Ultimate Turtle Cookies

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2 -Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 3 -In a bowl, add the chocolate chips, the pecans, and the caramel pieces and stir to combine.

Step 4 -Reserve 1/2 cup of the caramel mixture.

Step 5 -In a small bowl, add the flour, the cocoa powder, the salt, and the baking soda and whisk to combine.

Step 6 -In a mixing bowl, add the butter, the brown sugar, and the granulated sugar and beat until fluffy, about 1 minute.

Step 7 -Add the egg and the vanilla to the butter mixture and beat to combine.

Step 8 -Add the flour mixture and the remaining caramel mixture to the butter mixture and mix with a spatula just until everything is combined into a dough.

Step 9 -Using a cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls.

Step 10 -Press the reserved caramel mixture into the outside of the dough balls.

Step 11 -Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet about 3 inches apart.

Step 12 -Bake until the edges are browned but the centers are still just under-baked, about 10-14 minutes.

Step 13 -Allow the cookies to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 14 -Serve.