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