Death By Caramel Cookies

Based on an old South American spoon treat.

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
• 0.5 cup shortening, chilled and diced
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, cubed
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 0.3333333333333333 cup confectioners' sugar for decoration

Steps

1. 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.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.