CARAMEL TASSIES

Caramel Tassies image

Buttery cookie cups with a smooth caramel filling make a nice addition to a Christmas dessert tray. These are one of my family's favorites.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
2 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING:
1 package (14 ounces) caramels
1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons evaporated milk
FROSTING:
2 tablespoons shortening
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon evaporated milk
3 to 4 tablespoons melted dark chocolate, optional

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. , Roll dough into 1-in. balls; press onto the bottom and up the sides of ungreased miniature muffin cups. Prick bottoms with a fork. Bake at 375° for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks., In a large heavy saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with milk. Remove from the heat; cool slightly. Transfer to a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of the bag. Pipe filling into pastry cups. Cool to room temperature., For frosting, in a small bowl, beat shortening and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar and milk until fluffy. Pipe onto filling. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 112 calories, Fat 6g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 15mg cholesterol, Sodium 71mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.