Caramel Apple Cookies – Air Fryer Cookies Easy Recipes You’ll Crave
Ever take a bite of something and feel like you just got a warm hug from fall? That’s exactly what these caramel apple cookies do. They’ve got the soft chew of classic cookies, cozy notes of cinnamon, and pockets of sweet, melty caramel. Oh—and apple chunks. Real ones. None of that artificial flavor nonsense.
I made these during a rainy Sunday with my kid helping me (translation: sneaking bites of caramel when they thought I wasn’t looking). We ended up with sticky fingers and happy faces. The dough is thick but playful—just like good cookie dough should be. Bake them up and you’ll get crispy edges, soft centers, and a flavor that somehow tastes like a hayride through an apple orchard.
They’re quick enough for weeknights, sweet enough for holidays, and yep, they even work in an air fryer if you’re feeling rebellious. If you’ve got apples, some soft caramel, and a sweet tooth, you’re already halfway there.
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup diced apples (peeled)
- 1 cup soft caramel bits or chopped soft caramels
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (or air fryer to 320°F if using). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the diced apples and caramel bits—gently, so they don’t mush.
- Scoop dough balls (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the baking sheet, leaving room for spreading.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring.
- If using an air fryer, bake in batches at 320°F for 8–10 minutes, checking for doneness.