Pin this 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 when I wanted to combine my favorite fall flavors into a simple dessert for my family. The aroma from the oven instantly transported us to cozy autumn afternoons, and everyone was excited to try a piece before the pan had even cooled!
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
Instructions
- Prepare Baking 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 Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the 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 Layer:
- In a small bowl, toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread apples evenly over the cookie base.
- Melt Caramels:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and milk. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and pourable (about 1 minute).
- Add Caramel:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer.
- Top and Bake:
- Crumble reserved dough over the top in small pieces. 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.
Pin this Sharing these bars after dinner became a small celebration in our house. My kids loved breaking off pieces together and the sweet caramel guaranteed everyone would ask for seconds!
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, egg. Caramel candies may contain soy or additional allergens—check labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 207, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 35 g, Protein: 2 g (per serving)
Pin this Enjoy these caramel apple cookie bars with a cold glass of milk or pack them for a lunchbox treat. They disappear quickly at any gathering, so make a double batch if you want leftovers!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute other fruits for apples?
Yes, pears work well as a substitute, offering a slightly different texture and flavor that pairs nicely with caramel.
- → What is the best way to achieve a soft and chewy texture?
Using melted butter and light brown sugar helps create a moist, chewy base, while careful baking ensures the bars remain soft.
- → How do I prevent the caramel from burning during baking?
Microwave the caramel with milk in short intervals until smooth, then drizzle evenly. Baking indirectly with the apple layer helps avoid burning.
- → Can nuts be added to these bars?
Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple layer adds crunch and enhances flavor.
- → What storage method keeps the bars fresh?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.