Toast pecans in the oven by spreading them in a baking pan and bake at 350° until golden brown, stirring often for 6 minutes or so.
Add the sugar, corn syrup, butter, and cream to a heavy sauce pan. Stir until the sugar is melted and the mixture is liquid.
Add the pecans and heat, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 238F.
Remove from heat and allow to cool until the temperature reaches 110F.
Add the vanilla and chipotle and stir like crazy until it becomes creamy and changes color to a light tan. (I spray my kitchenaid with baking release and use the paddle on high for a minute or so.)
Scoop out tablespoon sized portions of the mixture and form into patties.
Press a pecan half on the top of each.
Let cool completely -- overnight if possible. The texture gets creamier.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot.
Notes
If the mixture cools to much and you can't beat it add a tablespoon of boiling water and beat it in. That should fix it.