Rolo TURTLES. (Not the bastard holiday M&M kind)

15 December 2008
I make these Rolo Turtle Candies every year, usually multiple times, but always at Christmas. They're a huge favorite with our peeps and they are SUPER easy to make. There is also a bastardized version made with a holiday m&m, but if I ditched the pecans, I'd have an angry mob on my hands.  Don't let anyone talk you into making those.

Without further ado, here is the recipe:

1. Put the pretzels on a baking sheet, you can line with parchment if you want, but I don't find it necessary.

The key here is to put them pretty evenly spaced in rows, it will make the pecan step MUCH easier. You can use the circle pretzels, or the small twisty ones, but I prefer the square shaped that they call Snaps, it gives an even surface to place the rest of the stuff and gives the perfect ratio of crunch to chocolate.

How to Make Rolo Turtle Candies

2. Then you will place one Rolo candy on each pretzel.

How to Make Rolo Turtle Candies


3. Pop them in the oven at 350 {or slightly lower} for 4-5 minutes. They will look slightly shiny, but they will still look like a Rolo... in other words, they shouldn't melt all over the place.

4. Take them out of the oven {get a helper for this part if you are doing a lot of them} and place a pecan on top of each Rolo candy. Be careful not to burn yourself on the hot caramel or the sides of the baking sheet.

**There have been some fantastic reader comments about toasting the pecan first for a few minutes in the oven.  This is an excellent idea and the toasting adds a great flavor to the candies if you've got a few extra minutes, do it.

How to Make Rolo Turtle Candies

5. Then, gently push down squishing the Rolo. You do need a light touch on this part because if you squish them too much the Rolo gets everywhere and they're hard to remove from the pan when cooled.  I mean, they're still good to eat, but if you're gifting them, they don't look as pretty.


How to Make Rolo Turtle Candies

6. Let them cool at room temp, then pop them in the fridge or freezer to cool completely.  Wasn't this the hardest recipe you've ever encountered?

I store in the fridge to keep them longer, but remove them an hour or so before eating so the caramel softens up a bit. You can also store in a covered Tupperware container at room temp if you plan on eating them within a few days.



Oh, and one last thing, a REALLY helpful hint... Buy the Rolos at the checkout counter, not the bagged ones. I always forget and buy the bagged ones because we need so many of them, but then you spend more time unwrapping each individual one than you do for the whole rest of the recipe.  Or you can alternatively con your kids into unwrapping them, but then you'll likely be missing more than a couple.

Rolo Turtle Candies

Want another ridiculously easy and fancy little treat?  Make the Sea Salt Chocolate Covered Oreos!

98 comments:

Stacey said...

Oh wow those look so yummy!! I seriously must try those, maybe this weekend. I love rolos!

Emily said...

Mmmmmm....I don't think the bastardized M&Ms ones would be nearly as good as the pecan ones. I heart these things.

Amy said...

Whatevs, I love M&Ms!!!!

Amy said...

Thanks for the tip, made these yesterday. I had done them before with hersheys kisses and m&m's previously. After trying the rolos and pecans, I will never go back to those bastards.

Samantha said...

Just made these Saturday! They are one of my faves :) I must remember to get the square pretzels and the roll of rolos, though! Nice tips to make it easier...

belles♥mom said...

Um, I must say these are amazing but because of the kisses type fiasco I don't think we'll be tying these anytime soon!

Anonymous said...

I always make the m&m and hershey kisses kind but these look so much better. YUM!

Anonymous said...

I made 45 turtles tonight for my husbands potluck tomorrow. I hope they are a big hit like the coke cake I make. My husbands coworkers ask me to make for every event and potluck they have. hope it is a keeper. I and going to make 150 for thanksgiving between 3 familys I think they will be gone in no time. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Anonymous said...

I've never heard of this version, and because I love "Take 5" candybars, I know I'll love these! Thank you!
I've made the chocolate with M&Ms kind and they were a big hit so I'm excited to make yours next.
And thanks for the tips. Good point about the wrappers!
Sarah

Anonymous said...

