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    Home » Desserts » Cakes & biscuits

    Nankhatai | Indian shortbread cookies

    Feb 7, 2020 · Leave a Comment

    489 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Nankhatai or the Indian shortbread cookies is a huge hit with kids as well as adults. These are Indian shortbread biscuits which have been popular for a long time. These biscuits are called Kulcha-e-Khataye in Iran and Afghanistan. What cakes are to English tea, these tiny bite wonders are to Indian tea time.

    what is nankhatai made of?

    Nankhatai ingredients are pretty simple and commonly found in the pantry. Hence, it becomes easy to make them at home.  You can also make it flavors like chocolate nankhatai etc. Some people also make nankhatai recipe in microwave. However, I stopped using microwave since 2 years or so. It is very easy to make it in oven or cast iron pan. Although, many biscuits are available in the market these days. Some people nibble it at teatime without realizing how much sugar is in it.  Hence, the weight loss programs have a slower success although you may be regular. So, you either let go of cookies or add extra workout schedules.

    nankhataai
    Jump to:
    • what is nankhatai made of?
    • Equipment
    • Ingredients
    • how nankhatai is prepared?
    • Related links
    • Variations
    • Nankhatai recipe
    • FAQ
    • Food safety

    Kids and advertising

    Kids today are at a greater risk of sugar related problems. Diabetes in kids is probably the fastest growing concern. They are an easy target too. Add some cartoon characters eating their biscuits and VOILA! All kids want is this, sugar loaded biscuits. That is their choice  for their snacks. It becomes their favorite overnight.

    Most industry produced biscuits are probably just plain flour and almost 30% sugar. Furthermore, adding of food colors, additional preservatives and commercial essence. This makes it worrisome in the long run. Here, is a healthy homemade Nankhatai which you will love. It also gives a personal touch to all your kitty and tea parties.

    Equipment

    • oven

    Ingredients

    • atta/wholemeal flour
    • sooji/semolina
    • besan/chickpea flour
    • butter/ghee
    • powdered sugar
    • cardamom powder
    • baking soda

    Garnish:

    • coarsely powdered pistachios

    Refer to recipe card for details.

    how nankhatai is prepared?

    1. Mix all the dry ingredients.
    nankhatai step 1

    2. Add ghee/butter.

    nankhatai step 2

    3. Knead into a crumbly dough.

    nankhatai step 3

    4. Shape them at small flat discs and make incisions. Garnish with nuts.

    nankhatai step 4

    5. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 10 minutes at 180 deg C.

    nankhataai
    atta nankhatai recipe

    Related links

    • Orange chocolate cream cookies
    • Eggless butter cookies
    • eggless chocolate chip cookies
    • Maggi Masala cookies
    • Ragi biscuits

    Variations

    You can add some cocoa powder to make chocolate nankhatai recipe.

    nankhataai
    Print Recipe
    4.14 from 15 votes

    Nankhatai recipe

    Nankhatai can also be made on a cast iron pan.However,there will be slight change in measurements.
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time40 mins
    Course: Desserts
    Cuisine: Indian
    Keyword: indian shortbread cookies, nankhatai
    Servings: 20
    Author: bhavana bhatia

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ Cup atta/wholemeal flour
    • ¼ cup sooji semolina
    • ¼ cup besan/chickpea flour
    • ¾ cup butter/ghee
    • ½ cup powdered sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon elaichi/cardamom powder
    • ⅛ teaspoon baking soda

    Garnish:

    • 1 tablespoon coarsely powdered pistachios

    Instructions

    • Heat the butter/ghee until warm.keep it aside.
    • Mix all the dry ingredients and baking soda.
    • Add the melted ghee/butter and mix the flour in a crumbly texture.
    • Take a small portion of the dough.Roll it with hands to make a round ball.
    • Press it lightly to make a flat cookie,at least 1 inch thick.
    • Draw an incision in the shape of a cross using a fork/butter knife.
    • Garnish with pistachio,press it a bit on the top of the cookie.
    • Place the cookie on a greased tray or over a baking paper.
    • Ensure that they is enough space for them to cook because they will expand and double up in size.
    • Preheat the oven at 180 deg C for 5 minutes.
    • Bake the cookies at 180 deg C for 10 minutes.
    • Check the nankhatai and bake for further 5-­7 minutes until golden brown.
    • Keep it aside to cool.Store Nankhatai in an air-­tight container.Enjoy with tea or coffee.

    Notes

    You may use plain flour instead of whole wheat flour which is used in the traditional recipe.
    We have used wholewheat flour because it is healthier.
    You may use any nuts like almonds,macadamia,walnuts,pine nuts for garnish.

    Top tip: Always preheat your oven or air fryer.

    FAQ

    Why do Nankhatai crack?

    If you remove your biscuit immediately, from a hot oven to plate. Let it cool in oven only.

    Why is my biscuit not crunchy?

    Too much sugar in it.

    Food safety

    • Never leave cooking food unattended.
    • Always use mittens to remove food from oven.
    • Always reheat your food left overs before consumption.

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    Hi,I am Bhavana & this is my wonderland of recipes.I have been in IT for 15+ years have always loved writing.My husband Gaurav & I,love to cook, click & host people

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