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Sweet Turtle Cookies How to Make Them

Sweet Turtle Cookies How to Make Them

4.25 from 4 votes
Indulge in these adorable and delicious Sweet Turtle Cookies that look just like little turtles! Made with a soft chocolate cookie base, pecan halves for legs, a cherry for the head, and chocolate drizzle for detail, these treats are as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet afternoon project.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings: 12
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Turtle Decorations
  • 48 whole pecan halves for legs
  • 12 whole maraschino cherries, halved for heads, patted dry
  • 0.5 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for drizzle
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil optional, for smoother drizzle

Method
 

Steps
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll dough into 12 equal balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each). Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers may look slightly underbaked—this is okay. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  8. While cookies are still warm, gently press 4 pecan halves into each cookie to form the turtle’s legs and one cherry half at the top for the head.
  9. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
  11. Drizzle chocolate over the cooled cookies to create the turtle shell pattern. Let chocolate set before serving.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For best results, assemble the turtle decorations while cookies are still slightly warm so pecans and cherries adhere easily. You can also use chocolate candies or mini chocolate chips for eyes if desired.