Turtle Cookies

Wow! Wow, wow, wow!! Such a yummy, decadent cookie... I was super excited to try this cookie and boy was it worth it. They were super delicious and I loved how easy they were to make. I mixed up the batch during morning naps and then baked them up during afternoon naps... I love being home during the day! :) These are definitely on my make again list! :)

Turtle Cookies
(recipe found on pinterest via www.thekitchenismyplayground.com)

Cookie:
1 cup flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg, separated
1 egg white
2 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped

Caramel Filling:
14 caramels, unwrapped
3 tablespoons heavy cream, use more as needed to get a pourable consistency

Chocolate Drizzle:
2 ounces semi sweet chocolate
1 teaspoon shortening

Combine flour, cocoa and salt, set aside. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg yolk, milk and vanilla and mix until combined. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture. Beat just until all ingredients are combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Whisk egg whites until frothy. Place pecans in another bowl. Roll dough into 1" balls, dip in egg whites and roll in pecans. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Using 1/2 teaspoon press press down on center of ball and create an indent. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until set.

To make caramel filling, combine caramels and heavy cream in microwavable bowl. Microwave 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until smooth. When removing cookies from oven press down again with 1/2 teaspoon. Fill in indentations with caramel and allow to cool on pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and finish cooling on wire rack.

If desired, melt chocolate and shortening together and drizzle over the top of cookies.