A Delicious Tea and Nankhatai Recipe to Enjoy in the Afternoon

What makes Indian desserts the perfect pick-me-up treat?

Indian desserts are the perfect combination of exotic sweets packed with unique flavors. Although many favorite Indian sweets are made with simple ingredients such as sugar, flour, legumes, milk, and nuts, they have flavorful tastes enhanced with our favorite Indian spices. 

These sweet treats that are bursting with flavor are the perfect pick-me-up treat and melt in your mouth. Their simple treats with the right mix of exotic spices to awaken your sense and get through the day.

Tea and biscuits, anyone?

One of the most common baked treats you are sure to find in an Indian bakery, restaurant, and market are nankhatais. Nankhatais are Indian shortbread biscuits and have become popular across India. Nankhatais are a beloved cookie that both children and adults enjoy together.

These light and butter biscuit desserts are best with a cup of tea during the afternoon. The recipe for these biscuits is very simple to make and popular in many households. When combined with masala tea, your tea-drinking experience will be enriched and is an enjoyable pairing to have with friends and family. Like shortbread, nankhatais are perfect biscuits to dunk into your tea because they are dense and delicious.

Nankhatai ingredients

• 3 cups of graham flour/besan 
• 2 cups of all purpose flour 
• 2 cups of sugar 
• 2 cups of (can be slightly more or less) of ghee/butter/oil
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 1/4 tsp of baking soda 
• 1/4 tsp of nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 tsp of cinnamon (optional)
• Cooking spray 
• Almonds, cashews, or pistachio for garnishing (optional)

Indian dessert recipe for Nankhatai

• Preheat the oven to 325 F.
• Mix all your dry ingredients together (flour, graham flour, sugar, baking soda, and spices)
• Whether you're kneading by hand or a food processor, slowly add your choice of oil/ghee/butter so the dough doesn't end up too soft. 
• Once your dough is ready, line a baking tray with parchment paper, lightly coated with cooking spray. 
• Roll out and shape dough into equalized sized balls, "pedas" and place on the sheet.
• If you're going for the full effect, use your thumb to make an impression in the center and place a nut (cashew, almond, or pistachio) of your choice.
• Place your cookie sheet in the over for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Higher temperatures will burn your cookies.
• These should be slightly crisp on the outside but crumble upon your first bite.
• Let these cool for a couple of minutes before placing them on a wire rack. Sit for another 10 minutes to reach room temperature, precisely the amount of time it takes to make Tea India Masala Chai Moments. 
• Serve and enjoy!

Thank you to our friend Puja from The Cup of Calm for sharing this delicious recipe!