Indulge in these irresistible Turtle Thumbprint Cookies—a melt-in-your-mouth treat combining the delightful flavors of almond, pecan, caramel, and chocolate. This easy cookie recipe is perfect for holiday baking or any time you’re craving a sweet dessert. Be sure to try my Turtle Cheesecake for another delicious delight!
While there are many variations of turtle cookies out there, this turtle thumbprint cookies recipe is my absolute favorite! The base is a chewy shortbread cookie filled to the brim with ooey-gooey caramel, topped with chopped pecans, and drizzled with smooth milk chocolate. If you love the classic flavor combination of caramel, chocolate, and pecans found in turtle desserts, you’ll also adore my Turtle Cookie Cups!
Possible Ingredient Substitutions
Absolutely! Feel free to customize these turtle thumbprint cookies by swapping dark chocolate for milk chocolate or using walnuts or almonds in place of pecans. This versatile and easy cookie recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Storing and Freezing Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
These delicious caramel chocolate pecan cookies can be stored and frozen if you don’t want an entire batch tempting you at once. After baking, let the cookies cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe container, arranging them flat and adding a layer of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Unlike some holiday cookies, these turtle thumbprint cookies require a bit more care due to the caramel filling, which can spill if not properly contained. Freezing helps the caramel harden, making storage and transport easier.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to include these in a cookie exchange or gift baskets, freezing them is your best bet! Transporting these cookies can be a bit challenging because of the soft caramel center. Alternatively, you could melt down caramel candies instead of using caramel sauce for the filling. The candies will harden as they cool, unlike the caramel topping, making the cookies easier to handle and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Thumbprint Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 230 g) salted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups (260 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
Toppings
- ¼ cup milk chocolate chips, melted
- ½ cup caramel topping
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
Thumbprint Cookies
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough:
In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
Mix in the almond extract, all-purpose flour, and egg yolk until the dough comes together.
Form the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1½-inch (4 cm) balls and place them on the lined cookie sheet.
Using a teaspoon, make a small indentation in the center of each ball.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 14-18 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before filling.
Toppings
Fill with Caramel:
Once the cookies have cooled, fill each indentation with caramel sauce and top with chopped pecans.
Drizzle with Chocolate:
In a small saucepan, melt the milk chocolate chips over low heat.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of each cookie.
Alternative Method: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe plastic bag in the microwave. Be sure to massage it between heating cycles to ensure even melting.
Note: The video demonstration doesn’t show the egg yolk being added; please refer to the written recipe for complete instructions.
Enjoy these delectable Turtle Thumbprint Cookies—a perfect blend of sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans. They’re sure to become a favorite in your collection of easy cookie recipes!
