Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 20 caramels
• 48 pecan halves
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Directions

1. 1

   Combine the butter, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add flour. Beat until well mixed. Cover; refrigerate until firm, about an hour.

2. 2

   Heat oven to 375 degrees. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 7-10 minutes. Cool completely.

3. 3

   Combine caramels and whipping cream in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until melted and smooth, stirring after every minute. Spoon about 1/2 t caramel mixture into the center of each cookie. Top with a pecan half.

4. 4

   Place chocolate chips and shortening in a small microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir. Continue microwaving 30 seconds or until melted; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cooled caramel cookies. Let stand until set, about 2 hours.

5. 5

   Enjoy!