Cookies. The very word evokes a feeling of warmth and nostalgia. In India, where chai time is sacred, and snacks play a vital role in daily lives, cookies are a beloved treat for all ages.
Masala cookies are a real crowd-puller, with that bold, spicy kick that somehow makes your cup of chai taste even better. If you have got a sweet tooth, coconut macaroons are a must-try.
Before you start daydreaming about your next cookie break, let’s discuss the fan favourites across the country.
The Cookies India Keeps Going Back To
● Chocolate Chip Cookies
Is there anyone who doesn't love a good chocolate chip cookie? Perhaps the most popular cookie worldwide, the chocolate chip cookie has found its rightful place in India’s culture too.
Whether you are in a cosy bakery in Mumbai or a street-side cafe in Chennai a chocolate chip cookie is sure to impress you. You will find these in just about every bakery and kitchen in India.
It is hard not to fall for that perfect balance of a slightly crispy exterior with a gooey, melty chocolate centre that makes every bite a little piece of heaven.
And let’s face it; when you take that first bite, and the chocolate melts in your mouth, there is nothing more magical than these cookies. It is no wonder that chocolate chip cookies have earned a special spot in cookie jars across the nation.
● Nankhatai
Nankhatai is a classic Indian cookie with roots that go back centuries. This sweet and crumbly shortbread cookie, made with ghee, is a delightful treat that has been passed down through generations.
The distinctive melt-in-the-mouth texture of Nankhatai makes it an absolute treat. The use of cardamom and sometimes saffron in this snack adds a delicate fragrance that sets it apart from regular shortbread cookies.
Nankhatai is a famous choice in many Indian households during festivals, as it pairs well with tea and is a wonderful snack to share with family and friends.
The cookie's simple yet rich flavour makes it a timeless favourite, showcasing home, tradition and all the beautiful memories associated with Indian baking.
● Coconut Macaroon
Made with shredded coconut, sugar, egg whites and sometimes a hint of vanilla or almond extract, Coconut Macaroons are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
This cookie gives you an exotic taste. It is a delight to anyone with a sweet tooth. They are often served during special occasions, making them a treat you will eagerly look forward to with every holiday season.
When you bite into the light, airy biscuit with a subtle crunch around the edges and a soft centre, you know you are living your best life. The coconut flavour is not overpowering, but it is enough to make you crave another bite. They are simply great with a hot cup of chai.
● Indian Masala Cookies
If you are someone who enjoys a bit of spice in your food, Indian masala cookies will speak to your soul. These cookies are quite different from the rich and bold flavours of Indian spices like cumin, cardamom and black pepper.
They are crispy and crumbly and the spices pack a punch that leaves your taste buds tingling. The unique combination of spice and sweetness makes them one of the most interesting cookies you can find in India.
Indian masala cookies are particularly popular during the winter months when the warmth of the spices feels just right. They are ideal for tea time, offering an exciting alternative to the usual sweet biscuits.
Try these cookies and you will experience a true fusion of India’s rich culinary heritage and the humble cookie.
● Roat
Roat cookies are a traditional treat enjoyed by many in the northern parts of India, especially during religious festivals. These cookies are made with flour, sugar, ghee and nuts like cashews or almonds, then deep-fried to golden perfection.
These cookies are a type of sweet biscuit that is crunchy and decadent. The deep-fried nature of Roat gives it an amazing texture that you do not often find in baked cookies.
The texture of Roat is slightly dense but still light enough to be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea. They have an unmistakable fragrance of ghee, which adds to their indulgent quality.
● Milk Cookies
Milk cookies might not sound as good as some of the others on this list, but they have earned a place of their own in India’s best cookie list. These are soft, slightly chewy and have a light milk taste.
In small towns and cities, milk cookies are often the first cookie a child will encounter. They are the go-to snack for school and after-school cravings.
These cookies have a homey feel to them, like something your grandmother might have baked. They provide quiet comfort when you need a simple, satisfying snack.
● Butter Salt Cookies
A twist on the classic cookie, having a delicate balance of sweet and salty that hits the spot every time. Butter salt cookies are just that - rich, buttery, slightly sweet and with a dash of salt to enhance the flavour.
These cookies are wonderful for those who prefer a savoury cookie over the typically sweet varieties. Their crumbly texture and rich taste make them a great accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee.
The salt cookies remind you of your childhood days - sitting by the window, watching the rain pour down and nibbling on these with a warm cup of tea.
● Oatmeal Cookies
Who says you can’t have a healthy cookie? If you like to balance health with taste, oatmeal cookies are likely to be right up your alley. While oatmeal cookies have gained significant popularity worldwide, in India, they have carved their own niche with a twist.
The oats give them a hearty texture, while raisins, nuts or even chocolate chips make an appearance to sweeten the deal. So, they are a guilt-free indulgence in your cookie collection.
In many Indian cities, oatmeal cookies are marketed as healthier options compared to traditional cookies. People adore them for their slightly chewy texture and the earthy flavours of oats combined with a subtle sweetness.
They are the kind of cookies you will feel good about eating, yet they still give the satisfying taste you look for in a good cookie.
● Projapoti
Projapoti cookies are a quintessential Bengali treat. Shaped like a butterfly (Projapoti means butterfly in Bengali), these cookies are crunchy and light, with a touch of sweetness.
They are made using semolina or flour and sometimes a hint of coconut adds a surprise flavour. While projapoti cookies are not as widely available in commercial bakeries, they are a favourite in local Bengali sweet shops.
If you have ever had the pleasure of trying one, you will know exactly what the fuss is about. Their simplicity and charm bring nostalgia for those familiar with the Bengali way of baking, which is like no other cookie.
● Banana Cookies
Banana is a fruit that is loved all over India. Be it in a smoothie, a snack or just eaten on its own, bananas are an integral part of the diet. So, it only makes sense that bananas have entered into the cookie world.
Banana cookies are soft, fragrant and subtly sweet. These cookies use ripe bananas, which give them a natural sweetness that tempts your taste buds.
The chewiness and indulgent flavour of banana cookies make them a special snack, perfect with a glass of milk. A bite of these cookies and you will feel like you are getting a hug from the inside.
And, you have got plenty of places to grab a cookie, but KR Bakes is not just any bakery. We are the place where you get cookies so scrumptious, you will want to share (or not!).
Our toothsome cookies are baked with love and the finest ingredients. So, go ahead - treat yourself. You deserve a cookie from the best in town.
