I do believe that the chocolate chip cookie might be the favorite cookie of a majority of people. I know it’s right up there for me. The hubby loves it as well. Despite that there is no reason it could not be improved upon, right? I don’t know about you but I am a big fan of “turtle” flavored treats – you know, treats that have caramel and nuts along with chocolate? I made a turtle cheesecake that was to die for. And turtle brownies are a piece of dessert heaven. So why not chocolate chip turtle cookies?

Chocolate Chip Turtle Cookies

Makes 8 dozen cookies

4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp salt
1 TBS cinnamon
2 cups (1 lb) butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 tsp Vanilla
4 large eggs
2 cups chocolate chips
1 12 oz bag caramels
1 1/2 cup nuts – I used cashews

• Preheat the oven to 375°

• Cut the caramels into quarters with a sharp knife. It helps if they are cold so if you are in a warm area refrigerate them first. Set aside.
• Mix the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl and set aside.
• Cream the butter and the sugars in the bowl of a stand mixer until they are well combined.
• Add the vanilla. Scrape down the sides.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each one.
• Add in the flour mixture and beat just until blended. Add in the chips, nuts and caramels and stir until mixed.

• Use a medium scoop to drop onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or with a silicone mat

• Bake for about 7 minutes and reverse the trays. Bake for 5- 6 more minutes or until they are golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and LET THEM SIT ON THE COOKIE SHEETS FOR 2 – 3 MINUTES. (Learn from my experience. They are impossible to move easily right out of the oven due to the caramels. If they sit a little the caramel starts to harden back up and they remove much more easily.)
• Cool completely on a wire rack.

How Were the Chocolate Chip Turtle Cookies?

These were a huge hit! I really enjoyed them as well and will neither confirm nor deny a rather large taste testing. Ah-hem. The cookies were crispy on the edges and chewy in the centers with the delicious caramel, rich chocolate and crunchy nuts. What more do you want in a cookie?