My mom would make khasta biscuit, sweet and savory shortbread cookies with some whole spices. The ghee in them would make them crumble if held too hard and they would melt in the mouth in seconds.
PrintSweet and Savory Orange Cumin Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 cookies 1x
Description
These sweet and savory shortbread cookies are infused with orange zest and cumin, offering a unique flavor profile that crumbles and melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ghee (clarified butter) or softened butter
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar (loosely packed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Zest of two large oranges (approximately 2 1/2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, sift together the salt, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar and ghee (or butter, if using) until creamy and smooth.
- Add the orange zest and cumin seeds to the sugar and ghee mixture, and mix well to combine.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- Roll the dough into a log shape, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Once chilled, slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a more intense flavor, lightly toast the cumin seeds before adding them to the dough. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. If you prefer a more buttery flavor, substitute ghee with unsalted butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 20
Just made and was deeply disappointed. I had high hopes to take to a holiday cookie party thinking savory might be welcome with all the sweets. For us, the cumin and orange just did not go that well together. Also, I think a pinch more salt and a 1/4 teaspoon of sugar might have helped. Texture was fine.
For such a straightforward recipe, this does not work. It is a dry dough that does not come together, even with the extra juice. I bake at least three times a week and had my suspicions about this recipe. I wish I had listened to my instincts. Disappointed I wasted ingredients.