Only three words are needed to describe the pure bliss that accompanies each bite of these cookies: Chocolate. Caramel. Pecans. In addition, these cookies are infused with some Mexican flavors that really takes them over the edge! Yes, these Mexican Turtle Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!
I partnered with Nielsen-Massey Vanillas to bring you this post.
What happens when your favorite chocolate candy meets a cookie? They get married and produce a winning new generation of treats: Chocolate Turtle Cookies!
These turtle cookies are further infused some Mexican flavors that will really make your taste buds sing!
These turtle cookies are spiked with the delicately intoxicating flavor of Mexican cinnamon, the warm spiciness of Mexican vanilla beans and the subtle heat of ground red chilies while the chocolate flavor is accentuated by some quality chocolate extract.
Mexican vanilla a wonderfully rich sweet, woody and spicy flavor profile. It pairs especially well with chocolate and warm spices like the cinnamon in these cookies. (Here’s a helpful guide about the different kinds of vanilla extracts and how to use them.)
Pure chocolate extract is crafted from top quality cocoa beans and is the ultimate secret to punching up the chocolate flavor in any chocolate baked goods.
Combine those flavors with rich chocolate, toasted pecans and oozing chewy caramel and you have these deliciously unforgettable Mexican Chocolate Caramel Pecan Cookies!
No Summer barbecue or picnic is complete without dessert and for any outdoor eating occasion mess-less finger foods are always welcome.
A fuss-free sweet treat, the cookie dough can be made way advance so all you have to do is pop them in the oven for 10 minutes just before serving. For some heightened eating pleasure set out a tub of vanilla ice cream with some bowls and your guests can enjoy the two in combination – irresistible!
Ready to bake some Mexican Turtle Cookies?
Mexican Turtle Cookies Recipe
Let’s get started!
Cream the butter and sugar.
Add the eggs and beat until combined.
Add the Mexican Vanilla Extract and the Pure Chocolate Extract and beat to combine.
Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and chili.
Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture in thirds, beating between additions just until combined.
Add the chopped pecans, caramel and chocolate chips and stir until combined.
Place a rounded spoonful of cookie dough on a lined cookie sheet.
To make the cookies look extra pretty, have some extra chopped pecans, caramels and chocolate chips on hand to place on the top of the cookies before you bake them.
Place a piece of pecan, caramel and a couple of chocolate chips on the unbaked cookies.
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes. Let them cool on the rack for 2-3 minutes before removing them to a wire rack.
Enjoy!
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For more delicious cookie recipes be sure to try our:
- White Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Cookies
- Coconut Sunflower Seed Cookies
- Speculoos Cookies (Biscoff)
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Butterscotch Coconut Cookies
- ANZAC Biscuits
- Whole Grain Molasses Cookies
Mexican Turtle Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter , room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons quality pure Mexican vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoons quality pure chocolate extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quality cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Mexican ceylon (or substitute regular cinnamon)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup chopped caramels
- Extra chopped pecans caramels and pecans for topping the unbaked cookies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs and beat until combined. Add the vanilla and chocolate extracts and beat to combine.In a separate bowl combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon and cayenne. Beat the dry mixture into the wet mixture in three parts, beating after each addition just until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips, toasted pecans and caramels.Place rounded spoonfuls of cookie dough onto a lined cookie sheet. Place a pecan, caramel and a couple of chocolate chips on each mound. Bake for 8-10 minutes.Let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
I teamed up with Nielsen-Massey to bring you this post. All opinions are entirely my own.
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet on June 13, 2016
michelle @ blackberry babe says
Beautiful recipe! I love turtle candies so I know I would love these!
Michelle | A Latte Food says
These look incredible! Pecans and caramel are two of my weaknesses! And when mixed with chocolate? I’m done for. :-)
Sandi (@fearless_dining) says
Those cookies look pretty amazing. I need to find that vanilla.
Tonia Larson says
The turtle combination is one of my favorites! Even as a teenager, I used to buy myself chocolate turtles!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
I absolutely love Nielsen-Massey vanilla! And these cookies look amazing. Yum! :D
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
These cookies look amazing – chocolate, caramel and pecan is the best combination!
Adina says
These cookies look amazing, I am drooling…
Brenda @ Sugar-Free Mom says
You really can’t beat the flavor of pure vanilla extract, imitation is not the same at all! These look fantastic!
Ashlyn @ Belle of the Kitchen says
Everything about these cookies sounds amazing! I just want to eat that big bowl of dough!
Sabrina says
My family loves cookies! These would be a total hit in our house!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
These cookies look so thick and delicious!! What a great flavor!
Julie | This Gal Cooks says
I often buy this brand of vanilla extract. I like that it comes in larger bottles and that it’s made with quality vanilla. Great cookie recipe, Kimberly!
Diana Johnson says
These cookies look absolutely delicious!
Lauren Kelly Nutrition says
WHOA! These look incredible! I use Nielsen-Massey vanilla all the time!
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says
I’m soooooooo ready to bake some cookies!!! YUM. These flavors are so decadent and delish.
The Food Hunter says
I love the idea of chocolate extract!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
LOVE Nielsen-Massey vanilla and LOVE the looks of these cookies! Brilliant idea!
Sabrina says
My husband and kids love chocolate cookies! These would be a great treat for them!
Stephanie says
Oh boy. I really really want these!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
I’m a huge fan of Nielsen-Massey vanilla – their extract and paste are the only kind I’ll use! I definitely have to try those other extracts. And these cookies look amazing, LOVE the flavors going on here!
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
Goodness, these look heavenly! My favorite candy in cookie form – love it! I’ll bet that chocolate extract is a wonderful addition, I’ll have to get a bottle of that!!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says
This is one fantastic cookie, you have developed such wonderful flavors here. These cookies have all my favorites in them. I am intrigued by the chocolate extract.
Marye says
These look amazing! I can’t wait to give them a try!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
That chocolate extract is amazing! I’ve got 2 bottles in my pantry! These cookies, oh my word. I love Mexican Chocolate so I know I’ve got to make these!
Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says
I’ve never met a chocolate cookie I didn’t like! Beautiful step-by-step photos. I’ve been trying out different extracts lately and I’ll have to see if I can find this brand locally somewhere. Thank you!