Pin it Soft, chewy cookie bars layered with tender apples and gooey caramel: an irresistible, budget-friendly treat perfect for autumn or any time you crave a sweet, cozy dessert.
I first made these cookie bars on a chilly weekend when my kitchen smelled of caramel and cinnamon. Every slice reminded me of fall gatherings and warm family moments around the table.
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Ingredients
- Cookie Base: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted, 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 1/4 cups (155 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt
- Apple Filling: 2 medium apples (about 250 g), peeled, cored, and diced, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Caramel Layer: 3/4 cup (180 g) soft caramels, unwrapped, 2 tbsp milk
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Instructions
- Prep and Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make Cookie Base:
- In a large bowl, whisk butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract: mix until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir into wet ingredients until just incorporated.
- Form Base:
- Reserve 1/2 cup of dough. Press remaining dough evenly into pan to form base.
- Prepare Apple Filling:
- Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Spread evenly over cookie base.
- Melt Caramel:
- Combine caramels and milk in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring, until smooth and pourable (about 1 minute).
- Assemble Layers:
- Drizzle caramel over apples. Crumble reserved dough on top in small pieces.
- Bake and Cool:
- Bake for 28 – 32 minutes, until top is golden and set. Cool completely before slicing into bars.
Pin it These bars are a hands-down favorite at family gatherings: my kids rush for seconds and the warm, gooey layers always spark smiles around the table.
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Required Tools
8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk and spatula, microwave-safe bowl, parchment paper, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg. Caramel candies may include soy or other allergens: always check labels for details.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 207 calories, 7 g fat, 35 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein
Pin it 
Enjoy these caramel apple cookie bars with your favorite fall beverage: they are a sweet treat everyone will love and enjoy again and again.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What apples work best for the bars?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith maintain texture well and complement the caramel's sweetness.
- → Can I substitute the caramel layer?
Yes, homemade caramel sauce or dulce de leche can be used for a personalized touch.
- → How to prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy?
Pressing the dough firmly and baking until golden helps achieve a crisp base.
- → What is the best way to store the bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- → Can nuts be added to these bars?
Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple layer provides extra crunch and flavor.
- → Is it possible to swap pears for apples?
Pears offer a softer, sweeter alternative, giving a different but delicious twist.
