Caramel Pecan Shortbread

by:
November 2, 2023

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source: West Via Midwest

Caramel Pecan Shortbread is not just a recipe; it’s a sweet journey back to my childhood. I can still recall the warm, nutty aroma filling the kitchen as my mom prepared these delectable treats. Inspired by the Taste of Home, these cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a trip down memory lane.

The Buttery Foundation

To get started on this delightful adventure, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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

These form the buttery foundation for our Caramel Pecan Shortbread. It’s incredible how such simple ingredients can create something so delicious.

The Sweet Caramel Filling

Now, let’s dive into the rich and gooey caramel filling:

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

The combination of soft caramels and toasted pecans is like a flavor explosion in your mouth. It’s the sweet nostalgia of childhood wrapped in a delectable package.

The Irresistible Chocolate Icing

But wait, there’s more! To make these treats truly indulgent, we can’t forget the chocolate icing:

  • 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons of evaporated milk
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Now that we have our ingredients sorted, it’s time to start baking. But before we jump into the details, remember that making these delightful Caramel Pecan Shortbread cookies will take a bit of your time. But trust me, the final result is more than worth it.

source: Taste of Home

The Baking Process

Mixing the Dough: Begin by creaming together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar. Add in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract. Slowly blend in the flour and salt. This creates the scrumptious shortbread base.

Creating the Caramel Filling: Melt the caramels, evaporated milk, and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once it’s silky smooth, stir in the confectioners’ sugar and chopped pecans. This luscious mixture will become the heart of our cookies.

Assembling the Cookies: Roll the shortbread dough into small balls and flatten them into rounds. Place a spoonful of the caramel filling in the center, then top it with another dough round. Seal the edges well, forming little cookie sandwiches.

Baking: Pop these heavenly creations in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be just lightly golden.

Cooling and Icing: Once out of the oven, let them cool completely. Now, it’s time for the chocolate icing. Melt the chocolate chips, evaporated milk, and butter in a saucepan. Stir in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Drizzle this deliciousness over your cookies and top each with a pecan half.

As you patiently wait for these Caramel Pecan Shortbread cookies to cool and for the icing to set, the anticipation is real. But let me tell you, my friends, the wait is worth every second.

This recipe makes about 4 dozen cookies, and I guarantee they’ll disappear faster than you can imagine. They’re a true embodiment of comfort, nostalgia, and pure indulgence.

This Caramel Pecan Shortbread recipe is more than just a way to satisfy your sweet tooth; it’s a journey back to those cherished moments of childhood. Enjoy!

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