These turtle thumbprint cookies are perfect for the holidays or any day you want a delicious treat!
Hi folks.
So happy to be here today with a fabulous cookie recipe to share with you. You all know how obsessed I am with all things "turtle". It's really gotten out of hand to be honest. I have far too many turtle recipes in my recipe index. Okay that's a total lie, when can you ever have TOO many turtle recipes. There can never be too many turtles recipes in the world for my taste. I've made oodles of them.
Recipes like:
- Turtle Bark
- Turtle Ice Cream
- Turtle Banana Split
- Turtle Ice Cream Pie
- Turtle Popcorn
- Turtle Popcorn Gone Wild
- Turtle No Bake Cheesecake in a Jar
- Turtle Brownies
- Turtle Waffles
- Turtle Tailgate Mix
- Turtle Apples
- Turtle Truffles
Yup, told you it was my weakness. I just love turtles. Any excuse to whip up a turtle treat and I'm the first one in the kitchen. I've been known to knock folks down for turtles. I've even stolen them from under the christmas tree. What, don't judge. Who amongst us hasn't polished off a box of turtles in 5 seconds flat. No? Just me then.
When I saw Turtle Thumbprint Cookies on pinterest I just knew I would be making them at some point. Mom On Time Out made them and they just blew my mind. Such gorgeous and tempting turtle treats. They were calling my name, morning...noon...and night.
They are fabulous cookies. I had a little trouble getting mine to keep their shape. I have this tendency to believe in the theory "go big or go home" so I think I made them a bit too big. Next batch will be smaller. I swear sometimes my over the top ways get me into trouble. Regardless of my monster sized cookie problems they sure were tasty. I'll be making them again and again. Then running out to buy monster sized stretchy pants so I can keep up my turtle habit.
Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Portion:
- 1 egg divided
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- ⅔ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans
For the Caramel:
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1 teaspoon shortening
- ½ c semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
For the Caramel Sauce (make this ahead of time):
- In a medium sized saucepan combine the sugar and ¼ cup warm water and cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Bring the syrup to a boil. Now cook this without stirring it until it begins to caramelize (remember do not stir!).
- Gently swirl the pan to help the syrup brown (mini-me swirls beautifully).
- Once the syrup has turned a beautiful amber colour you need to remove the pan from the heat.
- Stir in the cold butter. Let it bubble and swirl the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, swirl the pan again.
- Add the vanilla and the salt, stir or whisk this until smooth.
- Let stand until it starts to thicken enough to pour into cookies. While it's thickening and cooling make your cookies.
For the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In your stand mixer beat butter for about 30 seconds. Add the sugar, continue beating until creamy. Add the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla, beat until well combined.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt together in a small bowl. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture gradually, and beat until well combined.
- Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and pop in the fridge for a couple of hours.
- Chop your pecans finely.
- Beat your egg white.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls, roll the balls in the egg white. Now roll the balls in pecans until well coated.
- Place balls on a parchment lined cookie sheet about one inch apart from each other. Use your thumb to press an indentation into the middle of each cookie, or use something like the blunt end of a honey dripper (they work well for so many things, I use mine all the time for weird things).
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. The indentation may have disappeared during baking so press it into the cookie again if need be.
- Pour your caramel into the holes of the cookies. Allow it to set and harden a bit.
For the Chocolate Drizzle:
- In your microwave melt the shortening and chocolate together, stirring every 15 to 30 seconds.
- Once it's melted drizzle it over the cookies.
- Serve with a big old Turtle loving smile!
More Great Cookie Recipes from Around the Web:
- Coconut Filled Sandwich Cookies from Cravings of a Lunatic
- Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies from Cravings of a Lunatic
- Black Forest Sandwich Cookies from Cravings of a Lunatic
- The Best Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies from Pinch of Yum
- The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies from Rock Recipes
I love these cookies. I used the caramel recipe I used for my Banana Sticky Buns and just omitted the banana. The recipe is from Fine Cooking. If you have never made banana sticky buns, well, you're just not living. Live large people, indulge once in a while.
Moving on, I hope you love these as much as I do. Cookies are a Christmas tradition. I think we all go cookie crazy around Christmas time. If you are looking for more great cookie recipes I encourage you to stop by the other Sunday Supper participants and see what deliciousness they've baked up for you.
The Sunday Supper Favorite Cookie Exchange Cookies:
- Almond Oatmeal Raisin Cookies by Cooking Underwriter
- Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies by The Foodie Army Wife
- M & M Cookies by Damn Delicious
- Snowball Cookies by Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Polish Chrusciki (Bow Ties) by Comfy Cuisine
- Cherry Blossom Cookies by Flour on my Face
- Rosettes by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Millionaire’s Shortbread by Gotta Get Baked
- Double-the-Mint Chocolate Kiss Cookies by The Weekend Gourmet
- Whole Wheat Cereal Cookies by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Chocolate Dipped Potato Chip Shortbread Cookies by The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Scories De Vulcan | Lava Stones Cookies by The Daily Dish Recipes
- Zimtsterne {Cinamon Stars} #Dairyfree by Galactosemia in PDX
- S’mores Cookies by Hezzi-D’s Book and Cooks
- Chocolate Whoppers by Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Ricotta Cookies with White Chocolate Glaze Country Girl in the Village
- Turtles by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
- Salted Caramel Brownie Cookies! by I Run For Wine
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Toffee Cookies by The Urban Mrs.
- Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies by She likes ruffles, he likes truffles
- Amaretto Almond Biscotti by Noshing With The Nolands
- Mexican Chocolate Cookies by Generation Y Foodie
- Double Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti by Pippis in the Kitchen Again
- Ice Cream Kolaczki by Cookistry
- Amoniaczki by What Smells So Good?
- Fruit and Nut Ice Box Cookies by In the Kitchen with Audrey
- Ginger Bourbon Balls by girlichef
- Candy Cane Blossom Cookies by Mommas Meals
- Double Chocolate Cranberry Cookies by Lovely Pantry
- Ninja Bread Men by Diabetic Foodie
- Peppermint Sugar Cookies by In The Kitchen With KP
- Christmas Crunchies by Magnolia Days
- Cream Cheese Swirled Red Velvet Cookies by Mom’s Test Kitchen
- Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies and Tips on Mailing Cookies by Chocolate Moosey
- Congo Bars by Supper for a Steal
- Mint Surprise Cookies by The Cookie A Day Challenge
- Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies by Midlife Road Trip
- Spiced Rum Balls by Webicurean
- Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars by Shockingly Delicious
- Oreo Cheesecake Cookies by Baker Street
- Biscoff Pillow Cookies by by The Messy Baker Blog
- Mexican Hot Cocoa Cookies by Juanita’s Cocina
- Raspberry Thumbprints for my first #SundaySupper! by Kelly Bakes
- Tea Biscuits by My Cute Bride
- Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies by Mama Mommy Mom
- Lebanese Butter Cookies for the Christmas Season by The Catholic Foodie
- Almond Joy Macaroons by Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- Snowball Surprises by Family Foodie
PIN THIS TO YOUR FAVOURITE COOKIE BOARD!
Thanks for visiting today!
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Toodles and Turtle Smoochies! xx
The Ninja Baker
I was introduced to the turtle combo when I moved to the US from Japan. I've never been too inspired to pursue the popular sweet until now =) Your current recipe and your other list has piqued my curiosity. Thank you!
Kim Bee
Oh you have to try turtles, something about caramel and chocolate together with pecans. It's like heaven. Love it way too much. The popcorn is probably my fave so far.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen
I´m in full turtle agreement, there can never be too many recipes! Thumbprints are just so perfect to hold the caramel. Happy Sunday!
Kim Bee
Yah, love fellow turtle lovers. Nothing like a caramel holder to make a gal swoon.
Liz
Turtle cookies? LOL...I should have guessed! They look fantastic! I've made these using store bought caramels, but yours are SO much better! Happy #Sunday Supper!
Kim Bee
Lol, I am getting sort of predictable. Love turtles way too much.
Arlene@FlourOnMyFace
Oh wow those look so good and I love your list of turtle recipes. I am going to have to check them all out!
Kim Bee
Thanks so much Arlene. I am a turtle fanatic.
Hezzi-D
I love thumbprints and turtle cookies so I can't wait to try this version where you combined the two together! They look fabulous!
Kim Bee
Thanks so much, they were really yummy.
Renee
Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Another turtle recipe!! You know I am beyond happy about this. XOXO
Kim Bee
I am with you Renee. Such a weakness for this combo. If we ever are lucky enough to meet in person we need to get in the kitchen together and whip up some turtle goodness.
Jen @ Juanita's Cocina
If I could have bet money on what cookie you'd make, I probably would have won on this! But I'm also a winner because these are fabulous!
Kim Bee
Lol, I need to start mixing it up apparently. I'm getting predictable. But oh man when it tastes like this who can resist.
Shannon
Those look good enough to polish off in under 5 minutes! Seriously at my house, elbows might be thrown to get the last one. lol Thanks for sharing
Shannon
Ahhhh my darn thumb hit the stars and the post at the same time. Definitely not a 1 star!
Kim Bee
I lol'd at this. You made me giggle big time.
Kim Bee
Elbows get thrown here over just about everything. You know sometimes you just gotta hog some dang food.
Laura | Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Oh wow that is a big list of turtle recipes. I am going to have to check them all out because they sound fantastic.
Kim Bee
I think I am a little turtle-obsessed. If you only have time to make one go for the turtle popcorn gone wild. Oh my gosh, so good.
kelly @ kellybakes
Okay so not only have I gained a slew of amazing new blogger friends by joining the #SundaySupper community, but I have also been introduced to the drool-worthy world of all things turtle. That popcorn gone wild? C'mon now! Most importantly, I've realized I've never lived large. Banana sticky buns?! holy breakfast, batman!
Kim Bee
SS rocks for making new friends. So happy you're with us. The popcorn gone wild is beyond fabulous. Dude you must try living large...it's life changing.
