Nankhatai
Discover the exquisite world of Nankhatai, a beloved Indian shortbread cookie with its roots in Gujarat. These delightful treats are the perfect blend of delicious, light, and crisp textures that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon indulgence or paired with your evening chai, Nankhatai cookies are a timeless favorite across India. With a rich history and an even richer flavor, these cookies offer a delightful journey through the heartwarming essence of Indian culinary traditions. Experience the joy of savoring these homemade delights, and you'll find that every bite is a moment of pure comfort and satisfaction.
Method
Before you start:
- Sieve Maida and set aside.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Preheat the oven to 365°F (~190°C).
- In a bowl, combine butter or ghee and sugar, and whisk until the mixture is smooth, light, and creamy.
- Add maida, sooji, salt, and cardamom powder to the bowl with the ghee and sugar mix.
- Combine everything and use your hands to bring the dough together.
- Do not knead the mixture, just combine it gently.
- If the dough appears dry, add a little ghee and mix until it comes together.
- Rest the dough, covered, in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Take a lime-sized portion of the dough and roll it into a smooth ball between your palms.
- Ensure there are no cracks in the dough ball.
- Slightly flatten the ball and place it on a lined baking tray.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough.
- Place the cookies 1 inch apart to allow space for them to expand during baking.
- Use a knife to make a crisscross pattern on the cookies.
- Refrigerate the baking trays for an additional 12-15 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-16 minutes. Keep an eye on the cookies after 12 minutes.
- Remove the baking tray from the oven and sprinkle some pistachios and rose petals (optional).
- Allow the cookies to cool down for at least 15 minutes without disturbing them.
- Carefully transfer the cookies to a cooling rack using a spatula.
- Let the cookies cool down completely before storing them in an airtight container. Enjoy your homemade cookies!
Serve with
Enjoy these melt-in-the-mouth cookies with evening Chai.
