The holiday season is all about celebrating traditions, but it’s also a great time to try new treats that bring joy to your family and friends. Enter Holiday Turtles: an irresistibly easy, adorable, and festive take on the classic turtle candy. They’re sweet, nutty, and oh-so-satisfying to make (and eat!).

These little goodies combine crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and creamy milk chocolate, all dressed up with red and green M&M’s for that perfect holiday flair. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a fun activity to do with the kids, these turtles check all the boxes.

How to Make Holiday Turtles

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe

½ lb. halved pecans
1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
20-ounce bag caramel squares
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Red & green M&M’s

Step by Step Guide

1. Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Arrange 5 pecan halves per turtle on the parchment paper—1 for the head and 4 for the legs. It’s a fun, whimsical setup that kids especially enjoy helping with!

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!

Holiday Turtles are the perfect mix of playful and delicious. They’re a hit with kids for their cute design and with adults for their classic flavor combination. Whether you’re adding them to a dessert tray, gifting them to loved ones, or sneaking a few for yourself (no judgment!), these festive candies are sure to spread holiday cheer.

Grab your pecans, caramel, and chocolate, and let’s make this holiday season a little sweeter—one turtle at a time!

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. It’s a fun, whimsical setup that kids especially enjoy helping with!
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!