Caramel Apple cheesecake cookies 🍎
Brown sugar cookie topped with caramel cream cheese icing and baked apples!
Cookie Ingredients:
3 cups flour
¾ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1¾ cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
Baked Apple ingredients:
3 apples
11/2 tbsp brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups water
cream cheese frosting ingredients:
5oz cream cheese softened
4 tbsp butter softened
3 tbsp caramel sauce
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions cookies:
1. Mix butter & brown sugar until light & fluffy.
2. Add egg + vanilla, and mix until smooth.
3. Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add into wet mix.
4. Mix until just combined.
5. Scoop dough into balls and roll in brown sugar.
6. Chill dough balls in freezer for 2 hours.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F.
8. Place balls 2 inches apart on parchment paper.
9. Bake 12 min until edges brown and centers are done.
10. Let cool completely before icing.
Instructions apple pie filling:
1. Heat saucepan on med/high.
2. Add sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt & water. Stir until dissolved.
3. Bring to boil, stirring often.
4. Add chopped apples & stir to coat.
5. Lower heat to med/low & simmer until thick & apples are soft.
6. Remove from heat & set aside.
Instructions cream cheese frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese & butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar & caramel; whip until light & fluffy.
These caramel apple cheesecake cookies combine the best elements of classic autumn flavors with a soft, chewy cookie texture and rich frosting. Using brown sugar in both the cookie dough and baked apple filling enhances the deep caramel notes that complement the cream cheese caramel icing beautifully. Caramel apple desserts are a beloved treat, especially as the cooler months arrive. Incorporating warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the baked apple filling brings the taste profile closer to that of a traditional spiced apple pie, adding cozy aromas and flavors. For best results, chilling the dough balls before baking helps prevent spreading, ensuring that the cookies maintain a thick and tender center. Rolling the dough in brown sugar before baking creates a slightly crispy exterior that contrasts delightfully with the soft interior. When preparing the cream cheese frosting, softened cream cheese and butter whipped together create a smooth base that balances the sweetness of the caramel sauce and powdered sugar. Whipping until light and fluffy ensures the frosting spreads easily and melts beautifully. These cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee on a crisp day. Plus, the recipe is great for creative bakers who want to experiment with seasonal ingredients and homemade frostings. The use of natural fruit combined with rich dairy products offers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. Inspired by the flavors celebrated in the OUTLANDER KITCHEN COOKBOOK by Theresa Carle-Sa, these cookies bring a touch of culinary storytelling to your kitchen. Whether you live in North Carolina or elsewhere, the warm, inviting aromas of these cookies will create a comforting atmosphere that's ideal for family or friends.
