Get ready to impress with this easy Turtle Thumbprint Cookies recipe!
Decadent chocolate cookies rolled in pecans and filled with soft caramel make any cookie tray look extra special!
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I am seriously in the cookie making mood lately. Bryce got a beagle cookie jar for his birthday and he’s been asking to fill it up almost every day. We have so many cookies recipe that we love to make but these Turtle Thumbprint cookies are something special.
Not only are they gorgeous and oh-so delicious, but the boys love to help make them!
This recipe is terrific in that you can have little helpers for almost every step and that can’t really mess anything up 🙂 The cookies are just beautiful and would be perfect to bring to any party this holiday season and simple enough that you can easily make up a batch for your family any night of the week. I love the classic “turtle”combination of caramel, pecans, and chocolate – it just doesn’t get any better than this!
Their favorite part is making the indentions in the cookie dough. Now, f you have a helper with smaller fingers, you may want to secretly use your thumb or else there won’t be a lot of room for the caramel and that, my friends, would be a catastrophe.
Aren’t these the prettiest cookies EVER??? And by the way, these cookies aren’t just pretty on the outside, they’re quite yummy on the inside 🙂
Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 egg divided
- 1/2 cup butter room temperature
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 16 caramels
- 3 tbso heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans
- 1 tsp shortening
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Beat butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add sugar and continue beating until combined and creamy. Add egg yolk, milk, and vanilla and beat until well combined.
- Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. Add flour mixture to the butter mixture a little at a time {trying to avoid a cocoa cloud - quite messy!} and beat until well combined.
- Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill for a couple hours.
- Chop the pecans pretty fine...
- Enlist helpers to unwrap the caramels.
- Heat unwrapped caramels and whipping cream in a small saucepan over low heat until nice and smooth.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll the balls in slightly beaten egg white. Then roll in pecans until coated. Reece did an entire tray all by himself and he's six. Bryce's balls were not exactly round per se, but who cares!
- Place balls on a lightly greased cookie sheet about one inch apart. Use your thumb to press in the center, making an indention.
- If you have a helper with smaller fingers, you may want to secretly use your thumb or else there won't be a lot of room for the caramel and that, my friends, would be a catastrophe.
- 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. {I actually used a carrot - LOL!}
- Spoon caramel mixture into the center of the cookies and remove to a wire rack and let cool. {If the caramel has thickened too much, just reheat on low until it reaches a thinner consistency.}
- Be careful not to overfill the cookies...
- Once the cookies have cooled, melt chocolate chips and shortening in microwave by heating in 15 second intervals, stirring in between.
- Drizzle the chocolate over the tops of the cookies and get ready to enjoy!
Nutrition
Some of my favorite cookie recipes:
Reese’s Freezer-Friendly Oatmeal Cookies
For all appetizer recipes, go HERE.
For all dessert recipes, go HERE.
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Have a great day!
Anne says
Could I use Vegetable oil or butter in place of shortening when melting the choco chips? Would it be same amount? Can’t wait to make these.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Coconut oil works great and butter should too but they would need to be refrigerated.
MARY ODAY says
Do you think these will freeze well?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
They should freeze just fine Mary!
Breana says
Can I use whipping cream or heavy cream instead of heavy whipping cream?
Gina Marie says
I am making these for a cookie exchange, and I just realized I only have heavy cream not heavy whipping cream. Is that ok?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I think you’ll be okay!
Lisa Marie's says
I made for my friend who is retiring. They are so so so delicious and easy to make. It’s packaged along with a few different kinds of cookies to help them indulge. Dropped it off at the post office and they’ll receive it on Friday. They will officially retire on Thursday…Perfect timing. Hoping that the cookies bring lots of smiles…they deserve it!
Casey says
These cookies are amazing! Just made them and they are great! Do they need to be refrigerated to store after baking them? I only ask because of the cream used in the caramel part… I wasn’t sure. Thanks!
Sarah says
Ah, these look so good! I’m excited to make them.
Can someone tell me if the cookie dough is still good if I keep it refrigerated for 4 days or so?
