Apple-y Ever After: Caramel Apple Sugar Cookie Bars
Get ready to fall head over heels for these Caramel Apple Sugar Cookie Bars that are apple-solutely irresistible! These bars are the perfect way to turnover a new leaf this autumn season, combining the convenience of premade sugar cookie dough with the cozy flavors of fresh apples and gooey caramel. You’ll be fall-ing in love with how easy they are to make – no need to go out on a limb when you’ve got caramel chips and luscious caramel sauce doing all the heavy lifting! These treats are so good, they’ll have your friends and family saying “orange you glad” you discovered this recipe that’s ripe for the picking. Trust us, these bars are the apple of our eye and will definitely be the pick of your fall dessert lineup!
Why these caramel apple bars are so great:
- Using premade sugar cookie dough, they’re easy to make in a hurry.
- Perfect for fall dessert, parties, potlucks, bake sales, Halloween parties, or even Thanksgiving dessert.
- Easily double or triple the recipe for a large crowd!
Caramel Apple Sugar Cookie Bars
Servings: 9
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes / Down time: 20-30 minutes
Ingredients
- 16.5 oz tube of refrigerated sugar cookie dough
- 2 small apples, peeled and diced into small pieces
- â…” cup caramel baking bits
- 1-2 tbsp premade caramel sauce for topping
Directions
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a square baking dish with parchment paper.
Peel and chop the apples.
Press ¾ of the cookie dough into the bottom of the dish and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and top with chopped apples and caramel bits, sprinkle small pieces of the remaining cookie dough over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Remove from the oven, cool completely.
Drizzle caramel sauce on top before cutting into squares to serve.
FAQ
Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for premade caramel sauce for convenience, feel free to use your favorite homemade caramel sauce. Just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before drizzling to prevent the cookie base from getting too soggy.
What type of apples work best for these bars?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet caramel. Honeycrisp and Braeburn apples also work wonderfully if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile.
How should I store these bars and how long do they last?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months – just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can bake them completely, let them cool, and store them covered overnight. Just add a fresh drizzle of caramel sauce before serving if desired.
