Caramel Apple Cookies- Noel

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp apple-pie spice

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

½ cup firmly packed brown sugar

½ cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 ½ tsp vanilla

Red and green food coloring pastes

24 green wooden craft sticks

1 pkg (14 oz) caramels

3 Tbsp water

1/3 cup chopped cashews

In medium bowl, combine flour, apple-pie spice, baking soda and salt.  In a large bowl, using a mixer set on high, beat butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy.  With the mixer on low, beat in eggs and vanilla; beat in flour mixture.

Remove 1/3 cup of dough to a small mixing bowl; tint green.  Tint remaining dough rred; divide in half.

On a lightly floured surface, roll half of the red dough to a ¼ in. thickness.  Using the apple-shaped template, cut dough into shapes; place 3 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.  Place a craft stick under “stem” end of each cookie, pressing dough lightly.  Using your fingers, mold a small piece of green dough into a leaf shape and place on top of each apple cutout on baking sheet.  Repeat rolling and cutting process with remaining dough.

Bake at 375° until crisp, but not browned, 8-10 minutes.  Transfer cookies to wire racks; cool completely.

In a small saucepan, heat caramels and water over low heat, stirring often, until smooth.  Set a wire rack over a waxed paper-lined baking sheet.  Dip the cookies into melted caramel and then into chopped nuts.  Let cookies stand until caramel is set, about 1 hour