Description
Imagine biting into a soft, golden cookie with a surprise creamy cheesecake center, topped with tangy apple glaze, crunchy pecans, and a rich drizzle of caramel. These Cheesecake-Stuffed Caramel Apple Cookies combine warm fall flavors with decadent textures for a dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Each bite is a delightful mix of buttery cookie, creamy filling, and sweet apple-caramel bliss.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Glaze:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons apple juice or cider
2–3 drops green food coloring (optional)
For the Topping:
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Scoop teaspoon-sized portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Chill dough for 15-20 minutes.
- Assemble the Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Flatten 2 tablespoons of dough in your hand, place a frozen cheesecake ball in the center, and fold dough around it. Roll into a ball and place on a baking sheet. Repeat for all cookies.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Add the Toppings: For the apple glaze, whisk powdered sugar, apple juice, and green food coloring until smooth. Spread over cooled cookies, then top with pecans and drizzle with caramel.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to set for 10-15 minutes to let the glaze firm up before serving.