Just one word.....DELISH!

Mrs. Pittman said...

Great idea for a different desert for Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

good call on using the ones from the checkout counter! i wouldn't have thought about having to unwrap all of them until it was time to do so. can't wait to make these!!

Cindy said...

I can't thank you enough for posting this recipe. Like many others, I found you on Pinterest. These treats are so great not only because they taste incredible and are highly addictive, but they are also ridiculously easy and make you look like a rock star in the kitchen. My son is a year old, and these will be a family tradition of ours for many Christmases to come. Thanks so much.

Heathahlee said...

Found you via Pinterest, too! I have a question, though. Last year I made these and after they had cooled the chocolate got this weird whitish look to it. Have you had this problem before? Maybe I baked them too long. They tasted fine...they just didn't look appetizing.

Michelle said...

That is odd. I wonder if you got an old batch of Rolos or if something else was going on. I've never heard of that happening!

Anonymous said...

Delicious!

Anonymous said...

Do you think you could use an almond or cashew instead of a pecan? Which would be better?

Anonymous said...

I'd say the chocolate turned white because it got too cold.

Anonymous said...

where can I find the square pretzels ive checked every where ..:(

Michelle said...

They are called snaps and I usually buy them at Costco. You can also buy them at the grocery store.

CageyCottage said...

The white on the chocolate is "bloom". It's just the cocoa butter separating. It happens when chocolate gets heated and then cooled improperly. The chocolate is still safe to eat.

Anonymous said...

Had these at a party last night, delicious! I think I'll toast my pecans for a little extra flavor!!

Michelle said...

Brilliant idea with the toasting!

Anonymous said...

Have you tried with milk duds? No unwrapping then.

Michelle said...

I haven't tried milk duds. The caramel in those is harder and it's got a chocolate 'coating' rather than chocolate that melts so I don't know how those would do. I might have to test them!

Lora said...

oh yes. I can do this. And I think I will!

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I got mine at the bulk barn.

Tommy said...

As one of the only guys in the office I was freaked out when we all had to bring in cookies. I brought these and they were a huge hit! People asked me for the recipe... which was hilarious ...

Anonymous said...

Try using the praline pecans. That was really good.

maddy125 said...

super easy to make, from start to finish for 64 of them... 10 minutes!!!

Anonymous said...

Should be "butter" snaps, not plain snaps. Trust me, they're 10x better.

Anonymous said...

LOVED THESE!!!

Anonymous said...

Just bought the bagged rolos and THEN read the recipe, will know next time!

Anonymous said...

FANTASTIC AND SUPER EASY!!

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

Okay where have you been all my life? I've made these a million times and I love your tip on buying the Rolos at the register. So simple and yet have I ever thought of it? No. So glad I found you and your blog :)

Jill said...

These are awesome

Anonymous said...

I just made these and its really hard to keep myself from popping them in my mouth!

Anonymous said...

I call these "crack on a preztel" so addictive and yummy!! Always a huge hit :)

Anonymous said...

I done these but I smashed mine down good where it would spread all in the pretezel and then dipped in choclate. Choclate covered turtles. Yum Yum

Anonymous said...

Use Parchment paper, no sticking!

Bryony said...

I can't wait to try these!
I posted about them on my blog :)
http://tounpathedwaterstoundreamedshores.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Tried these at a party this Christmas and they were wonderful could not stoo eating them

Anonymous said...

First had thesse at a baby shower, they were a big hit there and I've made them for several different occasions since. Always a very popular item.

Unknown said...

I found this on pinterest and I just gotta say this idea kicks serious arse. I am going to buy the stuff to make these today! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Found this on interest and I just tried them!!! Made them for my sister in law who just had surgery.....went perfectly in the little care basket we made....and the extras went over well with the hubby! Thanks!!

