Chocolate Pecan Holiday Turtles
These Chocolate Pecan Holiday Turtles are an easy Christmas treat idea that is ready in just 30 minutes. Made with just 5 ingredients, and are the best sweet treats for gifting, classroom treats, and a homemade activity for kids.
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Made with crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and creamy milk chocolate, all dressed up with red and green M&M’s for Christmas-themed treats.
You may also want to try my Pecan Snowball Cookies or my Crunchy Pecan Rolo Pretzels.
How to Make Holiday Turtles
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange 5 pecan halves per turtle on the parchment paper—1 for the head and 4 for the legs.
3. Unwrap the caramel squares and place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
4. Add the heavy cream and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramel is melted and smooth. (You can also melt the caramel on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly.)
5. Spoon a dollop of melted caramel over the center of each pecan cluster, making sure it covers the area where the pecans meet. Let it set for a few minutes to firm up.
6. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until silky smooth.
7. Spoon or drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel layer, ensuring it’s fully covered. This acts as the “shell” for your turtle candy.
8. Press red and green M&M’s lightly into the chocolate, creating a festive border around the turtle “shell.”
9. Allow the turtles to cool completely at room temperature or pop them in the fridge until the chocolate hardens. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy!
Serve and Enjoy!
Important Recipe Notes
- Make sure your pecans are fresh and halved evenly for a neat turtle shape.
- If your caramel is too stiff, add a little more heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, to make it smooth and easy to pour.
- When melting chocolate or caramel in the microwave, go slowly in 30-second intervals to prevent burning.
- Make sure the caramel sets slightly before adding the chocolate—this keeps the layers distinct and prevents them from running together.
- For a cleaner look, use a spoon or small piping bag to drizzle the chocolate over the caramel.
- Press M&M’s gently into the chocolate—don’t push too hard or they may sink into the caramel layer.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge if your kitchen is warm.
Holiday Turtles
Ingredients
- ½ lb. halved pecans
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
- 20-ounce bag caramel squares
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Red & green M&M’s
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Arrange 5 pecan halves per turtle on the parchment paper—1 for the head and 4 for the legs.
- Unwrap the caramel squares and place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add the heavy cream and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramel is melted and smooth. (You can also melt the caramel on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly.)
- Spoon a dollop of melted caramel over the center of each pecan cluster, making sure it covers the area where the pecans meet. Let it set for a few minutes to firm up.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the milk chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until silky smooth.
- Spoon or drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel layer, ensuring it’s fully covered. This acts as the “shell” for your turtle candy.
- Press red and green M&M’s lightly into the chocolate, creating a festive border around the turtle “shell.”
- Allow the turtles to cool completely at room temperature or pop them in the fridge until the chocolate hardens. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy!
Check Out More Christmas Recipe Ideas!
Charming Christmas Ornament Oreos
