Recipe

Southern African Spiced Peanut Cookies

Savory Delights: Southern African Spiced Peanut Cookies

4.3 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Southern African cuisine with these delectable Spiced Peanut Cookies. Inspired by the traditional Norwegian Sandnøtter, this recipe combines the nutty goodness of peanuts with aromatic spices, creating a unique fusion of flavors.

Dessert› Cookie› Sandnøtter

European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Nordic cuisines› Norwegian cuisine

African cuisine› Southern African cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

12-15 minutes

Total time

32-35 minutes

Yields

Makes approximately 24 cookies

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Vegan (if using plant-based butter substitute), Gluten-free (if using gluten-free flour)

Allergens

Peanuts, Gluten (if using regular flour), Dairy (if using butter)

Not suitable for

Nut-free, Dairy-free (if using butter), Paleo

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Norwegian Sandnøtter recipe is transformed into a Southern African delight by incorporating regional spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika, and coriander. These spices add a unique flavor profile and a hint of heat to the cookies, giving them a distinct Southern African twist. We alse have the original recipe for Sandnøtter, so you can check it out.

1 cup (240g) ground peanuts 1 cup (240g) ground peanuts
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugar: 4g)
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground peanuts, flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and baking powder.
4.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
5.
Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6.
Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on the cookies.
7.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
8.
Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Ground Peanuts — If you can't find ground peanuts, you can easily make your own by pulsing roasted peanuts in a food processor until finely ground.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top of the cookies before baking.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier kick or reduce it for a milder flavor.
Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.

Serving advice

Serve these Southern African Spiced Peanut Cookies as a delightful snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to dessert platters or cookie exchanges.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or in a cookie jar to showcase their golden-brown color. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.