Caramel Apple Bites

By littlefish

This fun recipe, from Darlene Markel of Sublimity, Oregon, is one the kids will find appealing. Children can help by dipping the baked cookies in caramel and nuts —and also by eating the treats! "They just disappear at my house," Darlene

Ingredients

• FILLING:
• 1/3 cup finely chopped unpeeled apple
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• DOUGH:
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• TOPPING:
• 1 package (14 ounces) caramels
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk
• Green toothpicks
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Details

Servings 18
Adapted from tasteofhome.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a small saucepan, combine filling ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened; set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat
in egg. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour and salt. Gradually add to
creamed mixture and mix well.

Shape dough into 1-in. balls. Flatten and place 1/4 teaspoon filling
in center of each. Fold dough over filling and reshape into balls.
Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets.

Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove
to wire racks to cool.

In a small saucepan over low heat, cook caramels and evaporated milk
until caramels are melted; stir until smooth. Insert a toothpick
into each cookie and dip into caramel until completely coated; allow
excess to drip off. Dip bottoms into nuts. Place on wire racks to
set. Yield: about 3 dozen.