Tom Hunt, a culinary maestro known for his passion for sustainability, has unveiled a delightful recipe that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also champions the art of making the most out of kitchen leftovers. Dubbed ‘compost cookies’, these treats invite bakers to rummage through their cupboards and unleash their creativity, all while minimising waste.
The Inspiration Behind Compost Cookies
The concept of compost cookies can be traced back to Christina Tosi, the innovative founder of New York’s famed Milk Bar. Tosi recounted her early experiences of baking these cookies at a conference centre on Star Island, New England. With limited resources at their disposal, the bakers learned to improvise, crafting delicious treats from whatever ingredients were available.
Hunt has taken this whimsical approach and tailored it for British kitchens, encouraging home bakers to adapt the recipe based on their pantry staples. This flexibility allows for endless variations, ensuring that no cookie is ever quite the same.
Key Ingredients for a Unique Treat
The beauty of compost cookies lies in their versatility. While the base recipe includes a few essential ingredients, the real magic happens with the additions. Hunt emphasises two crucial elements that elevate these cookies: fresh coffee grounds and salty snacks.
The coffee grounds provide a deep, rich flavour that enhances the sweetness without overwhelming it. Meanwhile, incorporating salty treats like crisps, pretzels, or peanuts creates a delightful contrast that keeps you reaching for more.
Hunt recommends using a simple biscuit crust made from crushed biscuits mixed with melted butter, adding an optional layer of texture and flavour. The possibilities are endless; whether you choose chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even leftover sweets, each batch can be a unique creation.
Crafting the Perfect Compost Cookie
To whip up approximately 20 of these delectable cookies, gather the following ingredients:
– 225g room-temperature butter
– 350g sugar (a mix of granulated and dark brown sugars)
– 50g golden syrup (or an alternative)
– 1 egg
– ½ tsp vanilla extract
– 225g flour (a blend of plain and wholemeal works nicely)
– 40g rolled oats
– 2½ tsp fresh coffee grounds (optional)
– ½ tsp baking powder
– ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
– 1 tsp sea salt
– Optional extras: crushed biscuits, chocolate chips, assorted sweets, and salted snacks
Begin by creaming together the butter, sugars, and syrup until light and fluffy. Next, mix in the egg and vanilla, followed by the flour, oats, coffee grounds, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and sea salt. Once well combined, fold in your chosen mix-ins.
After rolling the dough into 20 balls, refrigerate them for at least an hour. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of chewy and crunchy. When ready, preheat your oven to 190°C (or 170°C for fan ovens), line your baking trays, and space the dough balls adequately to allow for spreading. Bake for around 18 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden. Store in an airtight container, and enjoy them for days—or freeze for later indulgence.
Why it Matters
Hunt’s compost cookies are not just a delightful treat; they represent a broader movement towards sustainability in our kitchens. In a world increasingly aware of food waste, this recipe encourages resourcefulness and creativity, transforming what might typically be discarded into something delicious. By embracing the idea of ‘waste not’, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future whilst enjoying the simple pleasure of homemade cookies. So, gather your odds and ends, and start baking—your taste buds (and the planet) will thank you!
