Name: Apple Crisp Cookie Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 37 min
Total time: 62 min
Yield: 9 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: . For the bars; 1 1/2 cups grams all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon fine salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 stick grams unsalted butter; 1 cup grams dark brown sugar; 2 tablespoons molasses; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; . For the apple mixture; 2 small Granny Smith apples ((peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch slices)); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; . For the oat topping; 1/3 cup grams all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup grams old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/4 cup grams light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons grams granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 tablespoons grams unsalted butter ((cubed and chilled))

Delight in the warm, cozy flavors of these Apple Crisp Cookie Bars! Perfect for any occasion, they combine the sweet, tart taste of apples with a buttery, crumbly topping. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Tips for Success

Be sure to let the bars cool before slicing; this will help them hold their shape. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Favorite Parts

This part’s so satisfying—watching the apples bubble up and the topping turn golden brown is a true joy!

Ingredients

Instructions

Make the bars:
Step 1

- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8 by 8-inch metal baking pan with parchment or foil, leaving an overhang on all sides.
Step 2

- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Step 3

- Combine wet ingredients: In a large heatproof bowl, melt the butter. While the butter is still hot, add the brown sugar and stir until combined. Allow to cool slightly before adding the molasses, milk, eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla. Gently stir in the dry ingredients.
Step 4

- Bake the crust: Smooth the mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer. Bake for 17 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the center is still undercooked.
Make the apple mixture:
Step 5

- Prepare apples: While the crust is baking, combine the apple ingredients in a medium bowl. Carefully arrange the slices over the par-baked crust in one even layer.
Make the topping:
Step 6

- Mix topping ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Using a pastry blender or a fork, cut the butter into the dry ingredient mixture until a coarse meal forms. Sprinkle all over the apples.
Step 7

- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and continue baking until the topping is golden and the apples are soft, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing and serving. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 250, Fat: 10g, Carbs: 38g, Protein: 3g

Cooking techniques

Baking the bars requires a balance of time to ensure the crust is just undercooked before adding the apples. This technique helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Variations or substitutions

Feel free to substitute different types of apples or use a mix of nuts in the topping for added crunch!

Storage tips

Keep these bars covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage. They also freeze well!

Notes

For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat topping.