Death By Caramel Cookies

Based on an old South American spoon treat.

Original recipe makes 20 cookies

Ingredients

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup shortening, chilled and diced
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg yolk
1 cup heavy cream, chilled
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar for decoration

Directions

To Make Filling: Pour the condensed milk into a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat until hot. Stirring constantly, lower the heat to low and continue to cook the milk takes on a golden color, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Transfer to a bowl and cover directly with plastic wrap. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Combine the flour, 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, and the salt in a bowl. Cut in the shortening and the butter until crumbly. Beat in the yolk and the cream. Mix to form a dough, adding more cream if necessary.
Roll dough on a floured counter to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 2-1/2 inch rounds and place on ungreased sheets. Prick the top of the rounds a few times with a fork.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are light brown. Cool on sheet 1 minute and remove to rack. Spread the filling on one half and sandwich with another round. Dust cookies with confectioners’ sugar.