Soft Chocolate-Almond Butter Turtle Cookies with Caramel
Rich, chewy cookies that combine the beloved turtle candy flavors of chocolate, caramel, and nuts in cookie form. Built on a soft almond butter cookie base made with refrigerated sugar cookie dough, each cookie is topped with melted chocolate, gooey caramel, and a chocolate-covered almond. Perfect for potlucks, cookie exchanges, or when you want bakery-style treats without the fuss. The almond butter adds depth and complements the traditional turtle flavors while keeping the cookies tender.
Ingredients
- 1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough
- ⅝ cup crunchy almond buttersmooth almond butter1:1nut-free
reduces texture contrast
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
- 24 caramels, unwrapped
- 34 3/4 cup milk or dark chocolate-covered almondspecans1:1traditional
classic turtle candy
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven and let cookie dough stand at room temperature to soften
- 2
Break up cookie dough in large bowl, add almond butter and vanilla, mix until well blended
- 3
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets
- 4
Bake until edges are golden brown, cool briefly then transfer to cooling racks
- 5
Cool cookies completely
- 6
Microwave chocolate chips until smooth, spoon and spread on each cookie
- 7
Microwave caramels with water until smooth, spoon onto center of each cookie and top with almond
- 8
Store covered
Tips
Let cookie dough soften at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture incorporation.
Space cookies 2 inches apart as they spread during baking.
Work quickly when adding caramel as it hardens fast once cooled.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature up to 1 week
Cookies can be baked 1 day ahead before adding toppings
Serve at room temperature for best texture
Common Mistakes
Let dough soften adequately to avoid tough cookies
Don't overbake to prevent hard edges
Work quickly with caramel while warm to avoid hardening
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Nut-Free Alternatives
reduces texture contrast
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without almond butter?
Yes, substitute with peanut butter for traditional turtle flavor, or omit entirely and use plain sugar cookie dough.
How long do these cookies keep?
Store covered at room temperature up to 1 week. The caramel may soften slightly over time.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Freeze baked cookies without toppings up to 3 months. Add chocolate and caramel after thawing.