INTRODUCTION

Holiday Surprise Basket Cookies are small cookie cups you can fill with treats. They look like little baskets and they are fun to make and to give. You press dough into a muffin pan, bake, and then fill each cup with candy, nuts, or jam. These cookies bring a bright smile to a party table or a gift box. If you like small holiday treats, you may also enjoy the buttery raspberry crumble cookies mini tart as another easy treat to share.

This recipe is simple and kid friendly. You can change the fillings to match the season or a theme. The dough bakes into a thin shell that holds a large surprise. You can make the shells ahead, decorate the tops, and fill them right before you serve. The process is clear and quick, and the result is a bright, tasty cookie cup.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe because it is easy to make and fun to fill. The cookie baskets look fancy, but they do not take a lot of skill. The dough is similar to regular cookie dough and bakes into a crisp shell. You can make many baskets in one batch, so this is good for a crowd.

The recipe is also flexible. You can use chocolate, cocoa, or plain dough. You can add nuts, dried fruit, candy, or frosting as the filling. The tops can be decorated with icing or sprinkles. If you enjoy decorated holiday cookies, try the buttery raspberry swirl shortbread cookies for another sweet idea.

This cookie is good for gifts. Place a few baskets in a box with tissue paper and they look special. The cookies do not need fancy tools, and you can make them with simple pantry items. Kids love to help press the dough into the muffin cups and to pick the fillings.

HOW TO MAKE Holiday Surprise Basket Cookies

This section shows how to turn simple dough into a filled cookie basket. The method is simple. You will shape the dough, bake, cool, fill, and top each basket. Read each step first, then make the cookie shells.

When you make these cookies at home, you will find a rhythm. Press the dough thin, bake until golden, and then add your choice of filling. For a darker shell, you can add cocoa to one part of the dough for contrast. If you want more ideas for seasonal cookies, the chestnut praline latte ginger snowflake cookies give a cozy holiday flavor you can pair with these baskets.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Large mixing bowl
Handheld mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Muffin pan (regular size, 12 count)
Rolling pin
Cup or glass for cutting circles
Rimmed baking sheet
Cooling rack

Ingredients You’ll Need :

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, packed, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoon baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon vanilla, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, cup candy, nuts or dried fruit – or more if desired, 1/3 cup cocoa powder (optional), your favorite candies, sprinkles, icing tubes

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :

In a large bowl, ideally with a handheld or stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars on medium speed until combined., Blend in the eggs and vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed., Next with the mixer on low speed, add the flour, baking soda and baking powder until combined. The cookie batter will become very thick., You can either bake immediately or cover and refrigerate at least an hour, up to overnight. I prefer baking with chilled dough but it is not necessary with this dough., Preheat your oven to 350 degrees., Split your dough into 3 equal pieces, approximately., Next combine 2 of the pieces into one. Now you have a large piece and a small piece., Prepare a regular sized muffin pan (holds 12 muffins) with cooking spray., Using the larger piece of dough press each cookie basket into each cup so it lines the bottom and sides of the tin. You have to press the dough as thin as possible into the sides and bottom of each muffin cup., Bake for 13-16 minutes or until golden brown and the bottom of the cup looks somewhat cooked. The dough will fall slightly to the center of each muffin while baking. This is ok., Remove from oven and cool in the muffin tin for at least 5 minutes., Once cups are cool fill them with anything you want!, Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside., Grab your remaining small piece of dough. Using a rolling pin lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out flat, about 1/4 of an inch thick., Using a glass or a cup that is about the same size as the opening as your muffin tin, press into your dough and make as many round cookies as needed to cover or become the top of each of your cookie baskets., Bake for 8-10 minutes., Allow to cool and then decorate the tops with icing and/or sprinkles as well. Decorate and then place a flat cookie on top of each basket., Serve and enjoy!

HOW TO SERVE Holiday Surprise Basket Cookies

Serve these cookies on a plate or in a small box. They look best when the filling shows a little. For a party, place them on a large platter with some fresh decorations. For gifts, put them in a small tin or clear bags with ribbon.

You can serve them warm or at room temperature. If you fill them with chocolate or caramel, the filling will be soft. For a firm center, fill them with chilled frosting or thick jam. For a rich pairing, serve with warm drinks like cocoa or a latte and try a theme match with the double chocolate holiday cookie dough brownie gems on the dessert table.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Holiday Surprise Basket Cookies

Store the baked cookie shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you fill them, store them in the fridge if the filling is perishable. Place a sheet of parchment between layers to keep them from sticking.

To freeze baked shells, cool them completely and place them in a single layer on a rimmed tray. Freeze for 1 hour, then move the shells to a freezer bag or container. Use within 2 months for best quality. Thaw the shells at room temperature before filling. If you freeze filled baskets, wrap them tightly and use within a week. Avoid freezing baskets that hold whipped cream or fresh fruit as the texture will change.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Fill with mini chocolates, salted caramel, or pistachio cream for a rich bite.
Add a small scoop of ice cream and serve right away for a fun dessert.
Use holiday candy for a colorful look, or add nuts and dried fruit for a simple snack.
Top the flat cookie with royal icing, drizzle, or sprinkles to match your party colors.
For a kid party, fill with small toys or candy for a sweet prize.

These simple serving ideas let you match the cookie to any event. You can make savory baskets too by using less sugar and filling with cheese dips for a fun twist.

VARIATIONS

You can change the dough or the filling to make many styles of baskets.

Chocolate rim: Add 1/3 cup cocoa to one piece of dough to make a chocolate shell.
Two-tone baskets: Use one plain and one cocoa portion to make half dark and half light cups.
Nutty baskets: Mix chopped nuts into the dough or into the filling for crunch.
Jam baskets: Fill with your favorite jam for a fruity bite and a bright center.
Mini tart idea: Turn the dough into mini tarts by using the same method and a tart tin; for another small tart idea see easy reindeer sugar cookies as a fun holiday craft idea.

Try one variation at a time to see which you like best. The method stays the same so you can test new ideas with little risk.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can make the dough and chill it for up to 24 hours in the fridge. You can also freeze the dough in a log for up to 1 month.

Q: How do I keep the baskets from breaking?
A: Press the dough thin and even into the muffin cups. Let them cool properly in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before removing. Cool fully on a rack to firm them up.

Q: Can I make smaller baskets?
A: Yes. Use a mini muffin pan and bake for less time. Check often to avoid overbaking.

Q: What is the best filling for a large crowd?
A: Use non-perishable items like candy, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. These hold up well if you need to set them out for a while.

Q: Can I bake the top cookies with the shells?
A: Yes. Bake the flat tops on a separate sheet after you cut them, as the recipe states. Let them cool before putting them on the baskets.

Q: Are these cookies good for gift boxes?
A: Yes. They keep well if filled with dry candy. Use parchment or a small paper cup to protect the top.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Holiday Surprise Basket Cookies

Make the dough a day ahead and keep it chilled. Press and bake the shells the day before your event to save time. Store baked shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep the tops and fillings separate until you are ready to serve to keep the cookies fresh. If you need to freeze, freeze the shells and thaw them before filling.

Holiday Surprise Basket Cookies