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Cheesecake-Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies


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  • Author: sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour (including freezing time)
  • Yield: 12 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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