Last Updated on October 27, 2025 by DIYbunker Team
If you’re looking for an easy, festive treat that’s guaranteed to disappear fast, these Holiday Turtles are it! Made with buttery pecans, creamy caramel, and smooth milk chocolate, they’re the perfect bite-sized indulgence for gifting, cookie trays, or cozy nights by the tree. The red and green M&M’s add a cheerful pop of color that makes them look just as good as they taste.
This simple recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on time. Each bite delivers that classic sweet-and-salty crunch everyone loves, dressed up for the holiday season.
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Yield: 15-20 turtles
Ingredients
- ½ lb. halved pecans
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
- 20 ounce bag caramel squares
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Red & Green M&M’s
Directions
- Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange 5 pecan halves for each turtle: one for the head and four for the legs, forming a turtle shape on the parchment paper.
- Unwrap the caramel squares and place them in a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan/pot.
- Add heavy cream and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until caramel is fully melted and smooth or stirring constantly over the stove until melted.
- Spoon melted caramel over the center of each set of pecans, ensuring it covers where the pecans meet. Let it set for a few minutes.
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Spoon or drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel layer, covering it completely.
- Place red and green M&M’s around the chocolate center, pressing them lightly to create a festive border resembling the turtle shell.
- Allow the turtles to cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate is firm before serving.
Holiday Turtles
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 15–20 turtles 1x
Description
If you’re looking for an easy, festive treat that’s guaranteed to disappear fast, these Holiday Turtles are it! Made with buttery pecans, creamy caramel, and smooth milk chocolate, they’re the perfect bite-sized indulgence for gifting, cookie trays, or cozy nights by the tree.
Ingredients
- ½ lb. halved pecans
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
- 20 ounce bag caramel squares
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Red & Green M&M’s
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange 5 pecan halves for each turtle: one for the head and four for the legs, forming a turtle shape on the parchment paper.
- Unwrap the caramel squares and place them in a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan/pot.
- Add heavy cream and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until caramel is fully melted and smooth or stirring constantly over the stove until melted.
- Spoon melted caramel over the center of each set of pecans, ensuring it covers where the pecans meet. Let it set for a few minutes.
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Spoon or drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel layer, covering it completely.
- Place red and green M&M’s around the chocolate center, pressing them lightly to create a festive border resembling the turtle shell.
- Allow the turtles to cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate is firm before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
