The 2012 Cookie Challenge was so much fun, the kitchens of Full Moon Cuisine decided to let it spill over into 2013... that and there were still 5 left to make. So, to help make up for some lost time, why not make a truly decadent treat? Take a classic dessert, the caramel apple, and present it in a whole new way? Why yes, yes we can! With a little time and some simple ingredients, you can make a winning cookie that will please diners of any age! Here's what you'll need:

- 1 1/2 sticks of butter (at room temp)
- 1 large egg (at room temp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 dark brown sugar (plus 1 tbsp)
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 large Granny Smith apple (peeled and diced fine)
- 1 1/4 cup pecans (toasted and chopped)
- 2 egg whites (at room temp)
- 20 caramels
- 1/4 cup heavy cream

Note: This recipe will make approximately 2 dozen cookies.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F to begin.

To begin, combine the flour, salt, and baking soda together in a mixing bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter with both types of sugar. Afterward, combine in the egg and vanilla, creating a wet dough. Next, combine the dry into the wet in thirds, mixing just until fully incorporated. Finally, stir in your apple pieces, mixing together (this will help to make the dough moist enough to work with).

Using a fork and a teaspoon of water, stir/whisk your egg whites together until they become frothy (should take 10-20 seconds of stirring). Spread your pecan pieces onto a plate, next to your egg whites. Using a 1 1/2 tbsp scoop, take balls of your dough and roll them lightly in the egg whites, before rolling in the pecan pieces. Place these balls onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Then, using a tsp measure to make an indentation in each doughball. Bake for approximately 15-18 minutes, rotating your tray halfway through the time.

Once you've removed the tray, use your tsp to press down the indentation you made earlier one more time, this will help it to set up as it cools. While these begin to cool, microwave the caramels and cream together (in 1-minute bursts, stirring together after each minute), then allow to sit for a minute or so, this will help the caramel sauce to firm up. Use your tsp measure to pour in the caramel into the indentation on each cookie (careful not to make a mess!), and allow to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before you move the cookies to a wire rack to finish.

Caramel, pecans, and apples are a classic combination you'll find in any fair or carnival. By bringing these flavors to a cookie, you can enjoy these treats with friends anytime! The rich caramel ties together all of the flavors and guarantees that your diners will be asking for more. So, with just a little effort, you're the rockstar of the evening. To help make sure there are enough apples peeled and caramels melted, the kitchen will be staying open late. Care to place an order?

Want to know what this challenge is all about? Check out my journal and feel free to send in recipes for cookies! http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3096204/