Apple-Filled Basket Cookies with Walnut Topping

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

  1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples? Yes, pears, peaches, or berries work well.
  2. What type of apples should I use? Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal.
  3. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
  4. Can I omit the walnuts? Yes, or replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
  5. How do I prevent the dough from sticking? Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour.
  6. Can I use pre-made dough? Yes, puff pastry or pie dough can be substituted.
  7. Can I make these vegan? Replace butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg.
  8. Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, adjust sugar in the filling to taste or omit entirely.
  9. How do I store these cookies? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
  10. Can I add other spices? Yes, nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom pair well with cinnamon.