Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies Recipe
If you’re dreaming of rich, bakery-style cookies with a molten caramel center, bursts of chocolate, and the perfect crunch of pecans, these Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies are everything you need and more! Picture soft-baked cookies, buttery and plush thanks to a secret pudding mix, studded with melty chocolate chips and gooey caramel bits, all crowned by the toasty flavor of pecans. This irresistible treat brings together the best of turtle candies and old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies for a dessert that disappears as soon as it comes out of the oven!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies starts with everyday, accessible ingredients that each play a delicious role. Every component brings something special, from the classic chew of the base to the decadent add-ins. Here’s your cookie cast:
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for the cookies, providing structure while keeping them soft and tender.
- Baking soda: Gives your cookies lift and just the right amount of spread.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: The real secret to ultra-soft, bakery-style cookies with an almost magical chew.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Brings rich flavor and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture—don’t skimp here!
- Granulated sugar: Lends crisp edges and a light sweetness.
- Brown sugar (packed): Creates depth and chewiness with a hint of molasses flavor.
- Large eggs: Binds everything together while adding richness and tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors and gives your cookies that classic homemade aroma.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Studded throughout for pools of melting chocolate in every bite.
- Chopped pecans: Offer a classic turtle-cookie crunch and nutty taste.
- Soft caramel bits or chopped caramels: These melt into gooey pockets for that signature turtle candy finish!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup almost effortless. Little touches like this can make baking a true pleasure!
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and the instant vanilla pudding mix. Give everything a good whisk. The pudding not only amps up the vanilla flavor—it’s the secret to these cookies’ softness. Don’t skip it!
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or a stand mixer if you have one) to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Aim for a light and fluffy texture—this will make your cookies delightfully tender around the edges but still chewy in the center.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, beat in the eggs, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Splash in the vanilla extract and watch as the dough takes on that irresistible fresh cookie scent.
Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your prepared dry ingredient mixture to the wet bowl. Mix just until combined—don’t overdo it, or your Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies could turn out tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Stir in the Goodies
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and those glorious caramel bits. If you want a bakery-style presentation and extra pools of caramel, save a handful to press on top just before baking!
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or a heaping tablespoon, drop dough balls onto your lined sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely—the edges should turn golden while the centers stay just set for that classic gooey cookie experience.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes so the caramel sets up a bit before you carefully transfer them to a wire rack. Grab a glass of milk—you’ve earned it!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra pop of wow, try sprinkling your Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt while they’re still warm. Not only does this make the chocolate and caramel flavors shine, but it looks gorgeous too. For a fancy finish, melt some extra chocolate and drizzle over the tops, or add another scattering of chopped pecans.
Side Dishes
These cookies are absolutely dreamy with an ice-cold glass of milk, but if you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve them alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or even whipped cream for a turtle-inspired dessert sundae. For adults, a good cup of coffee or an espresso is a fantastic pairing that highlights the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dazzle at a party, stack the cookies on a tiered stand or arrange them in a pretty tin for gifting. For a holiday twist, make them part of a cookie platter with other homemade favorites. Or, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich no one will forget!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies will stay wonderfully soft and chewy for several days if kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer parchment or wax paper between stacks if you want to keep the caramel from getting sticky.
Freezing
Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers. For absolute freshness, freeze the dough balls instead of baked cookies—then just bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two.
Reheating
If you crave a fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The caramel gets gooey, the chocolate gets melty, and the aroma fills your kitchen all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Walnuts or even chopped almonds work well if you want a change. Or, leave nuts out entirely for a nut-free version—your Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies will still be deliciously gooey.
What if I can’t find caramel bits?
Chopped soft caramels are a perfect substitute! Just be sure to cut them into small pieces so they melt evenly into the cookies. Avoid the harder caramel candies, as they won’t blend as nicely.
Do I need to use instant pudding mix?
Yes, instant pudding is the secret weapon for these cookies’ iconic softness and flavor. If you skip it, they won’t have quite the same texture. Vanilla or French vanilla both work beautifully!
Can I chill the dough before baking?
Definitely! Chilling for at least 30 minutes can give you even thicker, chewier cookies and intensify the flavors. It’s a great step if you have extra time or want to make your dough ahead.
What’s the best way to make the cookies extra gooey?
Press a few extra caramel bits on top of each dough ball before baking! This ensures delightful caramel pools on top, perfect for those who adore that signature turtle-candy gooeyness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies and see why they’ve become a cult favorite in my kitchen. Each bite is a celebration of chocolate, caramel, and pecan goodness—with that irresistibly soft texture that only pudding cookies deliver. Bake up a batch, share them around, and prepare for rave reviews!
Print
Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies, a delightful fusion of chocolate chips, pecans, and caramel bits in a soft, chewy cookie.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 3/4 cup soft caramel bits or chopped caramels
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and pudding mix.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Stir in Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips, pecans, and caramel bits.
- Bake: Scoop dough into balls and place on baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra gooey centers, press a few extra caramel bits on top of each dough ball before baking.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze baked cookies for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