I want to make these for a friend who won’t be in town when they’re fresh. So I was thinking refrigerate the dough until the day she gets back so they’re new and fresh!
Will that work?
Thank you
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I think that would be fine Sarah! Just make sure to wrap it up tight. Enjoy!
Megan says
Just made these tonight! They you are so good and I think I gainrd weight while I was eating them! Definitely a keeper for the recipe book!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s awesome Megan, well not the weight gain part 😉 So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Mar says
If I make Christmas Eve , how do I store them. Help! 🙂
Jocelyn says
Baked these for my boyfriend and he *loved* them!! =D (I did, too!) They look so so good and taste good, too!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe Jocelyn! They are such a pretty cookie aren’t they? I love taking them to parties 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
Sarah @ Miss Candiquik says
Ahhh, you’re killing me right now! These look irresistible! I’ve got to make these this weekend. Pinning…
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Seriously Sarah – these cookies are super addictive. Be careful 😉
Camille says
Oh my! I think I know what I’ll be making for this year’s cookie contest!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s awesome Camille! It’s one of my very favorite cookies and so pretty too! Thanks so much for visiting!
Julie @ This Gal Cooks says
What a fantastic idea for a cookie! These look great, Trish. Pinning to my Sweet Treats board. 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Julie! These have been a family favorite for a long time 🙂
Cathy says
These look delicious!
New follower! Would love the follow back! =)
Love your blog! Would love for you to link up on A Peek Into My Paradise T.G.I.F. Link Party on Friday!
Cathy @ http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Cathy! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Admira says
Made these last night for my best friend, so easy to make and so good!! I made 2 inch balls and left them in the oven for 15minutes. I also did not have pecans so I rolled them in walnuts, tried one this morning and yummm…next time I will drizzle with white chocolate as well, just for looks. Thank you, my friend loved them.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’m so happy to hear that Admira! Thank you so much for letting me know 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend!
Christi says
I’m going to gain 20 lbs. if I keep looking at your blog! These look SO good! Thanks for sharing!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’ll take that as a compliment 😉 Thanks for stopping by!
Jess says
Made these a couple days ago I’m not much of a sweet eater but the man has them bout gone he LOVES them mixed up a batch today and will finish tomorrow. Thanks for the awesome recipe!! 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You are so welcome! I’m glad he enjoyed the recipe 🙂
Amber says
Hi im about to make your cookies for a cookie exchange, i saw in one of your coments you said the caramel stays soft and chewy i need to travel with them and stack them ontop of eachother do you think they will stick together or be ok?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
The caramel sits below the top of the cookies so it should be fine. Maybe put some wax paper in between each layer. Have fun at the cookie exchange!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
OMG, I LOVE these!!! I attempted something a little similar but in a cookie and I like your better!! Whoa, love it!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
They were really amazing Alice 🙂
Sanghamitra says
Awesome post! Just perfect for my kids.
Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog:)
Ginger says
WE LOVE turtles around here and those look to die for.
I’d love if you linked this up at my Show & Tell party this week. http://www.gingerlymade.com/2012/12/show-and-tell-4.html
Jenn says
Those look insanely yummy!!!
Holly Lefevre says
These cookies look beyond amazing!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Holly!
Kathleen says
Yum! These look absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to give ’em a try!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Kathleen! Please give them a try – you won’t be sorry 🙂
Jade C. says
Opps, I meant SHARING – not “hosting.” Tee hee, must be the lack of sleep with my newborn! 😉
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I would be saying crazier things than that with a newborn 🙂 Congratulations!
Jade C. says
Oh, man…these look fabulous! Pinning this to my “to-do” board! 🙂 I hopped over from C.R.A.F.T.’s linky party and am so glad I did!! I love your blog! Thanks so much for hosting!
Jade C. @ sweetbabymasonjames.blogapot.com
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Jade!
Michelle at Faith, Trust, & Pixie Dust says
Oh my, I think a little drop of drool just rolled down my chin. These look so delicious! And what a great idea to involve the little ones too.
Warmly, Michelle
Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Reece had a great time making these cookies 🙂 They are really spectacular! Thanks for stopping by Michelle!
