Pecan Turtles

Total Time

Prep: 1-1/4 hours + chilling

Makes

about 6 dozen

Updated: Oct. 16, 2022
I made these "turtle-like" concoctions one Christmas for a sweets exchange. My dad saw them on the counter waiting to be boxed up and couldn't believe I made them. He said they looked like they came from a candy shop. That's the best compliment I've ever received. -Carrie Burke Conway, Massachusetts

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon plus 1 cup butter, divided
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 2-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-1/2 pounds pecan halves, toasted
  • 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 4 teaspoons shortening

Directions

  1. Line baking sheets with waxed paper; lightly coat with cooking spray and set aside. Butter the sides of a heavy saucepan with 1 teaspoon butter. Cube remaining butter; place in pan. Add the corn syrup, brown sugar and salt. Cook and stir until sugar is melted.
  2. Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reads 248° (firm-ball stage), about 16 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Gently stir in pecans. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets. Refrigerate until firm, about 12 minutes.
  3. In a microwave, melt chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over clusters. Chill until firm. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

2 candies: 328 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.