01 -  Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
 02 -  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well blended. 
 03 -  In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. 
 04 -  Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated. 
 05 -  Gently fold in the chopped dried apples and caramel candies. 
 06 -  Divide dough in half. Shape each portion into a log approximately 12 inches long and 2 inches wide on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly. 
 07 -  Bake for 25 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. 
 08 -  Using a serrated knife, slice logs diagonally into 3/4-inch-thick dunkers. Arrange cut side down on baking sheet. 
 09 -  Bake for 12 minutes, flip each dunker, and bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes until crisp and dry. Cool completely on a wire rack. 
 10 -  Drizzle cooled dunkers with caramel sauce if desired before serving.