Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar2 tablespoons evaporated milk1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 cups all-purpose flour1/4 teaspoon saltFILLING:28 caramels6 tablespoons evaporated milk2 tablespoons butter1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar3/4 cup finely chopped pecansICING:1 cup semisweet chocolate chips3 tablespoons evaporated milk2 tablespoons butter1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar1/2 teaspoon vanilla extractPecan halves

Preparation

In a large bowl, cream butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. 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 2x1-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 completely.

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-safe bowl, melt chips and milk; stir until smooth. Stir in the butter, sugar and vanilla until smooth. 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.