Spicy Indian Masala Cookies (Khara Biscuit) Recipe

Introduction

At the heart of Indian snack cuisine lies a rich tradition of creating savory, spicy treats that serve as perfect accompaniments to hot beverages like tea and coffee. Among these, the Indian Spicy Masala Cookies, popularly known as Khara Biscuit, hold a special place. These crispy, flavorful biscuits are characterized by their bold spice profile, aromatic ginger, and subtle heat from green chilies, making them an irresistible snack for any time of day. Whether you are hosting a tea party, looking for a quick snack, or simply craving a crunchy, savory bite, these cookies deliver an authentic taste of Indian street-food-inspired flavors right in your own kitchen. Love With Recipes, a platform dedicated to bringing you authentic and innovative recipes, features this delightful recipe that combines simple ingredients with traditional Indian spices to create a snack that’s both comforting and exciting. This recipe is designed to be accessible to both beginners and seasoned cooks, emphasizing ease of preparation while maintaining authentic flavors. Let’s explore how to make these spicy, crunchy treats step-by-step, along with tips for perfect results and variations to suit your taste preferences.

Time

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 75 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Mixing bowls (large and small)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Circular or square cookie cutters
• Baking sheet(s)
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack
• Spatula or dough scraper
• Grater (for ginger)
• Fork or whisk (for mixing)

Tags

Indian Snacks, Savory Cookies, Spicy Biscuits, Tea Snacks, Vegetarian, Snack Recipes, Traditional Indian Cuisine, Easy Recipes, Finger Food, Party Snacks

Serving Size

Approximately 1 cookie per serving, with the entire batch yielding about 18-20 cookies. This makes for a generous snack portion for a small gathering or tea time.

Difficulty Level

Easy to Moderate. The process involves basic mixing, rolling, and baking techniques suitable for beginners with some familiarity with baking or dough handling.

Allergen Information

Note: This recipe contains gluten and dairy. For gluten-free or vegan versions, substitutions are necessary.

Dietary Preference

Vegetarian. This recipe does not include any animal-derived ingredients other than dairy, which is acceptable in a lacto-vegetarian diet.

Course

Snack / Appetizer / Tea-time Snack

Cuisine

Indian

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preparing the Dough

Begin by gathering all the ingredients listed for the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients first—flour, salt, red chili powder, cumin seeds, baking powder, and asafoetida. Mix these thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents. In a separate bowl or directly in the same bowl, add the softened butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This process helps distribute the fat evenly, leading to a flaky texture in the baked cookies.

Next, add the yogurt (curd), which acts as a tenderizer and adds a slight tangy flavor. Incorporate the grated ginger, chopped green chilies, curry leaves, and sugar. Mix everything well using a spatula or your hands. The mixture will start to come together as a crumbly dough. Knead gently with your hands to form a smooth, firm dough. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water or yogurt. The goal is a dough that is pliable but not sticky, capable of being rolled out easily without cracking.

2. Chilling the Dough

Once the dough has achieved the right consistency, shape it into a flat disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, or cover it with a damp cloth. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the fat, which helps in achieving a crisp texture and makes rolling out easier. It also allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more flavorful cookie. During this time, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

3. Rolling and Cutting

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out evenly to about 2 mm thickness—use a rolling pin and rotate the dough periodically to maintain an even thickness. If the dough resists or cracks, allow it to sit at room temperature for a minute or two, or sprinkle lightly with flour. Using cookie cutters of your preferred shape, cut the dough into circles, squares, or other fun shapes. Carefully transfer the cut cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 cm space between each to allow for slight spreading during baking.

4. Baking the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a light golden brown. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking, which can lead to overly hard cookies. The cookies will become crisp as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem slightly soft when hot. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process ensures they retain their crunch and prevents sogginess.

5. Serving and Storage

Once cooled, serve these spicy masala biscuits with a hot cup of chai, coffee, or your preferred beverage. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them crisp longer, store them in a dry, airtight jar away from moisture and humidity. These cookies also make a wonderful snack for picnics, road trips, or gifting during festivals or special occasions.

