Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies are soft, gooey, and filled with all the classic turtle flavors—rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and buttery pecans. These indulgent cookies are thick and bakery-style with chewy centers and golden edges. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you want a treat that goes beyond the ordinary chocolate chip cookie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are everything you love about turtle candies in cookie form. The vanilla pudding mix makes them incredibly soft and chewy, while the caramel bits melt into pockets of sweetness. The toasted pecans add a rich, nutty crunch that perfectly balances the creamy chocolate chips. They’re simple to prepare, yet look and taste like they came straight from a professional bakery.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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3.4 oz box vanilla instant pudding mix
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¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1 cup brown sugar
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½ cup white sugar
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1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature
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¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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¾ cup roughly chopped pecan halves
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¾ cup caramel bits
Directions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla pudding mix. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until well combined.
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Add in the vanilla extract, then beat in the egg and egg yolk. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light and creamy.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
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Stir in the chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and caramel bits.
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Scoop out about ¼ cup of dough and form into balls. Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
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Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Space the cookies about 3 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Store in an airtight container and enjoy!
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 16 large cookies.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes (excluding chill time)
Variations
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Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
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Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chunks instead of semi-sweet chips for a richer flavor.
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Mini Cookies: Use a smaller cookie scoop and reduce the baking time to make bite-sized treats.
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Toffee Add-in: Swap or mix caramel bits with toffee bits for an extra crunch.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Reheat in a microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften and bring out the gooey caramel texture.
FAQs
What does the pudding mix do in the cookie recipe?
The instant pudding mix adds extra moisture and creates a soft, chewy texture that lasts for days.
Can I use homemade caramel instead of caramel bits?
Homemade caramel can melt too much and spread. Caramel bits are recommended for best texture and consistency.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor and texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
Yes, walnuts can be used if preferred, though pecans are traditional in turtle flavors.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or the butter was too hot when mixed, cookies may spread. Be sure to chill thoroughly.
Can I make smaller cookies?
Yes, just reduce the baking time to around 10–12 minutes for smaller cookies.
Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes, both the dough and the baked cookies can be frozen. Freeze dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Do I need to toast the pecans?
It’s not required, but toasting enhances their flavor. Toast them in a dry skillet or oven for a few minutes before adding to the dough.
What’s the best way to get evenly sized cookies?
Use a ¼ cup measuring scoop or a large cookie scoop to portion out the dough evenly.
Conclusion
Chocolate Chip Turtle Pudding Cookies are a decadent treat that combines all the best dessert elements—rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. With a chewy texture and golden edges, these bakery-style cookies are a guaranteed hit at any gathering or celebration. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this recipe delivers indulgent, crowd-pleasing results every time.
