Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and crisp apple in these irresistible Cheesecake-Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies. Perfect for a cozy fall treat or any time you crave a decadent dessert!
Ingredients
Scale
For the cheesecake filling:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely diced fresh apple (peeled)
- 1/3 cup soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
Instructions
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Scoop into 1/2-teaspoon-sized mounds onto a parchment-lined plate. Freeze for 30–45 minutes, or until firm.
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Add mix-ins: Gently fold in the diced apple and caramel bits.
- Assemble the cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough, flatten it slightly in your palm, place a frozen cheesecake filling center in the middle, wrap the dough around it, seal completely, roll gently into a ball, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Best served slightly warm so the caramel stays soft and the cheesecake center is creamy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
