Caramel-Apple Thumbprint Cookies

This post is sponsored by Good Cook, as part of the Good Cook Kitchen Experts program. All opinions are honest and 100% my own.

If an apple a day is supposed to keep the doctor away, then eating a batch of these should put you in good repair. I know it's wintertime and the flavors of this recipe scream Fall, but I just couldn't resist. Apples are by far my favorite fruit and if they are in season I need to be making something with them! I've started seeing Thumbprint cookies all over and started thinking of how I could put my own little spin on them - my mind automatically went to apples and then to caramel apples and bam - these awesome Caramel-Apple Thumbprint Cookies were born!!

The Caramel-Apple Thumbprint Cookies were a breeze to make, especially with the awesome cookie-making supplies that were provided to me by the good folks at Good Cook. I'm not being a show-off here - you could win yourself one of these awesome kits! {includes Bowl Mixing 3pc Set, Hi Temp Spatula, Flex Cookie Turner, Stainless Steel Cookie Dropper, Holiday Cookie Cutters and 2 Non-Stick Cookie Sheets}

All you have to do is visit Good Cook's site {on 12/18 at 12 PM PST} for the information on how to enter. It involves voting for your favorite cookie recipe. I know of a really good one being featured for some Caramel-Apple Thumbprint Cookies... {no pressure, just encouragment!} But seriously, whether you vote for me or not - go get your entry in to win one of the 25 awesomesauce Cookie Kits being given away!

The tools included in the kit rock - especially that Stainless Steel Cookie Dropper! I had no idea what I had been missing out on. Cookie making will never be the same. Ever. And those cute Christmas Cookie Cutters? My kids can't wait to use them for making Santa some cookies this year. I wish every one of you could win one of these awesome kits!!

So go enter!!

And then make a batch of these Caramel-Apple Thumbprint Cookies! For your next cookie swap, potluck, office party, holiday soiree or to pig out on in front of the tv. You will not be sorry. {unless you are out of milk...}

Caramel-Apple Thumbprint Cookies
{PRINTABLE RECIPE}
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
½ cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped fresh apples
1 egg white
1 cup chopped walnut pieces
1 package(11 oz.) Caramel Bits
2 tablespoons milk
Directions
1. Whisk together salt and flour, set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar together until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, continue to beat until smooth again. Mix in flour & salt until just incorporated then fold in apples. Place dough in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. In a small bowl whisk egg white until frothy.
4. Roll dough into 1” balls {I used a Sweet Creations Stainless Steel Cookie Dropper that worked wonders!!}, dip them into the egg whites and then roll them into the nuts. Place each cookie ball on a baking sheet, 2” apart.
5. Using a small spoon {or your thumb} press an indentation into each cookie, trying to keep the cookie as round as possible.
6. Bake for 12 minutes or until cookies start to turn golden-brown. Let stand for a couple minutes on baking sheet and then transfer to cooling rack.
7. After cookies cool, heat caramel bits and milk in medium saucepan until melted, stirring constantly. With a spoon, pour caramel into the indentations on cookies.
8. Let cool and enjoy!