Description

These Cheesecake-Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies are a soft, chewy, and indulgent fall treat! Featuring a creamy cheesecake center, apple-flavored cookie dough, and a caramel drizzle with crunchy pecans, these cookies bring the warm flavors of autumn into every bite. Perfect for holiday baking or a cozy sweet treat!

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Filling:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Apple Cookie Dough:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp apple extract (optional)
Green food coloring (optional, for apple-like hue)
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt

For the Toppings:

½ cup caramel sauce
½ cup chopped pecans
Diced green apple pieces (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Scoop teaspoon-sized portions onto a lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and apple extract (if using). Add green food coloring for an apple-like hue (optional).
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined.

3. Assemble the Cookies

Scoop out small balls of cookie dough and flatten them slightly.
Place a frozen cheesecake portion in the center, then wrap and seal the dough around it. Roll into a smooth ball.
Arrange dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them apart.

4. Bake & Cool

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

5. Top with Caramel & Pecans

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each cooled cookie.
Sprinkle with chopped pecans and diced green apple pieces for extra crunch.

Notes

Extra Apple Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm spice kick.
Nut-Free Version: Skip the pecans and try crushed graham crackers for crunch.
Salted Caramel Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: ~250 kcal per cookie