Double Chocolate Turtle Cookies

Indulge in the ultimate chocolatey treat with these Double Chocolate Turtle Cookies! Perfect for any chocolate lover, these cookies are gooey, decadent, and oh-so delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 12 caramels, cut in half

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips, pecans, and caramel pieces.
5. Scoop out tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Popular Questions:

• Q: Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
  A: Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips for the semisweet if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
• Q: Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
  A: Absolutely, feel free to use walnuts or any other nut of your choice in place of pecans.
• Q: Can I skip the caramel pieces?
  A: While the caramels add a delicious gooey texture, you can omit them if desired.
• Q: How should I store these cookies?
  A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
• Q: Can I double the recipe?
  A: Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make a larger batch of cookies.

Helpful Tips:

• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty twist.
• For extra richness, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder in place of regular cocoa powder.
• Press additional chocolate chips and pecans onto the tops of the cookie dough balls before baking for a beautiful presentation.
• Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to prevent them from breaking.

Expert Secrets:

• Be sure to use high-quality chocolate for rich, decadent flavor in these cookies.
• Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker, chewier cookies.
• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
• Experiment with different types of nuts or add-ins to customize the cookies to your preference.