Extra Pecan Caramel Turtle Cookies

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### Step-by-Step Instructions for Extra Pecan Caramel Turtle Cookies

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets**:
– Preheat your **oven to 350°F (175°C)**.
– Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

#### 2. **Toast the Pecans**:
– If you like your pecans toasted (which brings out their flavor), spread the **chopped pecans** on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about **5-7 minutes**. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Toasting is optional, but it definitely enhances the flavor.

#### 3. **Make the Cookie Dough**:
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking soda**, and **salt**. Set aside.
– In a large mixing bowl, cream together the **butter**, **brown sugar**, and **granulated sugar** using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about **3 minutes**.
– Add the **egg** and **vanilla extract** to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until well combined.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

#### 4. **Add the Pecan and Caramel Bits**:
– Gently fold the **toasted pecans** and **caramel bits** into the dough. The caramel bits should be evenly distributed, but try not to break them up too much.

#### 5. **Form the Cookies**:
– Scoop out about **1 tablespoon** of dough at a time and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about **2 inches apart** to allow for spreading.
– If you like, press a few extra **pecan pieces** into the tops of each dough ball for extra crunch.

#### 6. **Bake the Cookies**:
– Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for **10-12 minutes**, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. They will continue to cook slightly after you take them out of the oven, so be careful not to overbake.
– Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### 7. **Make the Chocolate Drizzle**:
– While the cookies are cooling, melt the **chocolate chips** and **butter** together. You can do this in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, or melt them gently over a double boiler.
– Once melted and smooth, transfer the chocolate to a small piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off.

#### 8. **Drizzle the Chocolate**:
– Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle the **melted chocolate** over the tops in a zig-zag pattern. You can also dip the edge of each cookie in chocolate for a more decadent touch.
– Allow the chocolate drizzle to set for about **15-20 minutes** before serving or packaging.

#### 9. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Enjoy these cookies with a glass of milk, or package them up for gifts or parties. They’re the perfect balance of crunchy, chewy, sweet, and salty—and they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

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### Tips for the Best Extra Pecan Caramel Turtle Cookies

1. **Use High-Quality Caramel**: If you can find **caramel bits** in your store, great! But if not, you can chop up **soft caramel candies** into small pieces to get the same effect. For a richer flavor, you can even use **dulce de leche** or **caramel sauce** as a filling in the cookies.

2. **Don’t Overmix the Dough**: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

3. **Chill the Dough (Optional)**: If you have time, chilling the dough for **30 minutes** before baking helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking and can enhance the texture.

4. **Experiment with Nuts**: While pecans are the traditional choice for turtle treats, you can swap them for **walnuts** or **hazelnuts** if you prefer a different flavor.

5. **Add Extra Caramel**: For an even gooier center, you can add a **small dollop of caramel sauce** into the center of each cookie before baking. Just be sure the caramel is thick enough to stay put during baking.

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### Why These Extra Pecan Caramel Turtle Cookies Are a Must-Try

These **Extra Pecan Caramel Turtle Cookies** are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. The **rich caramel center** combined with the **crunch of toasted pecans** and the **silky chocolate drizzle** makes for a cookie that’s indulgent without being overly sweet.

Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and become a favorite in your cookie-baking repertoire. Plus, they’re easy to make and have the wow factor—so whether you’re gifting them or serving them to guests, you’ll get all the praise without all the effort.

Once you try these, you’ll understand why **turtle cookies** are a timeless treat. Happy baking!