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

These classic turtle candies are a perfect combination of crunchy toasted pecans, chewy caramel, and smooth melted chocolate. They are simple to make and create a delightful homemade treat that’s perfect for sharing or indulging in. Whether you’re gifting them to friends and family or treating yourself, these turtle candies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• Soft Caramels (store-bought or homemade) – 12 ounces
• Pecan Halves – 6 ounces
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate (chips or bars) – 8 ounces

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. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-toasting.
   • Once toasted, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely before assembling the candies.
2. Melt the Caramels:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the soft caramels in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
   • Alternatively, you can melt the caramels in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent them from burning.
3. Assemble the Turtles:
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the candies from sticking.
   • Arrange the toasted pecans in clusters of 3-4 pecans, forming a shape that resembles a turtle’s legs and head.
   • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the melted caramel over each pecan cluster, allowing the caramel to drape over the pecans.
   • Let the caramel set for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature or until it firms up.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth.
   • Alternatively, use a double boiler to melt the chocolate over simmering water, ensuring it doesn’t come into contact with water.
5. Coat with Chocolate:
   • Once the caramel has set, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the melted chocolate over each pecan-caramel cluster, ensuring the caramel is completely covered with chocolate.
   • Use the back of the spoon to spread the chocolate evenly and create a smooth coating.
   • Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for about 1 hour, or you can speed up the process by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
6. Serve and Store:
   • Once the chocolate has 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. For a longer shelf life, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

These candies are sure to become a favorite treat in your household. They’re easy to make, yet offer the perfect balance of flavors with the richness of the chocolate, the sweetness of the caramel, and the crunch of the pecans. Perfect for any occasion, these turtle candies will always be a hit!