Chocolate Turtle Cookies 

by Heather of Kitchen Concoctions: www.kitchen-concoctions.com

Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Makes approximately 2 dozen cookies

3/4 cup butter, softened  

2/3 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

2/3 cup caramel bits

2/3 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line sheet pans with a splat mat or parchment paper.

Cream together the butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Blend in eggs and vanilla. Stir together the flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda in a small bowl. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, a little at a time, and mix well. Stir in the chocolate chips, caramel bits and pecans.

Drop dough by heaping tablespoons onto prepared sheet pans, about 3 inches apart. Bake in 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes.

NOTE: These cookies are best warm. After the cookies cool, they are still delicious but the caramel bits will become chewy. The dough is can be frozen as individual cookies and baked later. Bake frozen in 350 degree preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.