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### Instructions: How to Make Apple Basket Cookies
#### Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
1. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the **butter** and **sugar** until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Beat in the **egg** and **vanilla extract**, mixing until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
5. Divide the dough into small portions (about 1 tablespoon each), and roll each portion into a ball. Gently flatten each ball into a round disk, about 2 inches in diameter, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
1. Peel, core, and dice the **apples** into small cubes.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, **sugar**, **cinnamon**, and **lemon juice**. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and release their juices. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
#### Step 3: Assemble the Apple Basket Cookies
1. Once the cookie dough has been placed on the baking sheet, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie by gently pressing down with your thumb. Be careful not to press all the way through.
2. Spoon a small amount of the apple filling into the center of each cookie, making sure the filling is evenly distributed.
3. Now, for the “basket” part: Roll out a portion of the cookie dough into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Lay the strips over the apple filling in a crisscross pattern to create a basket weave effect. You can make the weave as tight or as loose as you like, depending on how you want the “basket” to look.
4. Press the ends of the dough strips gently into the sides of the cookies to secure them.
#### Step 4: Bake the Cookies
1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about **12-15 minutes**, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
2. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### Step 5: Optional Finishing Touch
For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with **caramel sauce** or even a light glaze. If you’re using caramel, a simple store-bought sauce will work perfectly.
### Tips for Perfect Apple Basket Cookies
– **Choose the right apples**: When making the apple filling, opt for apples that hold their shape when cooked, such as **Granny Smith**, **Honeycrisp**, or **Fuji**. Avoid apples that tend to break down too much during cooking.
– **Make them mini**: For a fun twist, make smaller, bite-sized apple basket cookies. Just reduce the amount of dough per cookie and shorten the baking time by a few minutes.
– **Customize the filling**: Feel free to mix in other fruits like **pears** or **cranberries** to add variety to the apple filling. You can also add a touch of **nutmeg** or **ginger** to the filling for a spiced-up flavor.
– **Keep the dough chilled**: If the dough becomes too soft while you’re working with it, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up. This will make it easier to shape and handle.
– **Drizzle with icing**: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of vanilla extract.
### Why You’ll Love Apple Basket Cookies
**Apple Basket Cookies** are the perfect fall treat because they combine the classic flavors of apple pie with the convenience and portability of a cookie. The warm, spiced apple filling inside the soft, buttery cookie dough gives you all the comfort of autumn flavors in a handheld, easy-to-enjoy format. The addition of the basket weave design adds an artistic, rustic touch that will impress anyone who sees them. Whether you’re serving them at a Thanksgiving gathering, a fall bake sale, or just enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.
### Conclusion: A Fun and Festive Fall Dessert
**Apple Basket Cookies** are a delicious and fun way to bring the flavors of fall to life. With their sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and buttery cookie dough, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday, a family gathering, or just a cozy afternoon treat. The creative basket weave design makes them a charming and memorable dessert that will delight everyone who tastes them. Try making these cookies the next time you’re in the mood for a seasonal treat, and get ready to enjoy the delicious combination of apple and cinnamon wrapped in a homemade cookie!
So grab your apples, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these adorable and irresistible **Apple Basket Cookies**!
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