These delightful apple-filled basket cookies are perfect for autumn days or holiday gatherings. The buttery dough forms a crisp, golden shell, holding a spiced apple filling, topped with crunchy walnuts for a sweet and nutty treat.
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:
- Apples: 4–5 medium, peeled and grated
- Butter: 1 tbsp
- Sugar: 2 tbsp (optional, adjust to taste)
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
For the Dough:
- Egg: 1
- Sugar: 100 g (½ cup)
- Sour Cream: 100 g (½ cup)
- Flour: 250 g (2 cups)
- Baking Powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: Pinch
- Vanilla Extract or Vanillin: 1 tsp or 1 packet
- Cold Butter: 100 g (½ cup), cubed
For the Topping:
- Walnuts: 50 g (⅓ cup), chopped
Directions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Peel and grate the apples using a coarse grater.
- Heat the butter in a pan over medium heat and add the grated apples.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–10 minutes until the liquid evaporates and the filling thickens.
- Stir in sugar and cinnamon for added sweetness and flavor.
- Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
2. Make the Dough
- In a bowl, mix the egg, sugar, and sour cream until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla.
- Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and rub it with your hands until the mixture resembles crumbs.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the egg-sour cream mixture.
- Gently mix with a spatula, then knead the dough until it comes together.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
3. 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 and sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.
4. Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or 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 warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Serve as a centerpiece on an autumn or holiday dessert table.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Share with friends and family as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Cooking Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Chill the dough to make it easier to work with and prevent shrinking during baking.
- Grease the muffin tins thoroughly to ensure the cookies release easily.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the apple filling for extra warmth.
- Substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred.
Nutritional Benefits
- Apples: Rich in fiber and vitamin C, promoting digestion and immunity.
- Walnuts: Provide healthy fats, omega-3s, and antioxidants.
- Butter: Adds energy and fat-soluble vitamins.
- Cinnamon: Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains no meat or fish.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust sugar in the filling or topping to taste.
Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 10 g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 160°C (320°F) or microwave briefly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavors: A perfect blend of buttery pastry, spiced apples, and crunchy nuts.
- Great for Sharing: These bite-sized treats are perfect for gatherings or gifting.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite fillings or toppings.
- Seasonal Treat: Ideal for autumn and holiday celebrations.
Conclusion
These Apple-Filled Basket Cookies with Walnut Topping are a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for cozy afternoons or festive occasions. With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and nutty topping, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.
Try this recipe today and savor the taste of homemade comfort!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other fruits instead of apples? Yes, pears, peaches, or berries work well.
- What type of apples should I use? Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Can I omit the walnuts? Yes, or replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- How do I prevent the dough from sticking? Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour.
- Can I use pre-made dough? Yes, puff pastry or pie dough can be substituted.
- Can I make these vegan? Replace butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg.
- Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, adjust sugar in the filling to taste or omit entirely.
- How do I store these cookies? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Can I add other spices? Yes, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom pair well with cinnamon.