Pecan Turtle Candy

Rich and buttery, these homemade turtles will win over any heart so you may want to consider making them for your special Valentine this (and every) year!

Every time I make these Winning Chocolate Caramel Pecan Turtle Candy, I plan on sharing the recipe but never have. It’s not like I’ve been trying to keep them a secret or anything, it’s just that I’ve been very tortoise-like with getting it done.

Today I’ll cross the finish line in regards to sharing the recipe with you. Trust me when I tell you that they’ll leave all other homemade candy in the dust! Well, maybe that’s a little strong, but I was trying to make a tortoise and the hare reference here (in case you couldn’t tell). Ha Ha!

WINNING TURTLES      {PRINT THIS RECIPE}
makes about 30-32 candies

1 cup butter (I use salted)
1 cup light corn syrup
2 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
candy thermometer
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 pounds of pecans
1 package of chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)
2 tablespoons of shortening

-Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake them in a 350-degree oven for approximately 10 minutes, being careful not to burn them. (The toasting of the nuts will bring out more of their flavor). Set aside to cool.
-Meanwhile, in a large heavy stockpot, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
-Add the corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until all the sugar has dissolved.
-Gradually add in the sweetened condensed milk and cook and stir over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
-Continue boiling the mixture, stirring frequently.  Be patient as you’ll be boiling and stirring for quite a while (approximately 15-18 minutes).
-Using a candy thermometer, boil and stir until the mixture reads 248 degrees (firm ball stage).
-Turn off the heat and stir in the pecans and vanilla extract until well combined.
-Drop tablespoon measurements of the caramel nut mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2″ apart.
-Place them in the refrigerator to set until firm.
-Melt the chocolate and the shortening together in the microwave-safe bowl on half power, in 30-second intervals, stirring until the chocolate is smooth and melted.
-Using a teaspoon dollop each turtle with chocolate (or you can drizzle chocolate over top using a piping bag or fork) and return the turtles back to the fridge to firm before serving.