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)
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