Vegan Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cookies with Pecans
These adorable turtle-shaped cookies combine soft chocolate chip cookie dough wrapped around gooey caramel pieces, nestled on crunchy pecan halves. The cookies are finished with a dollop of chocolate frosting to create the turtle's shell. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or any time you want to make kids smile, these treats offer the classic combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts in a fun, whimsical shape. The refrigerated cookie dough makes them quick to assemble while still delivering homemade taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 350°F
- 2
Arrange pecans in groups of 5 on ungreased cookie sheets to resemble head and legs of turtle
- 3
Cut each caramel into 3 equal pieces
- 4
Wrap 1 tablespoon cookie dough around each piece of caramel
- 5
Press dough lightly onto pecans, covering half of each
- 6
Bake 10 to 14 minutes or until golden brown
- 7
Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks
- 8
Cool completely, about 20 minutes
- 9
Spread about 1 rounded teaspoon frosting on each cooled cookie
Tips
Tips of pecans should show after baking to maintain the turtle appearance
Use a tablespoon measure to ensure even portions of cookie dough around each caramel piece
Let cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Can assemble cookies without frosting up to 2 days ahead; add frosting just before serving
Serve at room temperature for best texture and flavor
Common Mistakes
Don't overbake or cookies will be too hard
Press dough gently on pecans to avoid breaking them
Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
unwrapped caramels work best
softer texture, more prep time
thinner coating
FAQ
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnut halves or large almond slices work well. Arrange them in the same turtle pattern with one piece for the head and four for legs.
What if my caramels are too hard to cut?
Microwave unwrapped caramels for 10-15 seconds to soften slightly, then cut with a sharp knife. Let cool before wrapping in dough.
How long do these cookies keep?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking.