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Several Turtle Cookie Cups on a White Counter from Overhead.
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5 from 1 vote

Turtle Cookie Cups

Turtle Cookie Cups are a heavenly combination of soft and chewy cookies, homemade caramel, rich chocolate ganache, crunchy pecans, and a hint of salt. They are a delightfully indulgent treat made with the classic flavors of a turtle dessert in a cookie cup that is baked in a muffin tin.
Prep Time35 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time47 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Turtle Cookie Cups
Servings: 24 cookie cups
Calories: 432kcal
Author: Amanda Rettke--iambaker.net

Ingredients

Cookie Cups

  • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Caramel

Ganache

  • 1 cup (168 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (119 g) heavy cream

Toppings

  • ½ cup (54.5 g) chopped pecans, divided
  • kosher salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray muffin tins with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter until well incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, and mix until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
  • Using a 2-tablespoon scoop, add dough to each muffin cup. Press the dough into the bottom of each cup and up the sides to about halfway.
  • Bake the cookie cups for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
  • Remove the cookie cups from the oven. While they are still hot, use a spice jar or a shot glass to press down in the middle of each cup, creating a well.
  • Let the cookie cups cool as you make the caramel.

Caramel

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
  • Add sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, corn syrup, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla. Stir until combined.
  • Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 236°F on a candy thermometer, stirring constantly (about 15-18 minutes).

Ganache

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat the mixture in 20-second increments in the microwave, stirring after each increment, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Assembly

  • Remove the cooled cookie cups from the muffin tins.
  • Fill each cookie cup with 1 tablespoon caramel, 1 tablespoon ganache, and ½ teaspoon chopped nuts.
  • Drizzle with extra caramel and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie cup | Calories: 432kcal