1. Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
2. Shape and Chill:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press down slightly on each dough ball to flatten it. Chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to help them hold their shape while baking.
3. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Caramel Filling:
- If using store-bought caramel sauce, warm it slightly with the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan until it reaches a drizzle-able consistency. Stir until smooth.
- If using homemade caramel, ensure it’s at a drizzling consistency.
5. Assemble the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a small spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the caramel sauce over each cookie.
- Top each cookie with a pecan half.
6. Optional Chocolate Drizzle:
- If desired, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra touch of decadence.
7. Serve and Store:
- Allow the caramel and chocolate to set before serving. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips and Variations:
- Caramel Sauce: For a homemade caramel sauce, you can use a recipe with sugar, butter, and cream. Just ensure it’s smooth and not too thick for easy drizzling.
- Nuts: Feel free to use other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer, or mix a variety of nuts for added texture.
- Chocolate Options: Experiment with different types of chocolate for drizzling, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
These Extra Pecan Caramel Turtle Cookies combine all the best elements of turtle candies into a delightful cookie form. They’re perfect for holiday baking or any special occasion!