Indian Spicy Masala Cookies (Khara Biscuit) Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a savory, spicy treat to pair with your tea or coffee, look no further than these delicious Indian Spicy Masala Cookies, also known as Khara Biscuit. With their perfect balance of heat from green chilies and red chili powder, aromatic ginger, and the subtle tanginess of yogurt, these cookies bring a delightful twist to the traditional sweet cookie. A wonderful addition to any snack table or enjoyed as an everyday bite, these crispy treats will surely please anyone who enjoys bold flavors.
This simple yet flavorful recipe brings together basic ingredients like all-purpose flour, salted butter, curd (yogurt), and a variety of Indian spices. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, these cookies are easy to make and great for sharing with friends and family. Here’s how you can make them in your own kitchen:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 cups |
| Butter (Salted), softened | 1/3 cup |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 3 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Green Chillies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Curry Leaves (finely chopped) | 1 sprig |
| Baking Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
45 minutes
Total Time:
75 minutes
Servings:
Approximately 18-20 cookies
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients. Start by adding flour, butter, curd (yogurt), red chili powder, grated ginger, sugar, salt, cumin seeds, green chilies, curry leaves, baking powder, and asafoetida (hing).
Using your hands or a spatula, mix the ingredients together. Once combined, knead the dough until it forms a smooth, firm consistency. This should take around 3-4 minutes. -
Chill the Dough:
Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 20-30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps firm it up, making it easier to roll out. -
Preheat the Oven:
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. -
Roll Out the Dough:
After refrigerating the dough, remove it from the fridge and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough out to about 2 mm thickness. -
Cut the Cookies:
Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into your desired shape. Popular options include circles or squares, but feel free to get creative. Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s some space between each cookie. -
Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. -
Cool and Serve:
Remove the Khara Biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. The cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them. -
Storage:
Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can stay crisp for several days.
Notes
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Optional Adjustments: For an added twist, you can substitute cumin seeds with ajwain (carom seeds). This gives the cookies a slightly different flavor profile, still maintaining that spicy, savory taste.
-
Serving Suggestions: These cookies are perfect with a cup of masala chai, coffee, or even a cold beverage on a warm day. They’re also ideal for holiday parties or as a simple snack during a movie night.
-
Spice Level: If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the quantity of green chilies and red chili powder to suit your taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Sugar | 1g |
Conclusion
These Indian Spicy Masala Cookies (Khara Biscuit) are the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and crunchy, making them a unique snack to have on hand. Whether you’re craving a quick bite in the middle of the day or looking to impress guests with something homemade, these cookies offer a delicious and easy-to-make solution. Enjoy the flavors of India in every bite, and treat yourself to the comfort and warmth they bring!
