Apple Basket Cookies are a delightful fall treat, perfect for when apples are in season. These cookies feature a delicate, crumbly crust filled with juicy, aromatic apple filling and topped with chopped walnuts. The combination of sweet apples, buttery dough, and crunchy nuts makes this dessert irresistible. Whether you’re looking for something special to serve with tea or a cozy snack, these cookies are sure to impress.
Preparation Time
- Active Time: 25 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4-5 medium apples, peeled and grated
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Dough:
- 1 egg
- 100 g (½ cup) sugar
- 100 g (½ cup) sour cream
- 250 g (2 cups) flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 packet of vanillin
- 100 g (½ cup) cold butter, cubed
For Topping:
- 50 g (⅓ cup) chopped walnuts
Directions
- Prepare the filling:
- Peel and grate apples using a coarse grater.
- In a pan, heat butter and add the grated apples.
- Cook the apples over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes until the excess liquid evaporates and the filling becomes thick.
- Add sugar and cinnamon, if desired, for sweetness and flavor.
- Transfer the filling to a bowl and allow it to cool completely.
- Make the dough:
- In a bowl, mix the egg, sugar, and sour cream until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla.
- Add cold butter to the flour mixture and rub it with your hands until it forms crumbs.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the egg-sour cream mixture.
- Gently mix with a spatula and then knead the dough with your hands until it comes together.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Assemble the cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of 4-5 mm (about ⅛ inch).
- Use an 8 cm (3-inch) round cutter to cut circles from the dough.
- Grease muffin tins with vegetable oil and press the dough circles into the tins, forming small baskets.
- Fill each basket with the apple filling.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top of each cookie.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the dough is golden and the filling is fragrant.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before removing them from the tins.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a cup of warm tea or coffee.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- These cookies make a great addition to any holiday or autumn-themed dessert table.
Cooking Tips
- If your apples are very sweet, you may want to omit the sugar in the filling.
- Ensure the dough is well chilled before rolling it out for easier handling.
- You can also use silicone or ceramic molds for baking.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, making these cookies a slightly healthier dessert option.
- Walnuts add healthy fats and protein, giving these treats a nutritional boost.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian
- Contains dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, 1 cookie)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Sugar: 8 g
Storage
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- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze unbaked dough for up to 1 month; simply thaw, roll, and bake when ready.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The dough is perfectly crumbly and pairs beautifully with the juicy apple filling.
- These cookies are versatile and can be adapted with different fillings like pear or berries.
- They’re a perfect fall treat, making the most of seasonal apples.
- Easy to make with basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Conclusion
These Apple Basket Cookies are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall. With their delicate, buttery crust and spiced apple filling, they’re the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Whether served at a family gathering or as an afternoon snack, these cookies are sure to be a hit. The walnuts add a lovely crunch, making every bite a little more special. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, pears or berries work well as an alternative. - Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before using it. - Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but the flavor may differ slightly. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour mix as a substitute. - How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling it out?
Lightly flour the surface and the rolling pin to prevent sticking. - Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. - What if my filling is too runny?
Simmer it longer to evaporate excess liquid. - Do I need to peel the apples?
It’s recommended for a smoother filling, but you can leave the skins on if preferred. - Can I add raisins or other dried fruits to the filling?
Absolutely! Adding raisins or cranberries will enhance the flavor. - How can I make the dough easier to handle?
Make sure the butter is cold, and don’t skip chilling the dough before rolling