Pecan Caramel Thumbprints

By phowley

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 c pecans
• 3/4 c granulated sugar
• 1 stick (1/2 c) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 c all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 48 soft and chewy classic caramels (such as Hershey's)
• decoration: confectioner's sugar

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350.
In food processor, chop 1 1/4 c pecans.
Place in small bowl.
Put remaining pecans and sugar in food processor.
Pulse until nuts are finely ground.
Add butter and eggs.
Process until smooth.
Add flour, baking powder, and salt.
Pulse until blended.
Scrape dough into bowl.
With dampened hands, roll dough into 1" balls.
Roll into chopped nuts.
Place 1" apart on ungreased baking sheet.
Press caramel into center of each.
Bake 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly browned.
Remove to wire rack to cool.
Dust with confectioner's sugar.