Imagine biting into a delightful cookie that's not just a treat, but a work of art! These Stamped Apple Wreath Apple Baskets are about to revolutionize your holiday baking, transforming ordinary cookies into stunning edible masterpieces that will have everyone asking, "How did you make these?" With a perfect blend of buttery sweetness, warm spices, and adorable apple-inspired design, these cookies are more than just a dessert—they're a conversation starter that will make you the star of any gathering.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 baskets
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Red and green food coloring
- Apple-shaped cookie cutter
- Royal icing for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough into three portions: one for the basket base, one for red apples, and one for green apples.
- Add red food coloring to one portion of dough for creating red apple details, and green food coloring to another portion for green apple elements.
- Roll out the base dough on a lightly floured surface to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use the apple-shaped cookie cutter to cut out basket base shapes, carefully transferring them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Roll out the colored dough portions and use the same cookie cutter to create apple shapes in red and green.
- Carefully place the colored apple shapes onto the base dough, creating a decorative wreath-like pattern.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and cookies are set.
- Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, use royal icing to add additional decorative details, such as basket weave patterns or apple stem and leaf accents.
- Allow royal icing to set completely before storing cookies in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper between each basket.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Color Carefully: When adding food coloring, add drops gradually to achieve vibrant, even colors without affecting dough consistency.
- Chill for Precision: If the dough becomes too soft while working, refrigerate for 15 minutes to make cutting and shaping easier.
- Royal Icing Technique: Use a fine-tipped piping bag for intricate decorative details to create professional-looking designs.
- Storage Secret: Store cookies in a single layer with parchment between to maintain their beautiful shape and prevent breaking.
- Spice Balance: Don't skip the cinnamon and nutmeg—they add warmth and depth to the cookie's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 50mg
