white chocolate.