Jennie @themessybakerblog
You can never have too many turtle recipes. Nope, never too many. These look amazing. I can't wait to make these. I'm drooling just looking at them. Pinned!
Kim Bee
Agreed. I am pursuit of trying them all. One at a button popping time. Thanks so much Jennie.
Stephanie {thecookieadaychallenge}
Sounds like a wonderful cookie! My husband is a big fan is anything turtle, on my list to make!
Kim Bee
You must try these for him. He will love them. Super yummy.
Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
Your love for turtle stuff is just too cute 🙂 It's rather endearing 🙂
And um yeah...yummy yummy yummy in my tummy cookies.
Kim Bee
Awe thanks. It's just a total obsession. I can't seem to help myself.
Nothing like a yummy ooey gooey cookie.
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious
Did someone say chocolate AND caramel? I'm there!
Kim Bee
I'll save you a seat....and lots of cookies.
Kelsey @ K&K Test Kitchen
Yum, this may be my favorite of your turtle posts yet. Delish! Can't wait to explore the other Sunday Supper cookie recipes too, I've got a Cookie Exchange coming up and I still need to pick a cookie (though picking just one might be impossible)!
Kim Bee
Thanks so much Kelsey. I had so much fun making these. Isn't the lineup incredible? These SS folks bring their a-game every week.
Conni Smith
Oh my goodness! I think ANY thing "turtle" is automatically AWESOME!!!
Kim Bee
Lol I concur Conni. I like the way you think.
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
We are on the turtle train together today! Awesome cookies!
Kim Bee
Yah, let's ride it again soon. I love turtle stuff.
Heather @girlichef
Holy shnikeys that's a lot of turtle recipes! I think I need to test some out. Just to see that you're keeping up to standards ;P LOL! Okay, these sound awesome...from one turtle-lover to another.
Kim Bee
Lol I tend to go overboard. It's why none of my pants fit. If you only have time to try one go for the turtle popcorn gone wild or the banana split. OHMYGAWD is the only way to describe either.
diabeticFoodie
Who knew there were so many turtle variations? My husband would be delirious with any of them.
Kim Bee
I need an intervention. You should totally make these for your hubs or the banana split. It's super yummy. Wish I knew a way to make these diabetic friendly.
Tara
Mmmmm I love turtles!! Those look divine girl, all of them do!!
Kim Bee
Me too. Thanks Tara.
Lyn @LovelyPantry
That's quite a turtle collection you have there...and they're all yummy!!! These cookies look good and yes please to the caramel and chocolate drizzle!
Bea
These sounds fantastic! My husband also loves anything turtle 🙂
Katherine Martinelli
Can never have too much turtle!! These look amazing.
Choc Chip Uru
Once more you claim the turtle queen title 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
Freaking LOVE this!!! i just baked some of what I called my version of a chocolate turtle in a cookie too. . these are awesome! LOVE it!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked
I LOVE how many turtle themed baked goods you've made on your blog. I do a day of baking at my apartment every year the day after Christmas and I'm planning on making turtle thumbprints. I can't wait, especially seeing how decadently delicious yours look!
Dara
Love these cookies! I think you could find a way to make turtle anything.
Sheila Fretz (@CookUnderwriter)
These look yummy and tasty
Donna
I love turtles, too. Hehe. They were always one of my favorite candies with the perfect combo of nuts, caramel and chocolate. Can't go wrong with that.
Ramona
You are the turtle dessert queen!! Another winner. 🙂
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious
Amazing! I most definitely need the stretchy pants with these too!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips
These look amazing!
Anne @ Webicurean
It's turtle madness! These cookies look REALLY good!
Sarah
My moms fave candy! Delicious!
john@kitchenriffs
You definitely are the Turtle Meister! These are cute, tasty, and easy - what more could one want? Oh, OK, several in my belly. Now. 😉 Thanks for this.
Jeff Young - The Catholic Foodie
I LOVE turtles! These look absolutely fab! Milk, butter, eggs, sugar, chocolate... O my! What a wonderful recipe for a delicious cookie! Thanks for sharing it!
Katie
Oh boy - these sound amazing! I love the combo of flavors with turtles...deeeelish!
Susan
Chocolate, caramel and pecans. I love it all! This is fabulous!
Audrey's Mamma
The girls love making thumbprint cookies! And these sound amazing!
Megan - I Run For Wine
YUM those sound and look delicious.
Marina@Picnic at Marina
I haven't made a single cookie yet, I better start. I have 150 ideas plus more now, thanks! Lovely turtles... 🙂
Family Foodie
Seriously, who doesn't love a thumbprint cookie...and now you add turtle...just fabulous!
Carla
I love the concept of filling with caramel then chocolate drizzle on top. Definitely pinning this!
Nami | Just One Cookbook
I love every Turtle treats you make and now turtle thumbprint cookies!!! My gosh, if I ever receive home baked goods like this, I would be so greedy that I'll have to hide and eat. These look so good, and you know how much I love and think about your turtle bark recipe. 😉
Terra
I may not be a chocolate freak, but I am a turtle LOVER!!! Those turtle thumbprints look AWESOME! YUM, Hugs, Terra