Chocolate Waffle Turtle Cookies

Preheat waffle iron to medium-high (if temperature settings are available). In a large bowl, stir together melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, 1/2 cup cocoa powder and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Add flour; stir just until combined.

Drop heaping teaspoonfuls of batter into center of each waffle grid. Bake about 2 minutes, adjusting heat as necessary. Using a fork transfer cookies to rack; cool. Repeat with remaining batter.

In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup butter and the water over low heat until melted. Add the 3 tablespoons cocoa and stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Beat in powdered sugar and the 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in additional hot water, if needed, to reach drizzling consistency. Drizzle over cookies along with caramel topping. Sprinkle with pecans, if you like.