Caramel Apple Bites

(Courtesy of Taste of Home)

Ingredients:
1/3 c. chopped unpeeled apple
1/3 c. evaporated milk
1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. chopped walnuts
DOUGH:
1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened
1/4 c. confectioners' sugar
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
2 c. all-purpose flour
TOPPING:
1 pkg. (14 oz.) caramels
2/3 c. evaporated milk
1 c. chopped walnuts

Directions:
In a small saucepan, combine filling ingredients.  Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened; set aside to cool.  In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars.  Add egg, vanilla and salt; beat well.  Add flour; mix well.  Shape dough into 1 inch balls.  Flatten and place 1/4 tsp. filling in center of each.  Fold dough over filling and reshape into balls.  Place 1 inch apart on greased baking sheets.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.  Remove to wire racks to cool.  In a saucepan over low heat, cook caramels and evaporated milk, stirring occasionally, until caramels are melted.  Insert a toothpick into each cookie and dip into caramel until completely coated.  Dip bottom into nuts.  Place on wire racks to set.