Mary says
Yum! Your Turtle Thumbprint Cookies look so good! Pinned! Thanks for the yummy share!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Mary!
Chrissy says
OMGOODNESS! These look sinful! I would LOVE it if you would share these over on my Friday Link-up!
http://www.parloandlogi.com/f-it-friday-4/
Winnie says
These cookies look sooooooooooooooo cute and adorable!
I would simply call them heavenly-treats 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Works for me! Thank you so much Winnie!
Lindsay says
These thumbprints looks divine! I am half ready to go to the store now and buy all the ingrediants…yum!
Visiting from My Girlish Whims link up party…so glad I found your blog! I love new recipes
xo,
LindsayJEveryday.blogspot.com
Autism Information says
Mel sent me over to you for directions on these Turtle cookies. Wow, they look awesome. Can’t wait to try and see how mine turn out.
Mel Lockcuff says
Oh my gosh, how decadent these look! So beautiful too. Thanks so much for linking up to Inspire Me Wednesday.:)
Jocie@TheBetterHalf says
Trish, These look so yummy. I have already gone to the store and bought the supplies and hope to make them sometime this weekend! 🙂
Thanks so much for linking up and linking back last week at the Humble Brag! Even though its Black Friday, hope to see you back tomorrow to link up more great projects. Don’t forget, we will be giving away more free ad space! 🙂 Also, YOU WERE FEATURED, so grab a button – you earned it!
http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/the-humble-brag-link-party-8/
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Jocie!
Debi @ Adorned From Above says
These cookies look amazing. I have a link party and would love to have you share this and any other posts. It is called Wednesday’s Adorned From Above Link Party. The link to the party is
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/11/wednesdays-adorned-from-above-link_14.html
I hope to see you there.
Have a great week.
Debi @ Adorned From Above
Claire @ A Little Claireification says
OhhhhhhMyGosh these look divine!! I must try these as soon as possible. I found you at Whipper Berry’s Friday party and I am going to like your FB page so I don’t miss updates like these (that will inevitably be detrimental to my waistline). Hope you can stop by or show some FB love if you have a chance! And I am SOOOO going to be a “Mom in Time Out” when I make these and hoard them and don’t share with my 3 boys. #backofftheyreALLmine
Thanks for the great post!
– Claire
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Claire! Stopped by and gave you some Facebook love 😉
Megan says
Those look fantastic!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Megan – they’re super yummy!
BarbaraLee says
I am bringing this for our family Christmas.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yay! That just made me so happy! Thanks for letting me know Barbara!
Maria says
Oh wow these look AMAZING!!!! I am pinning them so I can remember to try them over the holidays! They look fantastic!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Maria! You really must try these cookies – soooo good!
Cathy says
wow! these look amazing! i’ll save this recipe for when i am on winter break. i’m sure they will be a hit with everyone. thanks for sharing : )
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You are so welcome Cathy! Have a great week!
Bryn says
What is the texture of the caramel like after it sets? Does it harden and become too difficult for little ones to chew, or stay soft? Thanks! They look delicious.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Very soft – almost a liquid but not. Perfect for little ones and trust me, the caramel is the best part! Thanks for stopping by Bryn!
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Oh my gosh those look amazing! Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!
thepaintedapron.com says
Those are fabulous, definitely on my to do list for December, probably for my Goodie Swap! Thanks for sharing and I love that your 2 precious guys pitched in.
Jenna
Ronja says
Wonderful recipe and just perfect to make it with the kids. Love that and I pretty sure they loved it too!
Chrissy Jordan says
I am drooling right now! Yum! I hope you don’t mind that I pinned this to my food board. 🙂
I would love it if you would link this up over at F-it Fridays!
http://www.parloandlogi.com/
Sarah says
These are gorgeous! And I’m sure delicious. Great idea for those holiday cookie exchanges! Pinning. Visiting from Barns & Noodles.
Evelyn says
Just pinned!!! These are just above the hook!!
