Description
Vanilla Wafer Turtle Cookies are little bites of heaven with gooey caramel, rich milk chocolate, crunchy pecans, and sweet vanilla wafers. These easy sandwich cookies require no baking skills and come together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for gift-giving, cookie exchanges, or anytime you need a show-stopping treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box (11 ounce) Nilla Wafers (you’ll need about 40 cookies).
- 1 bag (11 ounce) Rolos caramel candies (about 20 pieces).
- 1 bag (8 ounce) milk chocolate chips.
- 1/2 cup pecans chopped.
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup SO much easier! Lay out half of your Nilla Wafers on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Unwrap those Rolos (this is a great job for little helpers!) and place one candy right in the center of each cookie. Try to get them centered so your sandwiches will be even.
Pop the baking sheet in the oven for about 5 minutes. You want the Rolos soft and squishy, but NOT melted into a puddle! Watch them closely – they can go from perfect to too melted really fast.
Remove from the oven and immediately press another Nilla Wafer on top of each Rolo to create sandwiches. Press down gently but firmly – you want the caramel to spread to the edges without smooshing out the sides. Let them cool completely.
Put your chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl with the coconut oil. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring between each one, until completely melted and smooth. Don’t rush this – slow and steady prevents the chocolate from seizing up!
Working with one cookie sandwich at a time, dip it completely in the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Place on wax paper and immediately sprinkle with chopped pecans before the chocolate sets. Repeat with all the cookies!
Let the chocolate harden completely at room temperature, or speed things up by popping them in the fridge or freezer for about 15 minutes. Once set, they’re ready to devour!
Notes
Watch Rolos carefully – they should be soft but not melted into a puddle.
Work quickly when pressing top cookies on as caramel firms up as it cools.
Add coconut oil to chocolate for smooth consistency and glossy finish. If chocolate gets too thick while dipping, microwave for 10 seconds to thin it out. Use a fork or candy dipping tool for easier, neater dipping.
Add flaky sea salt with pecans for sweet and salty twist. Can make cookie sandwiches 2 days ahead before dipping in chocolate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American