Fantasy Chocolate-Caramel Delights

I have had these delicious cookies as a part of my Christmas cookie trays since 2003. They are well loved. I have sometimes skipped the chocolate drizzle when time was short.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Yields: 36 cookies

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 2⁄3 cup granulated sugar
• 1  egg
• 2  tablespoons milk
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 1  cup flour
• 1⁄3 cup cocoa powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 16  caramels
• 3  tablespoons  whipping cream
• 1 1⁄4 cups pecans, finely chopped
• 1⁄2 cup chocolate chips
• 1  teaspoon vegetable shortening

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar.
2. Separate egg, reserve white for later use add yolk to creamed mixture.
3. Add milk and vanilla to creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients and whisk to combine.
5. Combine creamed and dry mixtures with electric mixer; beat until well combined.
6. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours or until dough is easy to work with.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F.
8. In a small sauce pan melt caramels into whipping cream over low heat.
9. Stir until mixture is smooth; set aside.
10. Slightly beat reserved egg white.
11. Shape dough into 1-inch balls.
12. Roll balls in egg white then in pecans.
13. Place balls one inch apart on cookie sheet sprayed with vegetable oil spray.
14. Using your thumb, make an indentation in each cookie.
15. Bake for 10 minutes or until edges of cookies are firm.
16. Spoon caramel into indentation.
17. Move cookies to wire racks to cool.
18. Melt chocolate chips and shortening; cool mixture slightly then place in a zip top bag.
19. When all cookies have been filled, clip tiny corner off of bag and drizzle chocolate over cookies.
20. Let cookies stand until chocolate and caramel are set.
21. Prep time does not include chilling time.