If you want a holiday candy that looks impressive but takes minutes, these Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles are your new go-to. Buttery pecans, chewy caramel, and silky chocolate come together in the sweetest little bite, finished with a sparkle of flaky salt.
Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles
Equipment
- 2 Sheet pan
- 1 Parchment Paper for lining pans
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Heatproof bowl
- 1 Microwave (optional) for melting chocolate
- 1 Double boiler (optional) alternative to microwave
Ingredients
Turtles
- 2 cups pecan halves lightly toasted
- 24 soft caramel candies about 24 to 30; or substitute 10 oz caramel bits
- 2 tbsp heavy cream use as needed to loosen caramel
- 12 oz chocolate chips or melting wafers milk or semisweet
- 1 tsp coconut oil optional, for shinier chocolate
- Flaky sea salt to finish
Instructions
Prep the pans and toast the pecans
- Line 2 sheet pans with parchment. Heat oven to 300°F. Spread pecan halves on a pan and toast 8–10 minutes until fragrant; cool. (Toasting is optional but adds great flavor.)
Build your pecan clusters
- Arrange pecans in small clusters of 3 on the parchment, forming a little star with tips pointing out. You should have 24 to 30 clusters.
Melt the caramel gently
- In a small saucepan over very low heat, combine caramels and 1 tablespoon cream. Stir until smooth and pourable, 3–5 minutes. Add the second tablespoon only if needed. Alternatively, microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between each.
Top clusters with caramel
- Working quickly, spoon about 1 teaspoon caramel over each pecan cluster, letting it drip to glue the pecans together. If the caramel thickens, warm briefly to loosen.
Let the caramel set
- Refrigerate the pan for 10 minutes so the caramel firms slightly.
Melt the chocolate
- Add chocolate and coconut oil to a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth; or melt over a double boiler with the water at a bare simmer.
Finish with chocolate and salt
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon chocolate over each cluster, nudging to cover the caramel. Tap the pan gently to smooth the tops. Sprinkle with flaky salt or toppings of choice.
Set, serve, and gift
- Chill 10–15 minutes until set. Peel off the parchment and package for gifting or serve on a dessert tray. Store at room temperature up to 2 weeks, refrigerate 3–4 weeks, or freeze up to 3 months.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles
- Fast and foolproof holiday candy with simple supermarket ingredients.
- No special equipment and minimal cleanup thanks to parchment paper.
- Perfect for gifting, cookie trays, and last-minute dessert cravings.
- Customizable with your favorite chocolate and fun toppings.
- Crunchy, gooey, salty-sweet perfection in every bite.
Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles Ingredients & Substitutions
- 2 cups pecan halves, lightly toasted. Sub: walnuts, almonds, or a mix. Toasting deepens flavor.
- 24 to 30 soft caramel candies or 10 oz caramel bits. Sub: homemade soft caramel sauce that sets firm, or dulce de leche for a thicker, chewier turtle.
- 1 to 2 tbsp heavy cream to loosen caramels as they melt. Sub: half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- 12 oz chocolate chips or melting wafers, milk or semisweet. Sub: dark chocolate, white chocolate, or a mix.
- 1 tsp coconut oil or neutral oil, optional for shinier chocolate if not tempering.
- Flaky sea salt, to finish. Sub: crushed peppermint, festive sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa.
- Parchment paper and two sheet pans for easy release and quick setting.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles
Prep the pans and toast the pecans
Line 2 sheet pans with parchment. Heat oven to 300°F. Spread pecan halves on a pan and toast 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant, then cool. Toasting is optional but adds incredible flavor.
Build your pecan clusters
Arrange pecans in small clusters of 3 on the parchment, forming a little star with tips pointing out. You should have 24 to 30 clusters.
Melt the caramel gently
In a small saucepan over very low heat, combine caramels and 1 tablespoon cream. Stir until smooth and pourable, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the second tablespoon of cream only if needed for a soft, spoonable consistency. Alternatively, microwave in 20 to 30 second bursts, stirring between each.
Top clusters with caramel
Working quickly, spoon about 1 teaspoon caramel over each pecan cluster, letting it drip to glue the pecans together. If caramel thickens, warm briefly to loosen.
Let the caramel set
Transfer the pan to the fridge for 10 minutes so the caramel firms slightly. This helps the chocolate coat neatly.
Melt the chocolate
Add chocolate and coconut oil to a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 20 second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Or melt over a double boiler, keeping water at a bare simmer to avoid seizing.
Finish with chocolate and salt
Spoon about 1 tablespoon chocolate over each cluster, nudging to cover caramel. Tap the pan gently to smooth the tops. Sprinkle with flaky salt or toppings of choice.
Set, serve, and gift
Chill 10 to 15 minutes until set. Peel off parchment and package for gifting or serve on a holiday dessert tray. Store as directed below.
Tips for Success
- Low heat is key. Melt caramel and chocolate gently to avoid scorching or seizing.
- Keep things cool. If your kitchen is warm, chill the sheet pan for 5 minutes before adding caramel.
- Uniform size. Use a teaspoon for caramel and a tablespoon for chocolate so turtles look consistent.
- Shine without tempering. A little coconut oil makes melted chocolate glossier.
- Prevent sticking. Parchment or a silicone mat ensures turtles release cleanly.
Variations of Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles
- Peppermint White Chocolate: Use white chocolate and finish with crushed candy canes.
- Dark Chocolate Espresso: Stir a pinch of instant espresso into the melted chocolate and top with flaky salt.
- Pretzel Turtles: Place a mini pretzel under each cluster for extra crunch and a sweet-salty vibe.
- Bourbon Vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla or a splash of bourbon to the caramel once melted.
- Turtle Bark: Make one big slab, then break into pieces for a rustic look.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles
- Hot cocoa, spiced chai, or fresh coffee for a cozy moment.
- A festive dessert board with clementines, dried cherries, and sharp cheddar.
- Vanilla ice cream sundaes topped with chopped turtles and warm caramel sauce.
- Holiday cookie exchange platters for a beautiful mix of textures and flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot up to 2 weeks. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerator: Keeps 3 to 4 weeks. Bring to room temp before serving for the best texture.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Wrap well, then place in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temp.
- If too firm: Let sit at room temp 10 to 15 minutes or microwave a single turtle for 5 seconds to soften slightly.
Memories Made Around the Table
My grandmother kept a tin of pecan turtles beside the tree, and we would sneak one after dinner while the lights twinkled. I still hear that little crinkle of parchment when I open a fresh batch, and it feels like Christmas all over again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Yes. Use a soft caramel that sets firm at room temperature. If your caramel is very loose, cook it a touch longer or chill briefly after spooning onto pecans.
How do I prevent the caramel from spreading?
Work on a cool pan, chill the clusters briefly after adding caramel, and aim for a thicker caramel consistency. Spoon quickly and in small amounts.
Why did my chocolate turn dull or streaky?
That is chocolate bloom from temperature shocks. Melt gently, avoid moisture, and let turtles set in a cool room or briefly in the fridge. For ultimate shine, temper the chocolate.
Are pecan turtles gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your caramels and chocolate are certified gluten-free. Skip the pretzel variation or use gluten-free pretzels.
Can I make these entirely in the microwave?
Absolutely. Melt caramel with cream in short bursts, stirring often, and do the same for chocolate. Keep the power low and watch closely.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Christmas Pecan Turtles deliver classic holiday cheer with barely any effort. Make a batch for gifting, stash a few for yourself, and watch them disappear from the dessert tray.