Apple Crisp Cookie Bars
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/4051c8ae-5d69-4997-8196-2ff4f2c35f4c
Original source: https://handletheheat.com/apple-crisp-cookie-bars/
Recipe image: https://handletheheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/apple-crisp-bars-SQUARE.png

Apple Crisp Cookie Bars feature a simple chewy cookie crust covered with cinnamon apples and a crispy sweet oat topping for an easy fall treat! Ready in just over 1 hour.
Yield: 9
Prep time: PT25M
Cook time: PT37M
Total time: PT62M

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (191 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 grams) dark brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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
- 1/3 cup (42 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (30 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, (cubed and chilled)

Instructions
1. [Make the bars:] 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.
2. [Make the bars:] In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. [Make the bars:] 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.
4. [Make the bars:] 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.
5. [Make the apple mixture:] While the crust is baking, combine the apple ingredients a medium bowl. Carefully arrange the slices over the par-baked crust in one even layer.
6. [Make the topping:] 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.
7. [Make the topping:] 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.