Discover the delightful charm of traditional Zimbabwean baking with these maize meal cookies, a unique and comforting treat that combines rich cultural flavors with simple preparation. Made with fine maize meal (a staple in Southern African cuisine), these cookies boast a subtly sweet, nutty flavor and a delightfully crumbly texture. Softened butter and a dash of vanilla extract infuse the dough with warmth, while a hint of salt perfectly balances the sweetness. Ready in under 30 minutes, these cookies are the perfect accompaniment to tea, coffee, or Maheu, a popular Zimbabwean drink. Whether you're exploring global recipes or adding a new favorite to your cookie collection, these Zimbabwean cookies are sure to impress your taste buds and bring a touch of tradition to your table.
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix maize meal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and milk to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Roll tablespoons of dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking tray, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve with tea, coffee, or a glass of Maheu for an authentic Zimbabwean-inspired treat!
Calories |
1924 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 83.9 g | 108% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.7 g | 258% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 218 mg | 73% | |
| Sodium | 1617 mg | 70% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 273.8 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.4 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 101.5 g | ||
| Protein | 19.6 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 38 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 308 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.