Preheat oven to broil mode. Line sheet pan with tinfoil (optional) for easier cleanup.
Using a knife, food processor or mini blender, chop hazelnuts to desired level of coarseness.
Using a spoon, remove seeds from core of apple. Arrange apples skin-side down on sheet pan.
Place soft caramel candy in the center of each apple. Evenly layer maple syrup, cinnamon, sea salt, hazelnuts and (optional) pinch of brown sugar on top of apples.
Broil 8 minutes, until caramels are gooey. If you desire a softer baked apple, cover with tinfoil (to avoid burning of the caramels) and bake another 2-3 minutes or until tender.
Spoon any drippings from the bottom of the pan onto the apples for extra sweetness and flavor. To serve, top with a little extra salt or brown sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream. Grab a fork and knife, and dig in!
