Go Back
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture of the cookies. The butter adds richness, while the sugars create a sweet base. The eggs help bind the dough. The flour gives structure, and the baking soda helps the cookies rise. The salt and cinnamon enhance all the flavors. Cream cheese makes the cookies soft and creamy. Apples add a fresh crunch, and caramel brings a sweet finish. Nuts, if added, add great texture and flavor. If you need to make swaps, here are some ideas: - Use margarine instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free option. - Coconut sugar can replace granulated and brown sugar for a different sweetness. - Flax eggs can replace regular eggs for a vegan choice. - Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour if needed. - Use any apple variety you like, but tart apples work best. - If you don’t have caramel sauce, melted chocolate can be a tasty alternative. - Any nuts can replace pecans or walnuts based on your taste or allergies. These tips will help you adapt the recipe to fit your needs while keeping the essence of these delightful cookies! First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat helps the cookies bake evenly. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps cookies not stick. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend until the mix is light and fluffy. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is mixed well. In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This blend adds flavor and helps the cookies rise. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Now, gently fold in 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of diced apples. Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best taste. If you like, add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. Mix until everything is evenly combined. Scoop out the cookie dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Place generous amounts on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each scoop. Drizzle a little caramel sauce over each mound of dough. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The edges should be golden, but the centers should stay soft. After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. To get the best cookie dough, use softened butter and cream cheese. This makes the dough smooth and easy to mix. Always measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use a spoon to scoop flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. When adding apples, make sure they are diced small. This helps them mix well and bake evenly. If you have leftover cookies, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh. They can last for up to a week at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them. Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They stay good for about three months. Serve your cookies warm for a cozy treat. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for added sweetness. A sprinkle of chopped nuts can add crunch and flavor. Pair cookies with cold milk or hot cider. You can also place apple slices on the side for a fresh touch. This makes your plate look beautiful and inviting. {{image_2}} You can use different nuts to change the flavor of your cookies. Pecans and walnuts work great, but almonds or hazelnuts can add a nice twist. Just chop them up and mix them in with the dough. This adds crunch and flavor. Try toasting the nuts before adding them for an even richer taste. To boost flavor, consider adding spices. Nutmeg pairs well with cinnamon. A pinch of ginger can also brighten the taste. You can also swap the vanilla extract for almond extract to create a new profile. If you want a caramel kick, add a few extra swirls of caramel sauce into the dough. These cookies shine when served warm with ice cream. Vanilla or caramel ice cream works best. The ice cream melts into the cookie, creating a delicious treat. You can even add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty contrast. This makes for a fun dessert to share! To keep your caramel apple cheesecake cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Store at room temperature for up to five days. If you want them to last longer, refrigeration works too, but it may change the texture slightly. You can freeze these cookies for later enjoyment. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bag with the date! When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. For a warm treat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and reheat for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back their soft, gooey center and warm caramel drizzle. Yes, you can use different apples. Honeycrisp and Fuji apples work well too. They add sweetness and crunch. Just avoid very soft apples, as they may turn mushy in the cookies. Making homemade caramel sauce is easy! Here’s a quick method: - Ingredients: - 1 cup sugar - 6 tablespoons butter - 1/2 cup heavy cream - Steps: 1. In a pan, heat the sugar over medium heat. 2. Stir until it melts and turns amber. 3. Add butter and stir until melted. 4. Slowly add cream while stirring. 5. Let it cool before using. This sauce adds a rich flavor to your cookies! Yes, these cookies freeze well. To freeze, let them cool completely. Then, layer them in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature. In this article, we explored the best ingredients for apple cream cheese cookies. We covered measurements, substitutions, and step-by-step baking instructions. We shared tips to perfect your dough and store leftovers. Plus, we discussed fun variations and storage info. These cookies are easy to make and delicious to eat. With this knowledge, you can impress your friends and family. Enjoy trying new flavors and having fun in the kitchen!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cookies

Indulge in the delightful taste of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Cookies! This heavenly treat combines the rich flavors of cream cheese, sweet apples, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall gatherings or satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are easy to make and full of flavor. Click through to discover the full recipe and make a batch that will impress family and friends!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

      Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

        Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

          Add Cream Cheese and Apples: Gently fold in the softened cream cheese, diced apples, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed in the dough.

            Scoop Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop generous amounts of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

              Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over each cookie dough mound.

                Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.

                  Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: About 24 cookies

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the cookies on a rustic wooden platter, drizzled with additional caramel sauce, and garnished with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an attractive finish. Consider adding a few apple slices on the side for a fresh touch!