Nankhatai walnut-shaped cookies bring together the best of two worlds: the buttery, crumbly goodness of the traditional Indian-Pakistani nankhatai and the elegance of walnut-shaped molds. This cookie recipe is easy to follow, full of flavor, and perfect for any festive occasion. Whether you want to impress guests or enjoy a homemade treat, these cookies will hit the spot.
What is Nankhatai?
Nankhatai is a popular shortbread-style cookie from India and Pakistan. Known for its melt-in-the-mouth texture, nankhatai is traditionally made with flour, ghee, sugar, and cardamom. Some recipes include semolina for extra crunch. With roots in the Mughal era, nankhatai has become a beloved tea-time snack across South Asia.
In this recipe, we elevate the experience by giving the cookies a unique walnut shape, adding a creative twist that also enhances their presentation. I picked this ideas from a website feastdelights, when I was in Ukraine with my auntiy and I decided to share it on my blog.
Ingredients for Nankhatai Walnut-Shaped Cookies
Here’s a simple list of ingredients you’ll need. Many of these are pantry staples, making this recipe easy to whip up anytime.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup semolina (optional for a crispy texture)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- A pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup ghee (clarified butter) or softened butter
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Additions for Walnut Flavor:
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
- Walnut molds (optional but recommended for shaping)
How to Make Nankhatai Walnut-Shaped Cookies
Follow these simple steps for perfectly shaped cookies with a delightful walnut crunch.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, semolina, baking powder, cardamom, and salt. This helps mix everything evenly.
- Cream the Ghee and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the ghee and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract for extra aroma.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the ghee mixture. Mix until you get a soft, pliable dough.
Step 2: Add Walnuts and Shape the Cookies
- Mix in the Walnuts: Fold in the finely chopped walnuts to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Prepare the Walnut Molds: Lightly grease the molds if using, so the dough doesn’t stick.
- Shape the Cookies: Take small portions of dough and press them into the molds to form walnut shapes. If you don’t have molds, roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Refrigerate the Shaped Cookies: Place the shaped cookies on a tray lined with parchment paper. Chill them in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This step helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
- Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. They will harden as they cool, achieving the perfect shortbread texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Nankhatai Walnut-Shaped Cookies
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough gently to keep the cookies light and crumbly.
- Use Ghee for Authentic Flavor: While butter works, ghee gives the cookies a traditional taste.
- Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.
- Store Correctly: Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 455 |
| Semolina (optional) | ½ cup | 300 |
| Ghee | ½ cup | 1120 |
| Powdered Sugar | ¾ cup | 560 |
| Walnuts | ½ cup | 393 |
| Total (per cookie) | N/A | ~120 per cookie |
Why Make Nankhatai Walnut-Shaped Cookies?
- Unique Presentation: Walnut-shaped cookies are visually appealing, making them ideal for parties and festive events.
- Easy to Customize: You can add raisins, chocolate chips, or even saffron to the dough for variety.
- Perfect for Gifting: Pack these cookies in decorative boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Kid-Friendly Recipe: Kids love helping with shaping the cookies, making it a fun family activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are my Nankhatai cookies not crispy?
If your cookies are not crispy, it could be due to underbaking or using too much moisture. Ensure the dough is properly chilled and bake until golden brown at the edges.
2. Can I make these cookies without molds?
Yes, if you don’t have walnut molds, simply roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly before baking.
3. How do I store Nankhatai walnut-shaped cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the dough and bake fresh cookies when needed.
4. Can I replace ghee with butter?
Yes, but ghee gives a more authentic taste and a crispier texture. Butter will make the cookies softer.
Variations of Nankhatai Walnut-Shaped Cookies
- Chocolate Walnut Nankhatai: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolaty twist.
- Saffron Almond Nankhatai: Substitute walnuts with almonds and add a pinch of saffron.
- Pistachio Nankhatai: Use chopped pistachios for a colorful variation.
- Whole Wheat Nankhatai: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These walnut-shaped nankhatai cookies are:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, including chilling and baking.
- Light and Flaky: Perfectly crumbly, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Beautifully Shaped: Adds a touch of elegance to any dessert spread.
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of ghee, cardamom, and walnuts is irresistible.
Nankhatai walnut-shaped cookies are a delightful blend of tradition and creativity. They bring the familiar flavors of South Asia into an eye-catching design that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a festival, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them with a cup of chai, these cookies are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking a treat that’s both delicious and beautiful..
HI! I am Sameer Ahmad, A well ranked Multi Niche Blogger and SEO expert. I love all kind of knowledge that People love.
