Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
I tested multiple batters to find a chocolate base that would stay soft and hold a clean thumbprint. These turtle thumbprint cookies bake up rich and comforting with a thick caramel center. They feel like the kind of cookie you want to share with people you love.
Servings: 35 cookies
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 ¾ cup (210g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (40g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (213g) brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar for rolling
Caramel Filling
- 2 ½ Tbsp (35g) unsalted butter room temperature
- ⅓ cup (71g) brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp (39g) corn syrup
- ⅓ cup (104g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 35 pecans
Instructions
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and cornstarch. Set aside.1 ¾ cup (210g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (40g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cornstarch
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes.¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, 1 cup (213g) brown sugar
- Beat in the egg and egg yolk for 30 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed.1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be very thick.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough (use a #60 cookie scoop) and roll into smooth balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- Use the back of a teaspoon to press a divot into the center of each cookie before baking. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up the dough. You can freeze longer if needed.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake for 10-11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Remove from the oven and immediately use the teaspoon again to gently deepen the center indentation as it disappears while baking.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before filling.
Caramel Filling
- In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk. Heat over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the mixture starts to bubble.2 ½ Tbsp (35g) unsalted butter, ⅓ cup (71g) brown sugar, 2 Tbsp (39g) corn syrup, ⅓ cup (104g) sweetened condensed milk
- Once it bubbles, stir in the heavy cream. Continue to stir until the caramel bubbles vigorously and is deeper in color, reaching 225ºF.1 tsp heavy whipping cream
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.¼ tsp vanilla extract, ¼ tsp salt
- Pour into a separate container to let the caramel cool. I let mine sit for 30 minutes before adding to the cookies.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce into the center of each thumbprint. The caramel should sit neatly in the well without overflowing. Gently press one pecan half on top of the caramel. Let the caramel set before serving or storing.35 pecans
Notes
Gluten Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. I use King Arthur’s Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour.
To Store: Keep in an airtight container for up to four days. Place parchment or wax paper between layers of cookies.
To Make Ahead: Chill the dough for up to twenty four hours before shaping and baking.
To Freeze: Flash freeze the finished cookies, once frozen transfer to a freezer safe container or bag. To thaw, place a single layer of cookies on a baking sheet and thaw on the counter overnight. To freeze the cookie dough, roll into balls and flash freeze on a baking sheet. Then transfer to a freezer safe container or bag. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight, then roll in granular sugar, make the indent and bake.
How to Properly Measure Flour: The most accurate way to measure flour is by using a kitchen scale and weighing it in grams. If you do not have a scale, use the spoon and level method. Start by aerating the flour with a whisk or spoon because flour becomes compact as it sits. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup without tapping or shaking the cup, since that packs in extra flour. Level off the top with the back of a butter knife. Re fluff the flour each time you scoop so you get a consistent and accurate measurement.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 172IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg