Step 1: Wash the apples thoroughly in boiling water for 10 seconds to remove the wax coating, then dry them completely and insert a wooden stick into the core of each apple.
Step 2: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Step 3: Dip each apple into the warm caramel, swirling to coat evenly, and let the excess caramel drip off before placing the apple on a parchment-lined tray to set for at least 20 minutes.
Step 4: While the caramel sets, use the edible ink marker to write ‘RIP’ or names onto the biscuits or candy melts to create your tombstones.
Step 5: Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments until smooth.
Step 6: Dip the bottom half of each caramel-coated apple into the melted dark chocolate, then immediately roll the bottom in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies to create a ‘dirt’ effect.
Step 7: Using a small amount of melted chocolate as glue, attach a tombstone to the top or side of each apple and allow the entire tombstone caramel apples recipe creation to set in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.