TOTAL TIME: Prep: 45 min. Cook: 30 min. + chilling
MAKES: 48 servings
Ingredients
2 teaspoons plus 2/3 cup butter, softened, divided
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
CARAMEL LAYER:
1 cup sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup butter, cubed
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 pounds dark chocolate candy coating
Directions
1.Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a 13-in. x 9-in. pan with foil and grease the foil with 2 teaspoons butter; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream confectioners' sugar and remaining butter until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Press dough into prepared pan. Bake 16-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
3. For caramel, combine sugar, corn syrup and butter in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil gently for 4 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat; gradually stir in milk.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until a candy thermometer reads 238°F (soft-ball stage), stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour over prepared crust. Refrigerate 2 hours or until caramel is set.
5. Using foil, lift candy out of pan. Gently peel off foil; cut into 3-1/4x3/4-in. bars. In a microwave, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. Dip bars in chocolate; allow excess to drip off. Place on a waxed paper-lined sheet; refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container.
Yield: 4 dozen.
Editor's Note: We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°F. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.
Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/caramel-cookie-candy