Turtle Chip Cookies

I’ve mentioned that I was away last week, both for business and pleasure. I was inspired by many treats that I saw on my travels. I have a big list of things that I’m looking forward to baking, but I need to get a bit organized. In the meantime, this is another “almost chocolate chip” cookie that I knew would be a hit. They’re drop cookies with chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and caramel bits: all the elements in a turtle candy.

These cookies do call for one special ingredient: Kraft caramel bits. I’d found these in the store when they first came out a couple of years ago, but after that they were nearly impossible to find. They are really convenient, since they don’t have to be unwrapped like regular caramels and the bits lend themselves to different applications. I looked online, but didn’t really want to buy a case of these. My husband (who is a better searcher that I am) found that the local Target store carried them. I was surprised but I went there and they were there on the shelf! What a nice surprise.

The mixing method for these cookies is a little bit different, in that you don’t add the baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the flour and add that as a mixture. It didn’t seem to make much difference, and I’m sure you could use the standard method if you wanted to. My dough was a bit crumbly in the bottom of the bowl, but that wasn’t much of a problem. The original recipe said that this made 2-1/2 dozen cookies and I had contemplated doubling the recipe, but I’m glad I didn’t! Those must have been some huge cookies as I made over four dozen regular-sized cookies. My husband said “These are almost like chocolate chip cookies!” A positive comment indeed.

1-1/2 sticks butter, softened
1-1/4 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2-1/4 cups flour
3/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup caramel bits
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats.

In a large mixer bowl, beat together butter, brown sugar and sugar until sugars are blended and the mixture is fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; stir until everything is well incorporated. Add flour and mix until dough comes together. Stir in chocolate chips, caramel bits, and the pecans.

Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly brown. Let cool for at least 5 minutes on the baking sheet and then move to a rack to cool completely.

Recipe from Naturally Ella