Alisha @ SnugasaBugBaby.com said...

I featured these in a round-up of 3 Ingredient Treats on my blog today. Thanks so much for sharing I am SO excited to try these!

http://www.snugasabugbaby.com/3-ingredient-treats/

-Alisha @ SnugasaBugBaby.com

Anonymous said...

I've made something similar using a Hersey Kiss and M&Ms. Also I have family members on a Gluten Free diet so sometimes I make them with GF pretzels for a GF sweet treat. If Rolos are GF then I've just found and new GF sweet treat. Thank you!!

AjBCreations said...

I just made these today and they are SOOO good! Thanks for sharing this! :)

Pam said...

These are amazing. You can not lose on these.thanks

Anonymous said...

These look amaze-balls! Can't wait to try them!

Anonymous said...

Making these now for a baby shower, they are super easy and so good!

Anonymous said...

These are in the oven right this second. But a question: do I really have to wait until they are completely cooled? Booo to that! :)

Anonymous said...

Love this with Rolos & also have used the mini Milky Way & Snickers too. Delish!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tip about buying rolled Rolos. I make these every year and unwrapping the bagged ones is a royal pain.

Anonymous said...


These are delicious. make them at holidays and everyone loves theml. I do buy the bag rolos but I sit and unwrap and put in a container and keep them in the ref. till I am ready to use. but the rolo ones are great too. for those who have not tryed these its a must DELICIOUS!

Anonymous said...

I have made these for two office parties with a slight variation- plain caramels instead of Rolos. Several of the ladies I work with either can't have chocolate or dislike it ..... I'm sure I'll get yelled at, but the flavor combo (to me) is better without the chocolate! The perfect balance of salt and sweet, crunch and chew!

Anonymous said...

I put the pecans on before they went in the oven so just had to push them down when they came out so much faster

Anonymous said...

My husband LOVES turtles. He is currently in Kuwait. It only takes about a week for him to get my packages. Do you think they would be ok if I shipped them in an air tight container?

Michelle said...

I think they would be fine for a week as long as the temps are mild right now. Make them and ship the same day, pack in an airtight container, maybe inside a Ziploc, then inside a plastic container? Let me know if it works!

Misty said...

Just made these tonight Love Love them!!!

Anonymous said...

These are fabulous, so easy to make! And I have to say, despite your note to not squish the rolo too hard and make a mess on the pan, all I had to do was run the pan under HOT water and it all melted away, clean-up was a breeze! Thanks for the recipe!!

Anonymous said...

I made these for friends and they were a huge hit. They couldn't get enough

Anonymous said...

they look great and if you are a real chocolate lover you could dip them into melted chocolate after they are cooled...

Anonymous said...

I hadn't heard of the pecans on top but will have to tri. Also when I made these I used rolos and then just put another pretzel on top and pushed them together. They are really good that way also.

Anonymous said...

I was given a batch of these as a gift and they are AMAZING! My husband and I had to ration ourselves to 2 a day so that we wouldn't eat them all in one night. The only thing different and that made them sooooo good, was candy-ing the pecans. Just put them in a saucepan with some sugar. Such an amazing addition to the recipe :)

Anonymous said...

now I am intrigued, coke cake ?

Anonymous said...

Can you heat these in the microwave instead of the oven?

Michelle said...

Maybe in the microwave, but only at 50% power. If you try it, let me know!

Holli Paugh said...

Wow made these today, so easy and fast! I put the pecans on top before I stuck them in the oven because I didn't have a helper. Quick, easy, and good! Thanks for posting this recipe!

Tracey W. said...

saw the comment to NOT buy the bagged ones "too late"...lol...oh well, I'll spend some time unwrapping!

Anonymous said...

Saw the tip to put pecans on before sticking them in the oven. Thanks! Saved me even more time!

Tracy D said...

Making these Saturday.My kids (8, 10, 12) are so excited, saw the tip about not buying the wrapped ones too late, but I have 3 nimble fingered helpers itching to help.

