A buttery, pecan-studded dough and chewy chocolate-covered caramels come together in these turtle-inspired cookie cups.

It works in practically any and every dessert.

Turtle cookie cups come together quickly and are a delicious treat any time of day.

Plate with Turtle Cookie Cups with the Top Cookie Cup Cut in Half

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

I especially love them as a sweet pairing with a hot cup of coffee.

Whether you dress them up or dress them down, these cookies always hit the spot.

Easy Substitutions

Make Ahead Tips

The baked cookies are best freshly baked.

Halved Turtle Cookie Cup on a Saucer Next to a Cup of Coffee, and in the Background, More on a Plate and on Another Saucer

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

However, the dough itself freezes well!

When ready to bake, prepare the mini muffin pan and oven as described in the recipe.

Lightly spray the cavities of a 24-cavity (or two 12-cavity) mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Halved Cookie Cups Stacked on a Small Saucer

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

On a rimmed baking sheet, spread the pecans into an even layer.

Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the nuts to cool to room temperature.

Once cool, set aside 24 pecan halves to top each cookie.

Plate with Turtle Cookie Cups with the Top Cookie Cup Cut in Half

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Be sure to pick out the prettiest pecans!

Finely chop the remaining cooled pecans and set aside.

You should have about 1 1/2 cups.

Greased Mini Cookie Tin for Turtle Cookie Cup

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Beat together on medium speed until fully combined and creamy, 30 to 45 seconds.

Stop and scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.

The mixture may look slightly separated or broken.

Toasted Pecan Halves in a Baking Tray for Turtle Cookie Cup Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

It will come together in the following steps.

Use your hands to roll each portion of dough into a ball.

Place a ball of cookie dough into each cavity of the prepared mini muffin tin.

Bowl of Dry Ingredients Whisked Together for Turtle Cookie Cup

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Do not press the dough down.

Tip

Oil your hands lightly if the batter is sticking to them as you shape the dough.

This is a sign of overbaking.

Sugars, Butter, and Vanilla Extract Whisked Together Using a Hand Held Mixer for Pecan Turtle Cookie Cup Recipe

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Remove the pan from the oven and set over a wire rack.

Youll see the chocolate get glossy as the heat from the cookie begins to melt it.

Gently press a reserved toasted pecan half on top of the melty rolo.

Eggs Mixed into Bowl of Creamed Sugars and Butter for Pecan Turtle Cookie Cup

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

This helps keep the pecan attached to the cookie once its cooled.

The cookies should release from the greased pan with ease, but occasionally, theres one finicky cookie.

Allow the cookies to cool on the rack while you prepare the chocolate for drizzling, if using.

Pecans Whisked into Bowl of Wet Ingredients for Turtle Cookie Cup

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Add the chopped bittersweet chocolate to a small microwaveable bowl.

Alternatively, you might use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate.

Arrange the cookies on the rack so that the pecan halves are running vertically.

Dry Ingredients Folded into Bowl of Wet Ingredients to Make Turtle Cookie Cup Dough

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Set the rack over a baking sheet or newspaper to collect any drips.

Sprinkle each cookie with a very light pinch of flaky sea salt, as desired.

Allow the chocolate to set up slightly before serving.

Turtle Cookie Cup Dough Rolled into Small Balls and Placed in Cookie Tray Cavities

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Serve the cookies completely cooled or while still warm and the chocolate and caramel is still gooey.

I dont recommend freezing the baked cookies.

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Tray of Turtle Cookie Cups Lightly Cooked

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

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Rolos and Pecan Halves Added to Turtle Cookie Cups in Mini Muffin Tray

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Turtle Cookie Cups Cooling on a Wire Rack

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Chocolate Drizzle Added to Turtle Cookie Cup Resting on a Wire Rack over a Baking Sheet Pan

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Turtle Cookie Cup in a Mini Muffin Tray with Some of the Cavities Filled with Chopped Pecans and Rolos

Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe