Chocolate Turtles Recipe
These Homemade Chocolate Turtles are a recipe my family has been making for years. They're so simple for any beginner baker with just 4 ingredients for the perfect no-fuss, sweet and chewy treat great for the holidays.
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 121kcal
Ingredients
- 120 pecan halves
- 6.5 ounces soft caramels
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 6 ounces milk or semi-sweet chocolate chopped bars or chips
- flaky sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- Optional Step: Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan in an even layer. Toast the pecans for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange 5 pecan halves in a star/turtle shaped cluster, touching each other.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Rest 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator to thicken.
- Scoop or spoon about 1 teaspoon caramel onto the center of each pecan cluster. Refrigerate 10 minutes.
- Add chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Spoon over each set caramel pecan mound, spreading over the pecans with the tip of a knife.
- Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
- Refrigerate the turtles 15–20 minutes until firm. Carefully transfer to an airtight container until ready to serve or gift.
Notes
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in between layers of wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They'll keep in the fridge, on the counter, or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying, if refrigerating or freezing them.
- Make these ahead of time: Assemble and store them however you prefer, then serve when you're ready.
Tips
- Toast pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor. This step is worth it! Do this before assembling for an extra nutty, toasted flavor and crunch.
- Work in small batches. So the caramel doesn't set before you're able to shape the clusters. Do a few at a time and work in batches.
- Use parchment or a silicone mat. This is key for removing the turtles cleanly and easily.
- Use candy melts. These tend to have a firmer, glossier appearance and texture once they set at room temperature.
- Try white chocolate or a chocolate drizzle combo. Classic milk or semi-sweet chocolate is always delicious but try adding a white chocolate drizzle or a combination of several chocolates for a fun flavor twist and presentation.
Nutrition
Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 20mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
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