Turtle cookie bars are a delicious dessert that typically consist of a layer of shortbread cookie crust topped with caramel, pecans, and chocolate. While they are undoubtedly tasty, it’s important to note that turtle cookie bars are generally not considered a healthy or nutritious food option. However, some ingredients in turtle cookie bars do offer certain benefits in moderation. Let’s take a closer look:
1. Pecans: Pecans are a type of nut that provides various health benefits. They are a good source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Pecans also contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium, which is important for bone health.
2. Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been associated with several health benefits. These antioxidants may help protect against oxidative stress, lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce the risk of heart disease. However, the overall health benefits depend on the quality and cocoa content of the chocolate used in the turtle cookie bars.
It’s worth noting that the health benefits of pecans and dark chocolate can be overshadowed by the other ingredients in turtle cookie bars, such as the high sugar and calorie content from the caramel and cookie crust. These bars are typically considered indulgent treats rather than nutritious snacks.
If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, you might consider making modifications to the recipe. For example, you could use a whole-grain or almond flour crust, reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners like dates or maple syrup instead of caramel, and opt for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
Remember, moderation is key when enjoying treats like turtle cookie bars. It’s important to balance your diet with a variety of nutrient-dense foods to maintain overall health and well-being.
Turtle Cookie Bars
Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar…
1/2 cup butter, softened
2nd Layer
1 cup pecan halves or chopped pecans
2/3 cup butter
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup milk chocolate morsels
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 3 ingredients in a mixing bowl; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Pat mixture firmly into an ungreased 13×9 inch pan.
Arrange pecans over crust.
Combine 2/3 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly. Cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour mixture over pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-17 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Remove from oven; sprinkle with chocolate morsels. Let stand 2-3 minutes or until slightly melted. Gently swirl chocolate with a knife, leaving some morsels whole (do not spread). Let cool on a wire rack at room temperature until chocolate is set. Cut into squares.