“I’ve now been making these for 30 years. My mom made them for 20 years before me.”

These classic turtle candies combine crunchy toasted pecans, chewy caramel, and smooth melted chocolate for a delightful homemade treat. Perfect for gifts or a sweet indulgence.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pecans:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet in a single layer.
   • Toast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
   • Let them cool completely.
2. Melt the Caramels:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the soft caramels in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
   • Alternatively, melt the caramels in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
3. Assemble the Turtles:
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
   • Arrange the toasted pecans in clusters of 3-4 pecans, resembling a turtle’s legs and head.
   • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the melted caramel over each pecan cluster.
   • Allow the caramel to set for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
   • Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water.
5. Coat with Chocolate:
   • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate over each caramel-pecan cluster, ensuring the caramel is covered.
   • Use the back of the spoon to spread the chocolate evenly.
   • Let the chocolate set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to speed up the process.
6. Serve and Store:
   • Once the chocolate is set, your homemade turtle candies are ready to enjoy!
   • Store the turtle candies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.