Caramel Apple Cookie Bars (Printable version)

Chewy bars with tender apples and caramel layers offering a sweet, cozy autumn treat.

# What you need:

→ Cookie Base

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Apple Filling

09 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
10 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Caramel Layer

12 - 3/4 cup soft caramels, unwrapped
13 - 2 tablespoons milk

# Steps to follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to wet ingredients, mixing gently until just incorporated.
04 - Reserve 1/2 cup of dough. Press remaining dough evenly into prepared pan to create the base layer.
05 - Toss diced apples with granulated sugar and cinnamon. Spread mixture uniformly over the cookie base.
06 - Combine caramels and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and pourable.
07 - Drizzle melted caramel evenly over the apple layer.
08 - Crumble reserved dough over the caramel in small pieces.
09 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the top is golden and set. Allow to cool completely before lifting out and cutting into bars.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Easy to make in one pan
  • Delicious layers of apple and caramel in each bite
02 -
  • Pears can be substituted for apples for a unique twist
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
03 -
  • Add 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple layer for extra crunch
  • Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure neat squares
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