mckenzie's turtle cookies

(4)
Recipe by
Pat Duran
Las Vegas, NV

This recipe was one of many McKenzie's Pastry Shoppes recipes in New Orleans that was thought to be lost forever- because the bakery closed it's doors forever-due to bankruptcy in 2001 (Katrina Hurricane)-- but fear not many of the recipes have been resurrected through a "Cooking Up a Storm" cookbook and "Exchange Alley" where folks traded lost and found recipes.
Cajun Chef Ryan has brought this recipe back to life!
I hope you enjoy this recipe.
I have given a quick version of this recipe too!

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(4)
yield serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 10 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For mckenzie's turtle cookies

  • COOKIE:
  • 3/4 c
    butter, unsalted at room temperature
  • 1 c
    granulated sugar
  • 1 lg
    egg
  • 2 Tbsp
    milk
  • 1/2 tsp
    vanilla extract + add 1/2 teas. maple extract, if desired
  • 1 3/4 c
    all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp
    baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp
    salt
  • 1/2 lb
    whole pecans
  • FROSTING:
  • 4 Tbsp
    butter
  • 2 oz
    unsweetened chocolate (2 squares)
  • 1/3 c
    milk
  • 1/2 tsp
    vanilla extract + a dab of maple extract, if desired
  • 3 c
    powdered sugar

How To Make mckenzie's turtle cookies

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 350^.
    Cookie:
    In the large mixer bowl. beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla and mix well.
  • 2
    In another bowl, combine dry ingredients -then add them to the butter mixture. Beat well to combine.
  • 3
    Place 3 pecans close together in a star-like form, on an ungreased cookie sheet and then scoop 1-Tablespoon of the cookie dough on top of the pecans. Make sure cookies are at least 1 1/2 inches apart and continue to make cookies until all dough is used up.
  • 4
    Quicker version:
    In place of making the dough above. Use one refrigerated roll of sugar cookie dough. Scoop or pinch off 1 Tablespoon of dough for each cookie-roll into a ball-place on on pecans. Press onto nuts slightly. Proceed the same with remaining dough.
  • 5
    Bake for 12-15 minutes- until browned at the edges, remove from oven and cool on wire rack before frosting.
  • 6
    Frosting:
    In a small saucepan over low heat combine butter,chocolate and milk. Stir --it will begin to look curdled, that's ok.
    Pour chocolate frosting into mixing bowl and let cool to room temperature.
    Add vanilla, then gradually add the powdered sugar; beat until smooth and thick.
    Top each cookie with a dollop of frosting, using a star tip and pastry bag ,if desired.
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