Golden Saffron Nankhatai: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Indian Shortbread

40 minutes

1299 reads

5 from 3 votes

About Golden Saffron Nankhatai: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Indian Shortbread

Indulge in the golden glow and delicate saffron fragrance of Kesar Nankhatai, a traditional Indian shortbread cookie that melts in your mouth. Imagine the warm, buttery flavor dancing on your tongue – pure bliss!
These exquisite treats boast a unique crumbly texture thanks to a blend of semolina and all-purpose flour, enriched with the luxurious touch of desi ghee. Each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture.
Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from Diwali celebrations to a cozy afternoon tea, Kesar Nankhatai is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep20 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total40 minutes
Calories791 kcal
Serves3
Served AsSnacks
Recipe TasteSaltySweet

Ingredients
 

Dry Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

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Instructions
 

  • Begin by soaking the saffron strands in warm milk. This helps release their vibrant color and flavor.
  • In a mixing bowl, cream together the desi ghee and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a tender crumb.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting aerates the dry ingredients, resulting in a lighter texture.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
  • Add the cardamom powder, saffron-infused milk, semolina, and yogurt to the dough. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
  • Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round, flat cookies.
  • Place the cookies on a greased and lined baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Oven temperatures vary, so keep a close eye on them.
  • Allow the nankhatai to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. This prevents them from breaking.
    Golden Saffron Nankhatai: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Indian Shortbread - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Serve these delightful saffron nankhatai with tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For an extra saffron aroma and vibrant color, soak the saffron threads in a tablespoon of warm milk for 10 minutes before adding to the dough; this helps extract maximum flavor and hue.
  • If you prefer a crunchier texture, increase the semolina slightly by a tablespoon and reduce the all-purpose flour equivalently; this modification gives the nankhatai a delightful bite while retaining softness inside.
  • For an elegant festive touch, gently press a slivered pistachio or almond into the center of each cookie before baking, adding both visual appeal and a complementary nutty flavor.

Expert Tips

  • Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and ensures a uniform shape.
  • Don't overbake the nankhatai; they should be lightly golden around the edges and still slightly soft in the center. Overbaking can make them dry and crumbly.
  • Experiment with different flavorings like cardamom, rose water, or citrus zest to create your own unique nankhatai variations.

Storage Instructions

  • Store the baked nankhatai in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Placing a small piece of parchment paper between layers helps prevent them from sticking together and preserves their crumbly texture.
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5 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 791kcalCarbohydrates: 107gProtein: 6gFat: 38gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 22.8gSodium: 760mgFiber: 2gSugar: 67g

Charus Cuisine
Charus Cuisine

I have thru’ my eKitchen attempted to present variety of vegetarian recipes of Karnataka and I will keep building the same for your benefit. I will also be adding more North Indian recipes. Being a pure vegetarian, I have included only vegetarian recipes.

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5 from 3 votes

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