Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies

INGREDIENTS

For the cookies:

1 cup

unsalted butter, at room temperature

4 oz

cream cheese (at room temperature)

1/2 cup

brown sugar

1/2 cup

granulated sugar

1 tbsp

vanilla extract

1/2 cup

finely chopped pecans (a food processor works best for this)

1 pinch

salt

2 1/2 cups

AP flour

Pecan Filling:

1/4 cup

light corn syrup

1 cup

coarsely chopped pecans

1/4 cup

granulated sugar

2 tsp

vanilla extract

large egg yolk

2 tbsp

butter (melted)

1 pinch

salt

Caramel Drizzle:

Half a bag Kraft Caramel Bits or Wrapped Caramels

2 tbsp

milk or cream