Spiced Caramel Apple Cookie Bars (Print Version)
Cinnamon-spiced apple bars with gooey caramel and crumbly topping, ideal for sharing any time.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
06 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Spiced Apple Filling
09 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, diced
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
14 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
15 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
→ Caramel Layer
16 - 2/3 cup caramel sauce
→ Crumble Topping
17 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
18 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
19 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
20 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
21 - Pinch of salt
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Cream together softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Beat in eggs one at a time, then blend in vanilla extract.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate dry mixture into wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
04 - Spread about two-thirds of the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan, reserving the remaining dough for later use.
05 - Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until apples are tender and mixture is slightly reduced. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
06 - Evenly distribute the cooled spiced apple filling over the cookie base.
07 - Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the apple layer.
08 - Drop spoonfuls of reserved cookie dough over the caramel layer.
09 - In a small bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold diced butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
10 - Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cookie dough.
11 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is golden brown and set. Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Comforting, cozy fall flavors in every bite
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings or snacking
02 -
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples both work well for different sweetness profiles
03 -
- Add toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and depth
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience