Nankhatai is a simple butter cookie which can be made at home as a healthy snack. This is the basic recipe. It can be enhanced by adding chocolate chips, dry fruits, tutti frutti etc.
What do I need??
1 cup maida or all-pupose flour
1/4 cup besan or gram flour
70 g unsalted butter or ghee (make sure it is soft and at room temperature. It should not be melted.)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
Half teaspoon elaichi or cardamom powder
Few dry fruits pieces of your choice (cashews, almonds or unsalted pistachios)
A pinch of salt
What are the steps??
1. Preheat the oven at 180 degrees C.
2. Take the powdered sugar in a bowl and add the ghee or butter.
3. With an electric mixture, cream the sugar and butter until it becomes smooth, light and creamy.
4. Add cardamom powder and mix well together.
4. Now, sieve all the dry ingredients together, i.e, maida/all-purpose flour, besan, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
5. Add these sifted ingredients to the butter and sugar mixure. Mix well with a spatula or spoon.
4. Now, sieve all the dry ingredients together, i.e, maida/all-purpose flour, besan, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
5. Add these sifted ingredients to the butter and sugar mixure. Mix well with a spatula or spoon.
6. Gently bring together the whole mixture to a dough. If you are not able to bring together the mixture and its crumbly, then add 2 to 4 tablespoons milk which is at room temperature or cold.
Do not knead the dough like you do for roti or naan dough.
Do not knead the dough like you do for roti or naan dough.
7. After that, make small balls (lemon size) from the nankhatai dough. Lightly roll them in your palms and slightly flatten them. Press a piece of dry fruit on the top slightly.
8. Finally, bake the nankhatai in the pre-heated oven at 180 degrees C for 20 to 25 minutes, or until light golden or golden.
This would make around 20 small nankhatais.
Any tips??
1. A few drops of vanilla essence can be used instead of cardamom powder.
