– **Toast the pecans**: Toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and intensifies the flavor. Don’t skip this step!
– **Chill the dough**: Once you’ve formed the balls, refrigerating them for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up and hold their shape.
– **Control the caramel consistency**: If the caramel becomes too thick, simply add a touch more cream to achieve the desired gooey texture.
– **Use high-quality ingredients**: Since the flavors are rich and simple, high-quality butter, vanilla, and chocolate make a noticeable difference in the final product.
#### **Instructions**
1. **Toast the pecans**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant. Let cool.
2. **Prepare the caramel**: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, butter, brown sugar, and sea salt. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
3. **Make the dough**: In a large bowl, mix the toasted pecans, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. The mixture should be moist but not too sticky.
