Hello there, precious reader! It’s me, Gobble, your loyal culinary companion from the vibrant corner of Food and Meal, back in my apron and brimming with the giddy excitement of a child in a candy store. Today I’m positively bursting to share an adventure — not just a recipe — but a journey that marries the whimsical charm of baking with the earth-loving spirit of sustainability. I’m talking about the charmingly quirky, utterly delicious, and unbelievably versatile “Compost Cookies.”
Why, you might wonder, would one’s heart make a beeline for such an offbeat cookie? Ah, let the aroma of baking tell a story of redemption where nothing — absolutely nothing — goes to waste. Each crumble, each chip, each odd and end finds its home among the sweet, buttery hills of a Compost Cookie’s landscape. It’s like hosting a little gala in your mixer where every ingredient gets a chance to dance.
For me, it all began on a serene Sunday afternoon, my kitchen awash in golden light, and my pantry — a mosaic of leftovers: a handful of pretzels from movie night, that last sprinkle of chocolate chips, and oats from breakfast’s past. Instead of bidding them goodbye, I decided to bring them together, crafting not just a treat, but a triumph, my stand against the throwaway culture!
In the spirit of resourcefulness, I’ve always preferred the tune of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle,’ and these Compost Cookies sing the same song! Imagine my joy as I watched items that would’ve been neglected transformed into something utterly scrumptious. It’s this feeling, this sweet sentiment of doing good while indulging, that makes this recipe so very close to my heart.
Compost Cookies Recipes
Momofuku-Inspired Compost Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 sticks butter 16 tbsps, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 fine sea salt
- 1 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 1 cup potato chips
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1/2 cup Graham cracker crust mix 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, 1 tbsp butter, and 2 tbsps heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375 F.
- Combine the butter, sugars, and maple in the bowl of an electric mixer with the paddle attachment and mix at med-high speed for about 3 minutes till combined, making sure to scrape down the sides. Add the egg and vanilla and beat for 7-8 minutes. In the meantime, put the flour, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt, in a medium bowl and stir to mix.
- Reduce the speed and add the flour mixture to the butter. Mix until the dough comes together, scraping down the sides as well. It should not take longer than a minute. Still on low speed, add the chocolate chips, the rolled oats, the graham cracker crust, and coffee for about 30 seconds. Gently blend in the pretzels and potato chips.
- Line cookie sheet with parchment and use small ice cream scoop to measure even portions of cookie dough onto the sheet. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour.
- Once ready to make, make sure you space cookies about 3-4 inches apart. Bake at 375 F for 12-18 minutes. Check often and remove from the oven when they are golden brown around the edges. Cool onto a cookie rack.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Air Fryer Method: Crafting Crispy Compost Cookies
Step into the enchanting realm of cookie alchemy with these steps to create the perfect Compost Cookies. In Step 1, witness the convergence of worlds in the mixing bowl as the unsung heroes—flour, baking powder, and soda—form the silent yet profound canvas, ready to cradle the impending dance of flavors. Step 2 orchestrates a sweet melody as sugars and butter waltz into the mix, becoming golden sunrises and tender sonnets that rouse the silent night. Cream them until light and fluffy. The dance reaches its eclectic climax in Step 3, where chocolates, chips, and pretzels perform an intricate ballet—a universe of flavors and silent poems swirling harmoniously in the mix. Step 4 introduces the gentle yet bold spooning of the concoction onto the air fryer’s basket, creating spaces for magic to unfold in the silent gaps. At 350°F, Step 5 lets the cookies dance in the whirling air for a mere 10 minutes, crafting crispy edges, tender centers, and the golden hymns of perfection. As Step 6 beckons, let the cookies rest in the tender embrace of stillness, allowing the flavors to meld and the warmth to echo the silent sonnets of a creation that is nothing short of perfect.
Tips for making Compost Cookies
Cooking Tips
Embarking on the journey to perfect this avant-garde treat begins with an appreciation for balance. The diverse mix-ins contribute various textures and flavors, creating a tapestry of taste. To avoid a discordant mouthful, one should judiciously consider the proportions of sweet to salty, crisp to soft. I find that a judicious hand—adding just enough chips and pretzels to surprise but not overwhelm—can set a harmonious stage.
Embracing the spirit of reuse and innovation that the name ‘Compost Cookies’ suggests, I personally revel in the freedom to experiment. There’s a certain joy in rummaging through the pantry, selecting remnants of snacks that could find new life in your cookie creation. However, remember to choose complementary flavors—your palate will thank you.
When it comes to the dough, patience is a virtue I hold dear. Chilling it allows flavors to meld, resulting in a well-rounded profile when baked. I recommend at least an hour in the refrigerator; however, if you can bear it, overnight chilling often leads to even more flavorful and structured cookies.
As for baking, watchfulness is key. These cookies can go from perfectly golden to overly done in the blink of an eye. I eagerly await the moment when the edges just start to take on a toasty hue, a signal that it is time to remove them from the oven and fill the kitchen with an aroma of sweet achievement.
Since you’re diving into the unique experience of Compost Cookies, let your heart be light and your mind open. The alchemy of salty and sweet, the joy of transformation—it imbues the baking process with a sense of adventure that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Consider beginning with a savory appetizer, such as Shrimp Tempura or Chicken Thighs, moving into a rich and hearty main course such as Masbate Bulalo or Teriyaki Salmon, and then transitioning to Compost Cookies as a whimsical and satisfying dessert.
The intricate flavors of Teriyaki—whether from a dish like Steak Teriyaki or Teriyaki Shrimp—will contrast with the sweet and salty mix of the cookies. The complex sauce’s sweetness and the smokiness from the grilled protein create a flavor profile that prepares the palate for a dessert with similar multifaceted elements.
Sui-Gyoza Soup or Shio Koji Soup could also be a gentle, savory precursor to Compost Cookies, offering a lighter meal whose subtle flavors won’t overshadow the cookies’ robust taste. Similarly, a crisp Kohlrabi Salad or a fresh Cherry Cobbler could serve as refreshing starters, their natural flavors and acidity balancing the cookie’s richness.
Lastly, to conclude a meal with Compost Cookies, a drink pairing might include specialty coffee brews, like Run Packed Coffee, or a cold beverage like Easy Frappuccino or Easy Iced Coffee to cleanse the palate. The contrasting temperatures between the cookies and the drink can heighten the tasting experience.
For more contemporary and multicultural pairings from the list, such as Spicy Tuna Maki or Curry Pork Hot Pot, consider the balance of flavors. The cookies’ sweetness can cool down the spiciness of these dishes, acting as a calming finish to a bold meal.
FAQs of Compost Cookies
- Can I Freeze the Compost Cookies? Indeed, the silent symphony of flavors is preserved, immortalized in the serene embrace of the freezer. Ensure each cookie is wrapped in the silent hug of parchment paper and stored in an airtight container. Here, amidst the cool, they await the tender touch of warmth to unleash their silent sonnet.
- How Can I Make the Cookies Crispier? Ah, the silent dance to the crispy echelons is a journey through the temperate embrace of the oven. A few extra minutes, a tender gaze, and watch as the edges turn golden, echoing the crispy whispers of autumn leaves.
- Is There a Vegan Alternative? In the silent gardens where green whispers echo, vegan substitutes find their voice. Replace eggs with flax eggs and butter with its plant-based kin, and behold, the cookies echo the silent songs of the verdant realms.
- What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients? Fear not, for the Compost Cookies are a silent ode to creativity, to the eclectic dance of improvisation. Miss an ingredient? Let intuition guide, let the silent whispers of the culinary muses introduce a new dancer, a new flavor to this waltz.
- How to Store Leftovers? Store the silent echoes of this sumptuous creation in an airtight container, where air, the silent weaver of time, is kept at bay. Here, in the silent embrace, the cookies echo the freshness, the vivacity of the moment of creation for days to unfold
Conclusion
Compost Cookies, with their eclectic mix of ingredients reminiscent of kitchen pantry cleaning sprees, epitomize the innovative trend of using unconventional components to curate a dessert that is as surprising as it is delicious. The use of coconut in Compost Cookies adds an exotic twist to the usual fare. This tropical delight brings a subtle sweetness and chewy texture that harmonizes with the medley of flavors found in these cookies. The coconut’s richness further deepens the complexity of taste which the Compost Cookie is known for, ensuring that each bite is laden with an explosion of savory and sweet notes intermingling with the satisfying crunch of pretzels, chips, and other mix-ins.
Devotees of the Compost Cookie trend can find an enthusiastic community of fellow bakers and cookie aficionados at Food And Meal, where ideas for variations of this novel recipe are eagerly exchanged. The platform foodandmeal.com serves as a culinary hub for those looking to explore the realm of baking with a side of adventure. On this website, cookie recipes like the coconut-infused Compost Cookie find a home among other experimental and traditional dishes, offering a wealth of inspiration for those keen on merging the realms of the familiar with the exciting unknown in their culinary exploits.
In crafting the conclusion of a blog post about Coconut Compost Cookies, it is fitting to acknowledge the cookie as a testament to the creative and unrestrained spirit present in modern baking. The Coconut Compost Cookie transcends the realm of ordinary desserts, playing both to the sense of nostalgia and the joy of discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or novice in the kitchen, attempting to create these cookies is a rewarding experience, flavored by the knowledge that there is a community of like-minded individuals at Food And Meal, all connected by a love of innovation and, of course, coconut-studded treats. As the oven timer dings, signaling the culmination of a baking adventure, it’s clear that the Coconut Compost Cookie is more than just a dessert; it’s a mosaic of flavors, a work of art, and above all, a celebration of unique tastes and the joy of baking.
Hi! I’m Paula from the Philippines, the passionate blogger and skilled photographer behind Gobble the Cook. I also spearhead the media photography for Food And Meal in Vietnam.
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.