Special Chocolate Treats

Name: Special Chocolate Treats
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: about 3-1/2 dozen.
Ingredients: 3/4 cup butter, softened; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour; FILLING/GLAZE:; 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon shortening; 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon water

I serve these lovely cookies to guests. They freeze well. —Walter Max, Wabasha, Minnesota

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING/GLAZE:
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon shortening
2/3 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon water

Directions

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and salt. Gradually add flour and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
For filling, melt chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl; stir until smooth. Set aside 1/4 cup for glaze. To remaining chocolate, stir in the pecans, milk, vanilla and salt. Cover and refrigerate until cool, about 15 minutes.
Place a 16x12-in. piece of foil in a greased baking sheet; lightly sprinkle with flour. Divide dough in half; place one portion on foil. Roll into a 14x5-in. rectangle. Spread half of the filling lengthwise on half of the dough to within 1/2 in. of edges. Using foil, fold dough over filling; seal edges. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Bake at 350° until golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
For glaze, warm reserved chocolate; stir in corn syrup and water. Spread over cookies. Cool completely. Cut widthwise into 3/4-in. strips.