# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Cookie Base
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
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
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat the 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. Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Fold into the wet mixture just until combined.
04 - Set aside half a cup of dough. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base layer.
05 - Toss diced apples with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cookie base.
06 - Combine caramels and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and pourable, approximately 1 minute.
07 - Drizzle the melted caramel evenly over the apple layer.
08 - Crumble the reserved dough over the caramel in small pieces to cover the surface.
09 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the top is golden and set. Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into 16 bars.
