Chocolate Turtles

These pecan chocolate turtles feature crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate! They are quick and easy to make. Great for Christmas, the holiday season, and gift boxes!

Ingreadient

• 24 pecan halves
• ¾ cup soft caramels* (store-bought or homemade)
• ¾ cup chocolate chips
• sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Step by step

1. First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the turtles from sticking to the sheet.
2.  
3. Place whole pecans in groups of 3 on the prepared baking sheet. These will form the base for your turtles. Leave some space between each group to allow room for the caramel and chocolate.
4. If you’re using soft caramels, microwave them in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the caramel is completely melted. If your caramels are very firm, you can add a splash of water or plant-based milk to help them melt more smoothly.
5. If you’re making homemade caramel, follow your caramel recipe instructions until you have a smooth, melted caramel.
6. Spoon a small amount of melted caramel (about 1 teaspoon) onto each cluster of pecans on the baking sheet. The caramel should slightly surround the pecans, holding them together. If necessary, use the back of the spoon to shape the caramel.
7. Allow the caramel and pecans to cool and set for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are firm to the touch.
8. In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
9. Using a spoon or fork, carefully coat each caramel and pecan cluster with melted chocolate. Make sure to cover the entire caramel and pecan base. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
10. Return the chocolate-coated turtles to the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
11. While the chocolate is still soft, you can sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt on top of each turtle for a sweet and salty contrast.
12. Allow the chocolate turtles to cool at room temperature until the chocolate is fully set, which may take 1 to 2 hours. You can also place them in the refrigerator for faster setting.
13. Once the chocolate is set, carefully remove the chocolate turtles from the parchment paper and transfer them to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your preference.