Chocolate turtle thumbprint cookies

Chocolate turtle thumbprint cookies—delicious! They’re usually soft chocolate cookies with a small “thumbprint” in the center filled with caramel and topped with pecans and sometimes a drizzle of chocolate. Here’s a straightforward recipe to make them from scratch:

Chocolate Turtle Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup caramel bits or soft caramel squares

• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (if using caramel squares)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chocolate melts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make cookie dough:

   • Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

   • Mix in vanilla and salt.

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda.

   • Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until combined.

3. Shape cookies:

   • Roll dough into 1-inch balls.

   • Place on prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.

   • Press your thumb (or the back of a small spoon) into the center of each cookie to make an indentation.

4. Bake: 10–12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

5. Add caramel:

   • If using caramel bits, melt slightly in microwave or just press them into the warm cookies so they soften.

   • If using squares, melt with heavy cream until smooth and fill the cookie indentations.

6. Add pecans and chocolate:

   • Sprinkle chopped pecans over caramel.

   • Drizzle or dot with melted chocolate. Let set.

7. Cool completely and enjoy! Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days.