Skip to Content

Homemade Chocolate Turtles

Have you ever made Homemade Chocolate Turtles? Because they are easier than you would think! So you should!

 

Main image for Homemade Chocolate Turtles Recipe. Turtles in a bowl spilling out onto table.

 

This easy recipe is as good as anything you’d find in a candy shop!

With creamy caramel, sweet chocolate, and crunchy pecans, they’re a yummy combo you’ll love!

Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends!

These homemade turtles are quick and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Score!

The combo of chewy caramel, rich chocolate, and crunchy pecans? Totally irresistible!

They’re perfect for holiday treats, homemade gifts, or just a sweet snack. So good!

You can customize them with different nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt too!

And they are a fun and simple way to make homemade turtle candy!

 

All ingredients laid out on counter.

 

What Are Homemade Chocolate Turtles?

Homemade Chocolate Turtles are a delicious candy! 

If you haven’t had them before, then you need to stop everything and make these right now!

They are made with butter snap pretzel squares, Rolos, and whole pecans.

They are inspired by traditional turtle candies which combine caramel, chocolate, and pecans.

But there are SO many turtle recipes out there!

Dark Chocolate Turtles, White Chocolate Turtles, and Pecan Clusters just to name a few.

All delicious! All wonderful! If you like chocolate and caramel then you’ll probably love them all!

 

square pretzels laid out on a baking sheet.

 

What Ingredients Are in Homemade Chocolate Turtles?

These pecan turtles are the best chocolate turtles and only use 3 ingredients!

Here’s what you’ll need to grab from your local grocery store:

  • Butter Snap Pretzel Squares: The base for the turtles, adding a salty crunch.
  • Rolos: Provide the gooey caramel and rich chocolate.
  • Whole Pecans: Add a nutty crunch to each turtle.

Pro Tip: Use parchment paper on your baking sheet to make cleanup easier.

 

A single rolo placed on top of each pretzel square

 

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Turtles?

This homemade chocolate turtles recipe is perfect for the holiday season!

The whole printable recipe card is below but here’s what you need to know:

  1. Spread pretzel squares on cookie sheet.
  2. Place one Rolo in the center of each pretzel and bake.
  3. Remove from the oven and immediately press a whole pecan onto each Rolo.
  4. Chill in the fridge or let them sit out until cool and dry.
  5. And don’t forget to eat them up! Like you could… YUM!

Pro Tip: For best results, press the pecans gently but firmly to make sure they stick to the melted Rolo.

 

A pecan pressed into the center of each warm rolo on pretzel.

 

How Long Do Homemade Chocolate Turtles Last?

This homemade turtles recipe can last up to a week.

Actually… I’m not sure you can resist eating them for a whole week!

Maybe you have a lot more willpower than I do!

If you do… you can eat them for up to a week!

If not… well… I won’t tell you how many I ate in one single night.

 

zoomed in image of Rolo Turtles on baking sheet

 

How to Store Homemade Chocolate Turtles?

Store chocolate turtle candy in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Then you can keep them at room temperature for up to a week.

You can also store them in the fridge if you prefer them chilled.

I like the texture better on the counter but you do what works for you.

 

side view of turtles in a bowl with them spilling out of it.

 

Can You Freeze Homemade Chocolate Turtles?

Yes, you can freeze these caramel turtles!

Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

They can be frozen for up to 3 months!

So make them in October and enjoy them the whole holiday season!

Can I Use Other Nuts in Homemade Chocolate Turtles?

Yes, you can use other nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts.

Technically you could even leave the nuts out if you wanted to.

Maybe try adding pecans to some and another kind of nut to the others.

Feel free to experiment with different nuts to find your favorite combo.

Milk chocolate turtles can really be enjoyed any way you want them to!

 

zoomed out top view of turtles in a bowl and spilling out of the bowl.

 

Are Homemade Chocolate Turtles Healthy?

This delicious chocolate is a sweet treat and should be enjoyed in moderation.

That’s a note for myself really. Moderation!

They’ve got sugar and chocolate. Which is SO yummy!

But definitely more of an indulgence than a health food.

Are Homemade Chocolate Turtles Gluten Free?

The pretzel squares used in this turtle recipe have gluten in them.

But that’s actually a pretty simple fix!

To make gluten-free turtles, use gluten-free pretzel squares.

You should be able to find those at most stores.

Always check the labels on your ingredients though.

If you need it to be gluten-free, it never hurts to double check.

 

zoomed in image of turtles spread out on counter.

 

What to Serve with Homemade Chocolate Turtles?

Serve this holiday candy as part of a dessert platter! Seriously the best idea!

Here are some other homemade candies and holiday treats you should definitely try them with:

 

zoomed in image of 3 turtle candies stacked up on top of each other.

 

Homemade Chocolate Turtles are a delicious and easy-to-make candy that’s perfect for any occasion.

With their rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans, they make great chocolate gifts!

Make a batch and have an easy Christmas fun treat or just enjoy them alone! Yum!

 

Yield: 30 Turtles

Simple Homemade Turtles

zoomed in image of turtles spread out on counter.

These Homemade Chocolate Turtles are made with pretzel squares, Rolos, and pecans. They’re a perfect sweet treat for any occasion and are sure to impress!

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200* F
  2. While oven is heating, spread pretzels out on a jelly roll cookie sheet (one with edges).
  3. Place one unwrapped Rolo in the center of each pretzel.
  4. Put pan into oven and bake for 3 minutes.
  5. Remove from oven and immediately squish pecan onto rolo.
  6. Pop into fridge for quick chill OR allow to sit out until cool and dry.
  7. Resist the urge to eat them all!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

15

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 17Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 30mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Originally published: March 26, 2014

Photos updated: September 11, 2017

Sharing is caring!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Connie Johnson

Sunday 5th of May 2024

Rolos are now MUCH smaller. Any ideas how to make the turtles now? Should I just put two Rolos on the pretzel? Would that work?

Connie Johnson

Wednesday 22nd of November 2017

I made these this morning. Of course I HAD to taste them. They are yummy! Thank you.

Janelle

Wednesday 22nd of November 2017

Thank you so much for your comment Connie! I'm so glad you liked them! Simple treats like these are always a winner!

Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch

Wednesday 26th of March 2014

Love these! Who can ever pass on rolos and pretzels! Yum!

Michelle

Wednesday 26th of March 2014

These were addictive! I loved them. The sweet/salty combo is perfect.

Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads

Wednesday 26th of March 2014

LOVE these!!!! I could devour the whole plate of them! :)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Skip to Recipe