Old-Fashioned Pecan Logs

Ingredients

1/2 cup salted butter, or 1 stick

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup granulated sugar

4 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup dry powdered milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

16 ounces prepared caramels

4 to 5 tablespoons milk

4 cups chopped pecans

Grease a 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

In a medium pot or Dutch oven, add the salted butter, light corn syrup, and granulated sugar.

Place the pot over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture is fully combined.

Continue stirring until the mixture begins to simmer.

Remove the pot from the heat.

Stir in the powdered sugar, dry powdered milk, and vanilla extract.

Mix until a thick filling forms.

Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Let it cool until it is comfortable to touch, about 30 minutes.

Cut the cooled mixture into 4 even strips.

Slice each strip in half to make 8 equal pieces.

Place one piece on parchment paper and roll it into a log shape.

Transfer the log to a baking sheet.

Repeat with the remaining pieces.

Place the logs in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, or until firm and solid.

Once the logs are frozen, prepare the caramel coating.

Set a heatproof bowl over a saucepan with simmering water.

Add the caramels and 4 tablespoons of milk to the bowl.

Stir constantly until the caramels melt into a smooth coating.

Add an extra tablespoon of milk if the caramel is too thick.

Spread the chopped pecans in a shallow dish.

Using a fork, dip each frozen filling log into the melted caramel until fully coated.

Roll the caramel-coated log in the chopped pecans.

Press gently so the pecans stick to the caramel and cover the entire log.

Place the finished logs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Repeat with the remaining logs.

Let the caramel set slightly.

Slice the pecan logs into 1/2-inch pieces and serve.