Butter Pecan Turtle Cookies

This recipe is great for an afternoon sweet treat, dessert, or whenever you feel like you need a pick-me-up!

Crust ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

½ cup butter, softened

Caramel layer ingredients:

2/3 cup butter

½ cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup whole pecan halves (not chopped)

1 cup either milk or dark chocolate chips depending on your taste (Sometimes I use more than 1 cup)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a bowl combine crust ingredients.  Mix at medium speed, scraping sides of bowl often, 2-3 minutes or until well mixed and particles are fine.  Pat firmly into ungreased 13x9x2 pan. Sprinkle pecans evenly over unbaked crust.

Prepare the Caramel Layer:

In heavy 1 quart saucepan combine brown sugar and butter.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the entire surface of mixture begins to boil.  Boil ½ to 1 minute, stirring constantly. Pour caramel layer evenly over pecans and crust and bake in 350 degree oven for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with chips. Allow chips to melt slightly (2-3 minutes). Slightly swirl chips as they melt; leave some whole for a marbled effect.  Do not spread chips.

Cool completely cut and cut into 3 – 4 dozen square-shaped bars.

Additional Comments:

This recipe is great for a family dessert! Although this recipe has nuts, they can be easily substituted with pretzels. It might take some time to make, but it is well worth it!