
Turtle Butter Pecan Cookies are a delicious take on classic turtle brownies and butter pecan cookies. They combine a buttery, shortbread crust, a gooey caramel layer, and delicious milk chocolate, all topped with crunchy pecans. Basically, it’s a party in your mouth!
Also try the DARK CHOCOLATE PECAN CAKE BARS and the CHOCOLATE PECAN CAKE or PECAN PRALINE.
Are you ready to indulge in a treat that combines the rich flavors of buttery pecans, luscious caramel, and delicious chocolate? Look no further than Buttery Pecan Turtle Cookies. These delicious creations are a perfect combination of crunchy, nutty goodness and sweet, sticky caramel, making them a favorite among dessert lovers everywhere.
In this post, we’ll dive into what makes Butter Pecan Turtle Cookies so irresistible, give you a step-by-step guide on how to make them, offer some serving suggestions, explore variations to customize this recipe, and share tips on how to store these delicious treats.
Turtle cookies with butter and nuts

Why you will love this recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for turtle-shaped butter and walnut cookies! Here’s why:
- Perfect combination of crunchy nuts, creamy caramel and rich chocolate.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Ideal for giving as a gift or treating yourself.
- Guaranteed to impress friends and family with its irresistible flavor.
You may also like: Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce
How to make the recipe
Enjoying some turtle-shaped butter and walnut cookies is very easy. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients
- pecan nuts
- Butter
- brown sugar
- Flour
- Salt
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
Start by mixing together the butter, brown sugar, baking powder, flour, and salt to form the cookie dough. Stir in the chopped nuts and form the dough into balls. Bake until golden, then top each cookie with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chocolate chips. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack and set before serving.








What to serve with buttered turtle cookies with walnuts
These cookies are delicious on their own, but can be enhanced with some complementary sweets. Pair them with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- A hot cup of coffee or tea to cheer you up in the afternoon.
- A glass of milk for a classic and comforting combination.
Variations for the turtle cookie recipe
While the Butter Pecan Turtle Cookies are already divine as is, here are some variations to consider:
- Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate, to customize the flavor.
- Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a delicious sweet and salty contrast.
Looking for a quick and easy buttery pecan turtle dessert? Whip up these Turtle Bar Cookies for everyone!
- ½ cup unsalted butter smoothing
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoonful vanilla extract
- 1 egg white
- 1½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- twenty candy candies without involvement
- 2 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- ½ cup walnut halves
- 1 teaspoonful salt flakes optional
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
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In the bowl of a mixer, beat the sugar and softened butter.
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Add the vanilla and egg and mix well.
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Switch the mixer attachment to the paddle attachment. Add the flour and baking powder and combine until the mixture forms a dough and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
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On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough until it is ¼ to ½ inch thick. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter or similar size, cut out as many cookies as you can and place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Save any scraps and re-roll the dough until you run out of dough.
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Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, until the edges are set and the bottoms are just beginning to brown. Overbaking the cookies will result in drier, less tender cookies. Allow to cool while you prepare the ingredients.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped candy pieces and heavy whipping cream. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, whisking well between each interval. The candy will burn if heated too much, so heat in short increments and stir frequently.
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Transfer the melted candy to a piping bag. Working quickly, pipe swirls of candy onto each cookie. Alternatively, you can use two spoons or a spatula to spread the candy onto each cookie, but we found it quicker and less messy to use a piping bag. Let the candy cool and harden at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
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Once the caramel has cooled and reset, melt the chocolate. Using a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval. Again, don’t overheat the chocolate, as it can easily burn as well. Once it’s soft, take a spoonful of chocolate and spread it over the caramel on each cookie using the back of your spoon or a spatula.
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Place half a walnut (or a pinch of chopped walnuts) on top of the chocolate.
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OPTIONAL: Sprinkle with additional flaky sea salt.
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Allow the cookies to set and the chocolate to solidify before serving.
Storage: Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
Tips for storing recipes:
To keep your turtle butter pecan cookies fresh and delicious for longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last up to a week, but let’s be honest, they’ll probably disappear a lot faster!
Frequently Asked Questions about Butter Pecan Turtle Cookies:
- Can I freeze buttery nutty turtle cookies? Yes, you can freeze these cookies for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Of course! While homemade caramel sauce adds a special touch, store-bought sauce works just fine too.
- Can I make these cookies nut-free for allergies? Absolutely! Just omit the pecans or replace them with an alternative like shredded coconut or oats.
Facts about pecans:
- Pecans are not only delicious but are also packed with nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
- The United States produces about 80% of the world’s supply of pecans, with Georgia being the leading producing state.
Turtle Butter Nut Cookies are a delicious treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. With their irresistible combination of flavors and easy preparation, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. So why wait? Get baking and treat yourself to these delicious treats today!
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