Rediscovering a Classic
The origin of the recipe can be traced back to a Reddit post featuring a handwritten recipe card, immediately piquing the interest of vintage cookbook
enthusiasts. The poster shared a recipe from her mother’s Jaycees cookbook, dating back to the 1970s. These cookies are not the typical caramel-pecan turtle cookies often found in stores. Instead, they are fudgy, brownie-esque cookies crafted in a waffle iron and crowned with a glossy chocolate glaze. The author of the article, a collector of old cookbooks, found the recipe a perfect blend of food history and nostalgic holiday baking. The recipe is also customizable, as one can add pecan pieces for a more classic turtle flavor, although the original recipe omits them. The cookies are now considered by the author to deserve a spot on any holiday cookie platter, and she suggests sharing them with others.
Get Cooking: The Recipe
To begin making these retro cookies, start by preheating your waffle iron. It is advised to use an older model for smaller pockets or a Belgian waffle iron if one prefers fewer, larger ones. Next, in a pot, melt 8 tablespoons of butter and 2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate over low heat. Once melted, stir in ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Whisk in 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. In a separate bowl, stir 1 cup of all-purpose flour and ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the wet ingredients. This creates a thick batter. For the waffle iron, spray it with cooking spray and drop about 1 tablespoon of batter onto the hot iron, ensuring to leave space between the cookies. Cook for 45–60 seconds, until they are fudgy, and place them on a wire rack to cool.
The Glaze Creation
Once the cookies are prepared, it is time to make the essential glaze. In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Then, add ½ cup of granulated sugar and 3 ounces of chopped unsweetened chocolate, stirring until smooth. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in ½ cup of whole milk and add it to the chocolate mixture. Bring this mixture to a boil, whisking constantly until it thickens, resembling pudding. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Finally, spoon a generous amount of glaze over each cooled cookie. The glaze will set quickly, but refrigerating the cookies can speed up the process.
Cookie Context & History
While the recipe's origin is somewhat mysterious, the original poster stated it came from her mother's Jaycees cookbook from the 1970s. The author's personal experience with recreating forgotten recipes highlights the appeal of old-fashioned cooking. After trying the recipe, the author understood why it went viral: the combination of a waffle iron base and rich glaze creates a unique and irresistible treat. There are many variations of waffle iron turtle cookies online. The author suggests these are perfect for holiday celebrations, cookie swaps, or even as a treat for Santa.