Anonymous said...

Made this today with my 4 yr. old grandaughter. Very easy, very yummy. She is so pleased with herself. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

GREAT, easy recipe! I made them last night for my office party today and they went super quick. Not to mention they are delicious. Thank you for sharing, its a new holiday staple for me!

Anonymous said...

These are delicious!!! Just had some.

Anonymous said...

I do the same thing! So much easier, convenient and cheaper that way.

michelle c said...

Made these last year for Christmas eve snacks. Everyone raved over them. This year I could only find Rollo minis. So I am going to try it with those. Good thing is they are not individually wrapped.

Anonymous said...

I've made these ones and ones with peanut butter m&m's the other day for Christmas. 5 minutes at 350 and the rolo's were completely melted.. way to long.. I must say, though the m&m ones tasted good, these ones are way way better

Anonymous said...

making these for a new years party..I think they' ll be a big hit...

Kristin said...

I 100% love these! so so so addictive! I made them for our ladies' Advent Night at church last month -- they were a hit! I blogged about it and linked back to this b/c I love the way you described it with photographs.
Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I've made these, But I used Caramel Hershey Kisses.....They were AWESOME!!!!

Mimi said...

My grandson wanted to buy some things at the store...he had made these with his step mom and he taught me how to make these. We had so much fun and they were great. We loved them! We used the little pretzels (round) but I think the square ones are an excellent idea.

Unknown said...

Your chocolate was previously frozen. The whitish film does not affect taste but does affect appearance and appeal.

Unknown said...

Hi could you give us the recipe for the coke cake or is a jealousy guarded family recipe? Pretty please my partner loves coke (the fizzy drink type of course). Thanks Maggie

Unknown said...

I was wondering of maybe we could use the new Rolo minis? No unwrapping, but would they be big enough?

Michelle said...

Hi Shannon! I think that the minis would be too small and probably wouldn't cover enough of the pretzel. Give it a shot though and let me know what you think!

Carol Call said...

The minis work gr8 with the square pretzels and they are unwrapped

Anonymous said...

I will be making these for Christmas!!

Anonymous said...

I buy the square pretzels callef waffle pretZels at dillons. The rolos at the counter may be easier but more expensive buying that way.

Jennie Mae said...

These look so easy and yummy, I don't know why I haven't tried to make them yet! Thank you for the recipe!

gstone said...

I make these every year around Thanksgiving and again at Christmas..my adult son loves them. I saw where one poster commented about the chocolate turning white...mine always does that and while they still taste delicious, I would not want to give them to anyone. I have tried putting them in the fridge and also letting them set up at room temp, it doesn't matter..after 2-3 days, the chocolate turns a whitish color. I use the big bags of Rollos and after they set up good, I always put them in a sealed container. Wish I had a fix for the problem.

Malinda said...

I've made these a lot and they come out right everytime. You really need to try. I bake mine on 200 for 10 min.

Anonymous said...

Love them......and MOST of the comments. Thanks.

Stephanie said...

I just made several batches of these and I have to say, there's not much difference in taste between the ones that I toasted the pecans beforehand and the non toasted pecans. BUT, if you roll the pecans in melted butter, then brown sugar, and then toast them, they make the end result sweeter and so yummy!!

Anonymous said...

I made a 'mistake' the first year I made these...I couldn't find any plain pecans, so I used the roasted/salted kind and they are actually better!

Anonymous said...

My engineer husband came up with a great idea! We put the pecans ontop of the rolos and then used another baking sheet to push them all down at the same time. Worked like a charm and saved a little bit of time and any burned fingers. Just thought I'd pass in the tip :)

Erika said...

Made these today. After i put the pecan on top, I sprinkled the top of each one with a little bit fine pink hawaiian sea salt. Amazing!!!

Jl said...

Mine were made by Snyder and I found them at a grocery store. Call around to see who handles the square ones.

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