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:

• Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
  Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
• Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
  Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
• How do I store these cookies?
  Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze the cookie dough?
  Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• How can I prevent the caramel from melting too much?
  Make sure to cut the caramels into small pieces and press them gently into the dough before baking.

Helpful tips:

• For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle melted chocolate and caramel sauce on top of the cookies.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty flavor.
• Experiment with different types of nuts for a unique flavor combination.
• Make sure to use good quality cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.
• Let the cookies cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Expert Secrets:

• Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking for a chewier texture.
• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly.
• Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
• Press additional chocolate chips and pecans on top of the cookies before baking for a beautiful presentation.
• For a gooey center, slightly underbake the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheet.