Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans into one delicious cookie. The unique addition of vanilla instant pudding makes these cookies incredibly chewy and soft. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings, satisfying a sweet tooth, or indulging in a late-night snack.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 3.4 oz box vanilla instant pudding
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 egg (plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature)
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup roughly chopped pecan halves
• ¾ cup caramel bits

Directions

1. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pudding mix in a bowl. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the melted butter with the brown sugar and white sugar until well combined.
3. Mix in the vanilla, then add the egg and egg yolk. Continue beating until the mixture is light and creamy.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until combined.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips, pecans, and caramel bits until evenly distributed.
6. Scoop about ¼ cup of dough and form it into a ball. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
7. Continue this process until all the dough is formed.
8. Cover the cookie dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
9. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
10. Space the cookies about 3 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 to 17 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are golden.
11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.
12. Enjoy your delicious cookies!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies

These cookies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve them with a glass of milk for a classic pairing or with coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. You can also plate them nicely for parties or gatherings.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Tips to Make Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies

• Make sure your butter is fully melted but not too hot, as this can affect the cookie texture.
• Chilling the dough is key for cookies that hold their shape and texture.
• Feel free to adjust the mix-ins! You can use different types of chocolate chips or nuts if you like.

Variation

You can add a touch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty flavor. Additionally, substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free.

Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown. The center may look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool.

Q: Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel bits?
A: Absolutely! You can drizzle homemade caramel into the dough or use chunks of it for added flavor. Just make sure it is firm enough to hold its shape while baking.