type: shaped

makes: 32

 

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 to 3 cups pecan halves
8 vanilla caramels, each cut into fourths

Preheat oven to 350F.

Cream brown sugar, butter, 2 tablespoons of water, and vanilla until fluffy.

Stir in flour and salt until dough holds together.  If dough is dry, add 1 to 2 teaspoons water, as necessary.

For each cookie, shape a spoonful of dough around a piece of caramel.  Press it onto 4-5 pecans (to resemble head and limbs).

Place it on an ungreased baking sheet.

Repeat with remaining dough placing turtles 2 inches apart on baking sheet.

Bake 12-15 minutes, or until dough is set but not brown.

Carefully transfer cookies to a rack to cool.

Make the glaze by beating powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon of water, melted chocolate, and vanilla until smooth.  If necessary stir in more water until desired consistency is reached.

Dip tops of cooled cookies into glaze.