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Holiday Surprise Basket Cookies

Delicious cookie cups that resemble tiny baskets, perfect for filling with candy, nuts, or jam. Ideal for holiday gifting or as party treats.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cookie dough
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder (optional) For a chocolate flavor
For filling and decoration
  • 1 cup candy, nuts or dried fruit or more if desired
  • 1 cup sprinkles, icing tubes For decoration

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars on medium speed until combined.
  2. Blend in the eggs and vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour, baking soda and baking powder until combined. The cookie batter will become very thick.
  4. Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour, up to overnight, if desired.
Shape and Bake the Cups
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Split your dough into 3 equal pieces. Combine 2 pieces to form a large piece and leave the remaining piece small.
  3. Prepare a regular-sized muffin pan with cooking spray.
  4. Using the larger piece of dough, press it into each muffin cup to form the basket shape.
  5. Bake for 13-16 minutes or until golden brown. The dough will slightly fall to the center while baking.
  6. Cool in the muffin tin for at least 5 minutes.
  7. Fill the cooled cups with your desired fillings.
Make the Cookie Tops
  1. Using the remaining small piece of dough, roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick.
  2. Cut out cookies using a glass or cup to match the size of the muffin tin openings.
  3. Bake for 8-10 minutes and allow to cool.
  4. Decorate with icing and sprinkles before placing on top of each basket.
Serve
  1. Serve these baskets on a platter with other treats, or set up a filling station at a party.
  2. Offer warm drinks alongside these cookies for a festive touch.

Notes

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months, and baked unfilled cups can be frozen for up to 2 months.