Save 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 caramel apple cookie bars for a family gathering, and they quickly became everyone's favorite autumn treat. The gooey caramel and tender apples tucked between layers of soft cookie make every bite unforgettable.
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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
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, mix until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Form Base:
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the dough. Press the rest evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Prepare Apple Filling:
- In a small bowl, toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread apples evenly over the cookie base.
- Make Caramel Layer:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and milk. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and pourable (about 1 minute).
- Assemble and Bake:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer. Crumble reserved dough over the top in small pieces. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Save Whenever we share these bars at gatherings, everyone asks for the recipe. The smell of apples and caramel baking brings back such warm memories for our family.
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Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, microwave-safe bowl, 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, parchment paper, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg. Caramel candies may contain soy or additional allergens, so always check the labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains approximately 207 calories, 7 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
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Enjoy these caramel apple cookie bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their chewy, gooey layers make them the ultimate comfort dessert!
Common Questions
- → Can I substitute other fruits for apples?
Pears work well as a substitute and offer a slightly different texture and sweetness.
- → How can I add extra crunch to the bars?
Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple layer for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- → What is the best way to melt the caramel layer?
Microwaving caramels with milk in short intervals, stirring often, ensures a smooth and pourable caramel topping.
- → How should I store the bars to keep freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain softness and flavor.
- → Can these bars be made vegan or dairy-free?
To make dairy-free, use plant-based butter and caramel alternatives, though texture and taste may vary slightly.
