Ghee biscuits are a delightful and rich variation of traditional biscuits. They are made using ghee, which is clarified butter commonly used in South Asian cuisines. These biscuits have a unique flavor. They are crumbly in texture. They have a melt-in-your-mouth quality. This is due to the use of ghee instead of regular butter or oil.
Ghee biscuits are typically crafted from simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, and a pinch of baking powder. They often incorporate flavorings like cardamom, vanilla, or nuts to enhance their taste. They are usually shaped into rounds or cut into shapes. The biscuits are baked until golden brown. This results in a deliciously fragrant treat.
Ghee biscuits are perfect for enjoying with tea or coffee. They are a popular choice for snack time, celebrations, or festive occasions. Their buttery goodness and unique texture make them a cherished delight for biscuit lovers around the world. Ghee biscuits are enjoyed as an everyday snack. They are also served at special gatherings. They offer a taste of tradition and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients for making ghee biscuits:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ghee (at room temperature)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or cardamom powder
- Optional: Chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or pistachios) for garnish
Ghee Biscuits Recipe Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. If using cardamom powder, add it here as well. Set aside.
- Mix Ghee and Sugar: In your stand mixer bowl, add the room-temperature ghee. Then, add the powdered sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is creamy and well mixed.
- Add Flavoring: If you’re using vanilla extract, add it to the ghee and sugar mixture and mix well.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the ghee mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture forms a soft dough. Do not over mix; stop as soon as everything is blended.
- Shape the Biscuits: Take a small piece of dough. Roll it into a ball about the size of a walnut. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, gently flatten it slightly and press a nut into the center of each biscuit.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For better texture, chill the rolled biscuits in the refrigerator. Do this for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12 – 15 minutes. Remove them when the biscuits are light golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary.
- Cool: Once done, remove the biscuits from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy your ghee biscuits with tea or coffee! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Feel free to change the recipe with your favorite flavors or toppings. Enjoy your baking!
Video
Notes and Tips for Making Ghee Biscuits
- Choosing Quality Ghee: The flavor of your biscuits will significantly depend on the quality of the ghee you use. Opt for pure, high-quality ghee for the best taste.
- Temperature: Make sure your ghee is at room temperature before you start mixing. It should be soft but not melted, which helps in achieving the right texture.
- Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sift your flour and other dry ingredients together. This ensures they are well mixed and free of lumps. This also helps in incorporating air, resulting in lighter biscuits.
- Chilling the Dough: For a more refined texture, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the biscuits hold their shape better and can improve the overall texture.
- Baking Time and Temperature: Keep an eye on the biscuits while they bake. They are typically done when they turn a light golden color. Baking times can vary based on your oven, so adjust suitably.
- Customization: Feel free to alter your ghee biscuits by adding various mix-ins. You can include chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips. Consider spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Storage: Once cooled, store the biscuits in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last for about a week at room temperature or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Serving Suggestions: Ghee biscuits pair wonderfully with tea or coffee. Consider serving them with a side of jam, honey, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
- Experiment with Flavors: You can experiment with different flavors. Add extracts like vanilla, almond, or cardamom to the dough for a unique twist on classic ghee biscuits.
- Baking Sheet Preparation: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
By using these tips, you can create delicious, buttery ghee biscuits that are sure to impress your family and friends! Enjoy your baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for ghee biscuits:
- What are ghee biscuits?
A biscuit that is crumbly and buttery. It is made with ghee (clarified butter) instead of regular butter or oil. These biscuits are often flavored with spices or nuts.
2. What ingredients do I need?
Common base: flour, ghee, powdered sugar, baking powder, salt. Optional: vanilla, cardamom, nuts.
3. Can I use regular butter instead of ghee?
Yes, but the flavor and texture will differ. Ghee gives a richer, nuttier taste and a crumblier texture.
4. Why is room-temperature ghee important?
Soft but not melted ghee blends evenly with sugar, giving a tender crumb and easier dough binding.
5. Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps the biscuits hold their shape and can improve texture, but it’s optional.
6. How long should I bake them?
Typically 12–15 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until lightly golden around the edges. Oven temps vary, so watch closely.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
8. Can I change flavors?
Yes. Add spices (cardamom, cinnamon), zest, vanilla, or mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit.
9. Are ghee biscuits vegan?
Not typically, since ghee is dairy. You can try a dairy-free butter substitute, but results may vary.
10. Are these suitable for tea time?
Absolutely. They pair beautifully with tea or coffee and make a great snack or accompaniment.
Ghee Biscuits (Nankhatai Biscuits)
Ghee biscuits are a deliciously rich treat made with high-quality ghee, lending a unique flavor and a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This simple recipe combines all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and baking powder with room-temperature ghee to create a soft dough that can be customized with spices, nuts, or flavor extracts. Ideal for tea time or casual snacking, these biscuits are easy to prepare and bake quickly, resulting in light golden morsels perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh or store for later, but be prepared for them to disappear quickly!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup ghee (at room temperature)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or cardamom powder
- Optional: Chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or pistachios) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. If using cardamom powder, add it here as well. Set aside.
- Mix Ghee and Sugar: In your stand mixer bowl, add the room-temperature ghee. Then, add the powdered sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is creamy and well mixed.
- Add Flavoring: If you’re using vanilla extract, add it to the ghee and sugar mixture and mix well.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the ghee mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture forms a soft dough. Do not over mix; stop as soon as everything is blended.
- Shape the Biscuits: Take a small piece of dough. Roll it into a ball about the size of a walnut. Place it on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, gently flatten it slightly and press a nut into the center of each biscuit.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For better texture, chill the rolled biscuits in the refrigerator. Do this for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12 - 15 minutes. Remove them when the biscuits are light golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary.
- Cool: Once done, remove the biscuits from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy your ghee biscuits with tea or coffee! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
- Quality Ghee: Use high-quality, pure ghee for the best flavor.
- Room Temperature Ghee: Ensure ghee is soft (not melted) for easy mixing.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt for even texture.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate shaped dough for 30 minutes for better texture.
- Watch Baking: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Cooling: Let biscuits cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container; they last about a week.
- Flavor Options: Customize with nuts, spices, or extracts for added flavor.
These notes will help you create delicious ghee biscuits with ease!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 35 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 42Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 19mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
