Description
These caramel-packed holiday treats are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence. Buttery, chocolatey thumbprints filled with gooey caramel and topped with a drizzle of chocolate meet their crunchy cousins—salted caramel turtles. With double the servings and festive upgrades, these two-in-one sweets are here to steal the cookie tray spotlight.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
⅔ cup cocoa powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large egg yolks
4 tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups pecans, finely chopped
1½–2 cups Kraft caramels, melted with a splash of milk
½ cup melted milk chocolate (or dark chocolate for contrast)
Twists:
Add ½ tsp cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough
Use sea salt flakes on top of the caramel for contrast
Swap pecans for hazelnuts or walnuts for a flavor variation
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add yolks, milk, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
Roll into 1-inch balls, then roll in chopped pecans. Place on parchment-lined sheets.
Press a thumbprint into each ball and bake for 10–12 minutes.
Cool slightly, then fill with melted caramel. Drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
Salted Caramel Turtles (Optional Add-On with Extra Ingredients):
Arrange pecan halves in clusters (like turtle legs) on parchment.
Spoon melted caramel over the center and let set slightly.
Top with a dollop of melted chocolate and a pinch of sea salt. Chill to set.
Nutrition
- Calories: 130 per Piece
- Sugar: 10g per Piece
- Sodium: 60mg per Piece
- Fat: 8g per Piece
- Carbohydrates: 14g per Piece
- Protein: 1g per Piece