Turtle Cupcakes

My coworker Kelley is getting married in just a few days (or maybe a week and a few days, I can't remember!) so we had a little gathering for her at work last week. I offered to bring in treats, of course - I can't pass up an opportunity to try out a new dessert recipe, since I rarely make anything for just Ben and I!

I asked Kelley if she had any flavor preferences, and she said turtle... I searched my google reader for "turtle cupcakes" and I found these beauties from Amber's Delectable Delights. Perfect! I originally considered halving the recipe, but I'm glad I didn't - I got 20 cupcakes out of the full recipe, and only took 2 home.

These were fairly simple - just make the brownie batter, mix in nuts, chocolate chips, and cut up caramels and bake! The toughest part for me was melting the caramels. I burned them, and then proceeded to burn my finger because for some stupid reason I touched the caramel. After that, I went with the jar of caramel sauce in the cupboard instead and no one seemed to mind :)

If you are a turtle lover, there is no doubt in my mind that you would love these - they are RICH and very decadent and delicious! Best enjoyed with coffee or a glass of cold milk :)