# Components:
→ Cookie Base
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
05 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
07 - 1/4 tsp baking soda
08 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Apple Filling
09 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
10 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
11 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
→ Caramel Layer
12 - 3/4 cup soft caramels, unwrapped
13 - 2 tbsp milk
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Whisk melted butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth, then add egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; add to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
04 - Reserve 1/2 cup of the dough; press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to create the base layer.
05 - Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then spread evenly over the cookie base.
06 - Combine caramels and milk in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and pourable.
07 - Drizzle the melted caramel evenly over the apple layer.
08 - Crumble the reserved dough over the caramel layer in small pieces.
09 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until golden and set. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before removing and cutting into portions.
