Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Cookies
These cream cheese caramel apple cookies are exploding with fall flavors using fresh apples, caramel, cinnamon, and a cream cheese frosting.
Servings: 24
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup shredded apples ~1.5 small apples
- 24 Kraft caramels
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz. cream cheese softened
- 4 oz. unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped green apples cut into small bite-size pieces
- Caramel sauce optional
Instructions
- Add the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium speed for 5 minutes. It should be light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. Transfer the dry ingredients to the stand mixer and mix until combined.
- Place the shredded apples into a tea towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Add to the stand mixer and mix to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Using a 1.5-tablespoon scoop, scoop the cookie dough and place it on the cookie sheet. Press a caramel into the center of the cookie dough.
- Bake for 11 minutes. Allow to cool completely before frosting the cookies.
- To make the frosting add the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix until well combined.
- Spread 1.5 tablespoons of the frosting on the cooled cookies. Garnish with apple pieces and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Video
Notes
- The frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Bring to room temperature when ready.
- Don’t cut the apple topping until you are ready to serve. If that isn’t an option, toss with fresh lemon juice before topping.
Nutrition
Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 31g