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Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles

Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles – Irresistibly Sweet Holiday Treats

Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles are delightful, simple holiday treats that combine buttery caramel, toasted pecans, and rich chocolate.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: candy, dessert, Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles, holiday treats, homemade gifts
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 turtles
Calories: 150kcal

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • microwave-safe bowl
  • Candy thermometer
  • Cookie scoop

Ingredients

For the Turtles

  • 1 cup Pecans Almonds can be a tasty alternative.
  • ½ cup Unsalted Butter Opt for unsalted for a balanced taste.
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Be sure to use this for a sweet depth.
  • ½ cup Granulated Sugar Essential for the sweetness.
  • ½ cup Light Corn Syrup Substitute with maple syrup if desired.
  • 14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk Key for a luscious texture.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Skip substitutions to maintain integrity.
  • 8 oz Chopped Chocolate Semi-sweet or dark chocolate is ideal.

For Storage

  • 1 container Airtight Container Keep at room temperature for up to a week.
  • 1 container Refrigerator Extend freshness to two weeks.
  • 1 container Freezer Enjoy them for up to three months.

Instructions

How to Make Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter. Add in both sugars, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth.
  • Microwave the mixture on high for about 6 minutes, stopping halfway to stir. Look for vigorous bubbling, reaching a soft-ball stage at 240°F. Stir in vanilla.
  • Fold the toasted pecans into the caramel mixture. Allow it to cool slightly, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Chop your chocolate and melt it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until smooth.
  • Once cool, use a cookie scoop to portion the pecan-caramel mixture. Dip each portion into melted chocolate and place on wax paper.
  • Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has fully set.

Notes

These turtles are perfect for gifting and can be customized with different nuts or chocolate types.

Nutrition

Serving: 1turtle | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.5mg