Apple Cinnamon Cookie Bars
I am a firm believer in the theory, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” I eat at least one apple every day. I just love them. I like all varieties, but Josh is picky, he only likes the really tart apples-Granny Smith are his favorite. Honey crisp, Jazz, and Mutsu are my top three, but again, I have a special place in my heart for all apples:) Fall is the perfect season for baking with apples. The apples are so good right now…and cheap too:) I decided to create an apple cinnamon cookie bar since I already created an apple cinnamon cookie earlier this fall. You all know I love my cookies:) I started with a basic bar dough and added in lots of cinnamon and spices. I am in love with nutmeg, all spice, and cloves-so I added in a little bit of each. I decided to add in a handful of too, because I personally love the shriveled little guys, but you can omit them if you wish. I used Granny Smith apples so Josh would be happy and tart apples really are great for baking. I sprinkled the dough with extra cinnamon sugar before putting them into the oven. It is important to let the bars cool before cutting/serving because they are very soft when they are warm. I know it is hard to wait, but these are well worth the wait, I promise. I am going to be making these every fall. I hope you will too!
Total Steps
9
Ingredients
15
Tools Needed
8
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http://twopeasandtheirpod.com/apple-cinnamon-cookie-bars/Ingredients
- 2.25 cup all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch fresh nutmeg
- 0.125 teaspoon allspice
- pinch ground cloves
- 0.5 cup melted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup raisins (or dried cranberries)(optional)
- 2 apples, cored and diced (Granny Smith preferred)
- cinnamon sugar mixture
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 by 13 inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Step 3
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the melted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed until creamy. This will take a minute or two. Scrape down the sides if necessary.
Step 4
With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs, one at a time, beating until just combined after each addition. Add in the vanilla extract. Increase speed to medium and beat until everything is smooth and well mixed.
Step 5
Turn the mixer to low speed. Gradually add the flour mixture (from step 2) to the wet ingredients, mixing until all of the flour is just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6
Stir in the raisins (or dried cranberries) and diced apples.
Step 7
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to ensure the dough is nice and even. Sprinkle the dough with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Step 8
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown.
Step 9
Remove the pan from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Cut the bars once they are cool. Serve and enjoy!