Save to Pinterest 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.
The first time I baked these caramel apple cookie bars, my kitchen filled with the warm scent of cinnamon and sugar, and everyone gathered around waiting for them to cool. They disappeared in minutes!
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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 the Pan:
- 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.
- Mix 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 the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Form Cookie 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.
- Melt Caramel:
- 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 Layers:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer. Crumble reserved dough over the top in small pieces.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Save to Pinterest These bars have become a favorite at family gatherings, especially when the air turns crisp and apples are at their best. My kids love helping to layer the apples and drizzle the caramel.
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Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk and spatula, 8x8-inch baking pan, microwave-safe bowl, parchment paper, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg. Caramel candies may contain soy or other allergens: always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains approximately 207 calories, 7 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save to Pinterest 
Serve these caramel apple cookie bars with warm cider for a comforting autumn treat. Enjoy every gooey bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of apples work best for these bars?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
- → Can I substitute the caramel layer?
Yes, you can melt soft caramel candies as directed or use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor.
- → Is it possible to add nuts for extra texture?
Chopped walnuts or pecans can be mixed with the apple layer for a crunchy contrast.
- → How should I store these bars to keep them fresh?
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain softness.
- → Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend can work, but texture may vary slightly.
