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Holiday Surprise Basket Cookies

Delicious cookie cups filled with a surprise treat, perfect for sharing during the holidays.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars on medium speed until combined.
  2. Blend in the eggs and vanilla, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. Add the flour, baking soda and baking powder on low speed until combined. The cookie batter will become very thick.
  4. You can either bake immediately or cover and refrigerate at least an hour, up to overnight.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Baking the cookie cups
  1. Split your dough into 3 equal pieces, then combine 2 of the pieces into one for the larger portion.
  2. Prepare a muffin pan with cooking spray.
  3. Using the larger piece, press the dough into each cup to form the cookie basket shape.
  4. Bake for 13-16 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes.
Making the tops
  1. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
  2. Using the remaining piece of dough, roll it out flat (about 1/4 inch thick).
  3. Cut out circles using a glass or cup that matches the size of the muffin cup open.
  4. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool and decorate as desired.
  5. Place a decorated cookie on top of each cookie basket.
Serving
  1. Serve at room temperature on a platter or individual paper cups.
  2. Can be filled with soft caramel or chocolate ganache for warm or cold treats.

Notes

Chill the dough if you want more control while shaping the cups.