Turtle Cookie Cups Recipe – Easy Dessert Treat Idea
These turtle cookie cups are the ultimate bite-sized dessert. A buttery cookie base filled with gooey caramel, rich melted chocolate, and topped with crunchy pecans makes them irresistible. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or whenever you crave a sweet treat packed with flavor and texture!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Party Treat
Cuisine American-Inspired, Holiday Baking
Servings 24 mini cookie cups.
Calories 180 kcal
Mini muffin tin
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Saucepan for caramel
Spatula & spoon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel (homemade or store-bought, thick)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
- 1 cup pecans (toasted, chopped)
Make dough: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt.
Shape cups: Roll dough into balls and place in greased mini muffin tin. Press centers to form cups. Chill for 10 minutes.
Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden. Press centers again while warm to reinforce cup shape. Cool completely.
Fill with caramel: Spoon thick caramel into each cooled cookie cup.
Add chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over caramel.
Top with pecans: Place toasted pecans on top, pressing gently.
Set & serve: Allow cups to set before serving.
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Pecans: Toast lightly for deeper flavor.
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Caramel: Use thick caramel to avoid runny filling.
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Variations: Try white chocolate drizzle, sea salt caramel, or peanut butter swirls.
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Storage: Keeps 3 days at room temp, 1 week refrigerated, 2 months frozen.
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Pro tip: Use a mini muffin tin for uniform, party-ready portions.
Keyword bite-sized desserts, caramel chocolate pecan cookies, holiday treats, party sweets, turtle cookie cups