Apple Basket Cookies

Apple Basket Cookies are a delightful fall treat featuring a crumbly crust filled with juicy apple filling and topped with crunchy walnuts. They’re perfect for seasonal gatherings or cozy afternoon snacks, combining sweet apples with a buttery dough and a hint of cinnamon.

Prep Time:

  • Active Time: 25 minutes
  • Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

Filling:

  • 4-5 medium apples (peeled and grated)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp sugar (optional)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Dough:

  • 1 egg
  • 100g (½ cup) sugar
  • 100g (½ cup) sour cream
  • 250g (2 cups) flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 100g (½ cup) cold butter, cubed

Topping:

  • 50g (⅓ cup) chopped walnuts

Directions:

  1. Prepare the filling: Sauté grated apples with butter, sugar, and cinnamon until thickened. Cool.
  2. Make the dough: Mix egg, sugar, and sour cream. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla. Cut cold butter into the dry mix, then combine with wet ingredients. Chill dough for 15 minutes.
  3. Assemble: Roll out dough and cut circles. Press into greased muffin tins, fill with apple mixture, and sprinkle with walnuts.
  4. Bake: At 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Pair with tea or coffee.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Cooking Tips:

  • Adjust sugar based on apple sweetness.
  • Chill dough for easy handling.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Apples provide fiber and antioxidants.
  • Walnuts add healthy fats and protein.

Dietary Information:

  • Vegetarian
  • Contains dairy, gluten, and nuts.

Nutritional Facts (per cookie):

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugar: 8g

Storage:

  • Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze unbaked dough for up to 1 month.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Easy to make with pantry staples.
  • Adaptable with different fillings like pears or berries.
  • A perfect way to use seasonal apples.
  • Delicious balance of textures: crumbly crust, soft filling, and crunchy walnuts.

Conclusion:

These Apple Basket Cookies are a charming, seasonal delight that offers the perfect balance of crumbly dough, spiced apple filling, and nutty crunch. They’re easy to make, versatile, and great for sharing during the fall months. With their rustic appearance and warm flavors, these cookies are bound to become a favorite at any gathering or as a comforting snack.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use other fruits? Yes, pears or berries work well.
  2. Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, refrigerate for up to 2 days.
  3. Can I substitute margarine for butter? Yes, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
  4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour mix.
  5. How to prevent the dough from sticking? Lightly flour the rolling surface.
  6. Can I freeze baked cookies? Yes, for up to 1 month.
  7. What if my filling is too runny? Cook longer to evaporate excess liquid.
  8. Do I need to peel the apples? It’s optional, but recommended for smoother filling.
  9. Can I add dried fruits? Yes, raisins or cranberries enhance the flavor.
  10. How to make dough easier to handle? Ensure butter is cold and chill the dough.