Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars: A Cozy Dessert Fusion

In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using).
Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the filling has thickened slightly.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
Step 3: Add the Apple Filling
Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the cookie dough base, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 4: Add the Snickerdoodle Topping
Take the remaining one-third of the cookie dough and crumble it over the apple filling, covering as much of the filling as possible.
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the crumbled cookie dough.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.
Step 6: Serve
Slice into squares and serve. These bars are perfect on their own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Serving and Storage Tips