Preparation Tips

• Ensure butter is softened but not melted; this helps in creating a flaky texture.
• Adjust chili levels based on spice tolerance—reduce or increase green chilies and red chili powder accordingly.
• For a more aromatic flavor, add a pinch of garam masala or chaat masala to the dough.
• Chilling the dough is essential for ease of rolling and to achieve the desired crispness.
• Use a light hand when rolling out the dough to prevent cracking or tearing.
• Experiment with shapes—use cookie cutters like stars, hearts, or traditional Indian motifs for festive occasions.
• For an extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds or carom seeds on top before baking.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Consistency is key: Achieving the right dough texture ensures the cookies are crispy but not brittle.
• Flavor enhancement: Add finely chopped fresh coriander or mint for a fresh herbal note.
• Spice balance: Taste the dough before baking; adjust chili or salt if needed.
• Shape creativity: Use different cookie cutters to make themed shapes for festivals or kids’ snacks.
• Refrigeration: If the dough is too soft after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling.

Add-ons

• Sesame seeds or black cumin seeds sprinkled on top before baking
• Crushed peanuts or cashews added to the dough for added texture
• Chaat masala sprinkled on cooled cookies for extra tang
• Cheese powder for a cheesy variation

Side Dishes

These cookies pair exceptionally well with:

• Masala chai (spiced Indian tea)
• Black coffee or filter coffee
• Yogurt-based dips or chutneys for a savory contrast
• Light vegetable salads for a crunchy snack combo

Improvements

• For a vegan alternative, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use plant-based yogurt.
• Add finely chopped onions or garlic powder for an added savory punch.
• Incorporate shredded cheese or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavors.
• Adjust spice levels to create milder or hotter versions according to preference.
• Experiment with different flours such as whole wheat or millet flour for healthier options.

Save and Store

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature away from moisture. They retain their crispness for up to a week. For longer storage, place them in a sealed zip-lock bag or airtight jar and keep in a cool, dry place. Reheat briefly in a low oven if you prefer them warm and crispy before serving. Avoid refrigeration unless necessary, as it can make the cookies lose their crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Be sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum if required by your flour blend. Adjust the liquid ingredients slightly if needed to achieve the right dough consistency.

Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before rolling out.

How can I make these cookies less spicy?

Reduce or omit the green chilies and lessen the red chili powder. Use milder spices or skip the chili altogether for a more subdued flavor, especially suitable for children or sensitive palates.

Are these cookies suitable for children?

Yes, but adjust the spice levels to suit their taste. Remove or reduce the chili and ginger if necessary. They make a great snack for kids when made milder.

What is the best way to ensure crispy cookies?

Use chilled dough, roll to an even thinness, and bake until edges are golden. Avoid overbaking, and store in airtight containers once cooled. Reheat in a low oven if needed to restore crispness.

Conclusion

Indian Spicy Masala Cookies, or Khara Biscuit, exemplify the perfect union of savory spices and crispy texture, offering a taste of India’s vibrant snack culture. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, these cookies serve as an excellent accompaniment to tea or coffee and are ideal for festive occasions, casual snacking, or gift-giving. The combination of traditional ingredients like cumin, ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves results in a complex flavor profile that awakens the senses. Whether you prefer them mildly spiced or fiery hot, these cookies can be tailored to your preference, making them a versatile addition to your snack repertoire. Remember to experiment with different shapes, sprinkle toppings, and spice adjustments to make these biscuits uniquely yours. Love With Recipes encourages you to bring a piece of Indian culinary tradition into your home with this straightforward, flavorful recipe. Enjoy baking, sharing, and relishing these crunchy, spicy delights!

References

• Indian Snacks and Savories, by Tarla Dalal – A comprehensive guide to Indian snack recipes.
• The Spice Lover’s Guide to Indian Cooking by Priya Krishna – For authentic spice blends and flavor tips.