Caramel Apple Sticks with Custom Toppings

Prepare all ingredients.

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Briefly dip apples in boiling water, then dry them with paper towels to remove any wax. Allow apples to cool for about 30 minutes.

Insert sticks into the cooled apples through the core for handles.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, corn syrup, and butter. Boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to medium. Cook until caramel reaches 248°F (120°C) on a candy thermometer, about 25-30 minutes. To test, a teaspoon of caramel dropped in cold water should form a firm ball.

Remove caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Dip each apple into the hot caramel, coating the apple and about 1/2 inch of the wooden handle.

Sprinkle apples with desired toppings while still hot.

Let caramel apples cool on the prepared baking sheet for about 1 hour.