# Components:
→ 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
# 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 together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; mix until combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Incorporate into wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
04 - Reserve 1/2 cup dough. Press remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to create the base layer.
05 - Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Spread mixture evenly over cookie base.
06 - Combine caramels and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and pourable.
07 - Drizzle melted caramel evenly atop the apple filling.
08 - Crumble reserved dough over the caramel in small pieces.
09 - Bake for 28-32 minutes until golden and set. Allow to cool completely before lifting from pan and slicing into bars.
