Caramel Pecan Shortbread Recipe



Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

FILLING:

• 28 caramels
• 6 tablespoons evaporated milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

ICING:

• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons evaporated milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pecan halves

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in milk and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle.
• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut into 2-in. x 1-in. strips. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
• Bake at 325° for 12-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.
• For filling, combine caramels and milk in a large saucepan. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until caramels are melted and smooth. Remove from the heat; stir in the butter, sugar and pecans. Cool for 5 minutes. Spread 1 teaspoon over each cookie.
• For icing, in a microwave, melt chips and milk; stir until smooth. Stir in the butter, sugar and vanilla. Cool for 5 minutes. Spread 1 teaspoon icing on each cookie; top each with a pecan half. Let stand until set. Store in an airtight container. 
• Yield: about 4 dozen.

A Review to Note:  (If you are having problems with the chocolate frosting): 

Reviewed on Dec. 09, 2010 by lindawenger

I made these yesterday and was disappointed with the chocolate frosting. Mine turned sludgy, and the butter would not incorporate. I tossed it out and made a chocolate glaze out of just some chocolate chips and milk with a drop or two of vanilla. Fewer calories and a nice glossy appearance. The cookies tasted good, and I will make them again.

 Recipe Source:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Caramel-Pecan-Shortbread?pmcode=IKLDP01T&_mid=814532&_rid=814532.618800.257882


Dana's notes: You can also make these by using cookie cutters to cut out shapes, instead of cutting strips.