Pecan Lace Cookie Sandwiches

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Step 2.

   In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream, and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature). Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted, the sugar has dissolved, and the mixture is smooth, 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Step 3.

   Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, then fold in 1 cup finely chopped pecans until evenly incorporated.

4. Step 4.

   Drop level teaspoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Bake until golden brown, 8 to 9 minutes.

5. Step 5.

   Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 8 minutes until set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Step 6.

   While the cookies cool, make the filling: In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat 8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature), 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar, 2 teaspoons orange zest, and 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter (at room temperature) until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

7. Step 7.

   Assemble the sandwiches: Gently spread a slightly rounded teaspoonful of the filling onto the bottom of half the cookies, then top with the remaining cookies. Serve immediately.