Anonymous says
About how many did does the recipe make?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
About 2 1/2 dozen. If you don’t have two little ones munching on the dough – maybe 3 dozen 🙂
Kelli S says
Not only do these look super yum AND incredibly fall-ish (I can totally see them on a Thanksgiving dessert table), but I love that small children can help. My daughter loves to cook with me and the more recipes I can have lined up with things for her to do, the better. She gets very disappointed when the most she can do is eat the result! Thanks for sharing!
Nicole @WonkyW says
These look super tasty! I have been eating far too much caramel lately.
Fabric Bows and More says
YUM! come and join our link party: http://fabricbowsandmore.blogspot.com/
HungryLittleGirl says
I am in love with those cookies!
I would love to have you share this (or any other of your recipes) at Wednesday Extravaganza – my Foodie Link Party, and maybe claim a spot with a lifetime feature on my Wall of Fame. Here is the link:
http://www.hungrylittlegirl.com/1/post/2012/10/october-31st-2012.html
Can’t wait to see you there!
Peggy says
I love this. Please link it to my linky party & anything else you have to share. 🙂 Thanks, Peggy. http://diycraftyprojects.com/2012/10/whatcha-work-up-wednesday-linky-party-6.html
Jennifer says
Wow! Talk about yummy! Thanks for sharing at Show & Share, featuring you tomorrow!
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
I would love a couple of these right now!
Elisa says
They look amazing! I will have to try these…
Nici - Posed Perfection says
Oh, my…Wow! These look delish! Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Nici
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
Ooooooh, Trish. I need these in my life!
Diana Miller says
Can you come to my house and make these for me? lol Those look sooooo yummy!!! Thanks for linking up!! 🙂 XOXO
Kaz @ Melting Moments says
My mouth is watering looking at these! Oh my hips!
Michelle's Tasty Creations says
Holy Moly these are amazing! I can’t wait to try this recipe. I make a Cream Cheese Thumbprint that is different than the tradition jam one but these are over the top!
Michelle
Christy @ My Invisible Crown says
These look amazing! I make a jam and shortbread thumbprint but these top them I am sure. I love turtles candies so I’m making these soon!
Heather says
These pretty much look amazing and perfect for the upcoming holiday season! Just added these to my must-make list–can’t wait to try them! 🙂
Elle says
These look so delicious, I had to pin them. =)
Hi I'm Shannon! says
These look FABULOUS!!!!
So Domesticated says
Are you kidding me!?! These look delectable…
Gina @ Kleinworth & Co. says
Oh yeah- I could eat those all day long. YUM
Liz says
These look so yummy! Pecans are the only nut I like in baking….guess I’ll have to try this recipe! 🙂
Jen @ Yummy-Healthy-Easy says
YUMMMMM!!! Drooling over here! Your recipes/pictures are always amazing! Hope you’re having a great week!
~Jen
Taylor @ Goings on in Texas says
Oh, man these look soooo yummy!!! 🙂 Can you make me some?!? lol
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you Taylor 🙂 My husband is already requesting these again – he took most of the first batch to work and they disappeared in about 20 minutes 🙂 I think the caramel center just takes it over the top!
Jill says
These look ridiculous! OMG I want it in my mouth right now! 🙂
Julie says
Those look A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Pinned and so going to make 🙂
The Farm Girl
thefarmgirlrecipes.blogspot.com
Judy says
I could go for one of those just about now. Looks amazing. Thanks for sharing at DIYbyDesign.
Mixed Kreations says
Oh these look sooooo good!!! I love turtles. Thank you for sharing these.
Pinning For Sure!!! And Sharing.
Katie Adams says
Oh yummy these cookies look AMAZING!
Holly @ abakershouse.com says
Oh my those look delicious! I think I have found the cookie to make for my holiday cookie-exchange in a month or two. Thanks!!
Chelsea {whatcha makin' now?} says
Oh my goodness! These look so yummy!
BeanBugCrafts says
These look super yummy! Pinning for later!
Shiloh Barkley says
I wasn’t done typing! Pinned. Will make fo sho.
Shiloh Barkley says
Holy shit.
http://www.shilohstaste.com
Kristy Creighton says
These look YUM!!
Kristy @ Shona Skye Creations
http://shonaskye.blogspot.com