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Apple Basket Cookies Recipe: A Delightful Fall Treat
There’s something magical about autumn—crisp air, colorful leaves, and, of course, delicious fall treats! If you’re looking for a recipe that perfectly captures the cozy vibes of the season, Apple Basket Cookies are just what you need. These cookies blend the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples into one irresistible bite. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also look adorable, resembling little apple baskets, making them a perfect choice for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply treating yourself and your loved ones to a comforting homemade dessert.
Why You’ll Love Apple Basket Cookies:
- Perfect for Fall: Apple and cinnamon are classic autumn flavors, and these cookies embrace them to the fullest. They’ll fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that screams cozy season.
- Adorable Appearance: The unique apple basket shape makes these cookies not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight. They’re fun to make and sure to impress your friends and family.
- Soft and Chewy: These cookies are soft and chewy with just the right amount of crunch from the apple pieces. They offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- Great for Gifting: Whether you’re making a batch for a bake sale, a gift, or just to share with others, these cookies are sure to spread joy. Their festive look makes them the ideal gift for the holiday season.
- Versatile: You can easily customize these cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins, like caramel bits, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of icing on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients for Apple Basket Cookies:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, for texture)
For the Apple Basket Tops (Optional Garnish):
- 1/2 cup apple jelly (or any fruit preserves)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (for the “basket handle”)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until everything is evenly mixed, then set the bowl aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
To the creamed mixture, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly glossy.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense cookies.
6. Fold in Apples:
Add the finely chopped apples (and oats, if using) to the dough. Gently fold them in using a spatula, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. To create the “basket” shape, gently press down on each cookie to flatten them slightly. You can also use your fingers to shape the sides into a little basket-like curve.
8. Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft. The cookies will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet, so be careful not to overbake.
9. Make the Apple Basket Toppings (Optional):
Once the cookies have cooled slightly, you can add a fun “basket” garnish on top:
- Apple Jelly: Warm up the apple jelly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften it, then drizzle a small amount onto the top of each
