Turtle Cookies
Cookie batter:
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. cocoa powder
1/8 tsp. salt
8 T. butter, softened
2/3 c. sugar
1 egg yolk
2 T. milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Combine flour, cocoa, and salt; set aside. With an electric mixer beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk, milk, and vanilla. Reduce mixer to a low speed and add flour mixture until just combined. Cover the dough and refrigerate until firm.
Coating:
2 egg whites
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Whisk egg whites until frothy. Place chopped pecans in a separate bowl. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, dip half the ball in egg whites, and then roll that half in pecans. Place balls about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet. Using a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon, make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. Bake at 350 degrees until set, about 12 minutes.
Caramel Filling:
10 caramel candies
2 T. whipping cream
Microwave caramels and cream together in a small bowl, stirring occasionally, until smooth, about 1 minute. Once cookies are removed from the oven, re-press the indentations. Fill each indentation with 1/2 teaspoon of the caramel mixture.
Chocolate Drizzle (optional):
1/4 cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
1 Ziploc bag
Place chocolate chips in a small Ziploc bag. Set the bag in a bowl of warm water to soften. Gently knead the chocolate with your fingers until melted and smooth, placing back in the warm water for a minute or two as needed. Snip a very small hole in the corner of the plastic bag. Drizzle chocolate over the cooled Turtle Cookies.