8 Indian cookies To Pair With Your Evening Tea

Tea is the most popular beverage in India, and it is a ritual in our country to serve a hot cup of this drink to the guests who visit our house. Tea is often relished with a snack like pakora, samosa or cookies. Also known as biscuits, cookies are a beloved snack all over the world. Along with being delicious they are also easy to store and carry.  

Cookies are available in both sweet and savoury flavours and can also be made at home with your favourite ingredients. You can make guilt-free versions of these crispy snacks as well by replacing all-purpose flour and sugar with healthy alternatives like whole wheat flour and jaggery. But have you ever tried any Indian cookies, yet? 

From nankhatai to roat, here are eight Indian cookies you can pair with your evening tea: 

Nankhatai

Nankhatai is a traditional Indian shortbread cookie which is loved by both kids and adults. Made from whole wheat flour, besan, semolina and sugar, this snack is said to have originated in the land of Gujarat. It has a crumbly and rich texture with a buttery taste. The flavour of nankhatai is enhanced with cardamom, saffron and ground nuts.    

Shakarpara

Also known as shankarpali in some regions, these deep-fried snacks are very popular in festivals like Diwali and Holi. They are made in diamond shape and are slightly sweet in taste and crunchy in texture. The key ingredients for preparing shakarpara are flour, salt and sugar. You can make it more delicious with a hint of cardamom. 

Atta Biscuits 

Usually, biscuits or cookies are considered unhealthy because of the use of all-purpose flour. So, why not try a healthier version with whole wheat flour? These nutty, crispy and mildly sweet cookies are perfect to enjoy as a guilt-free snack with your tea. You can also use coconut sugar or any other natural sweetener instead of sugar to reduce its calories. 

Roat

Roat is a traditional cookie which is widely popular in Rajasthan and Hyderabad. It is specially prepared during occasions like festivals and marriages. Roat is made by deep frying wheat flour pieces along with the flavouring of sugar or jaggery syrup. These delightful and crunchy cookies perfectly pair with a hot cup of tea. 

Achappam

This is a South Indian cookie which is said to have originated in the state of Kerala. Being very popular among the Christian community of the region, achappam is also known as rose cookies. These deep-fried snacks are specially prepared during the festival of Christmas. Made with rice flour and coconut milk, they are crispy in texture with a mild sweetness. 

Khara Biscuit

Unlike other cookies, these are savoury in taste with a hint of spiciness. Khara biscuits are very popular in Gujarat and are traditionally flavoured with cumin seeds, black pepper and curry leaves. If you prefer savoury snacks with your cup of tea, then these aromatic biscuits are perfect for you.  

Jeera Biscuit

Jeera or cumin biscuits are loved by all. They are best paired with a steaming cup of tea. Made with flour, cumin seeds, butter, milk and castor sugar, these yummy cookies are perfect to give your taste buds a burst of flavours. So, if you want to make your chai-time special then serve your friends and family with some jeera biscuits.  

Chandrakanthalu

This is a traditional cookie from Andhra Pradesh which is popularly prepared in the state during festivals. They are made with green gram, sugar, coconut, cardamom, saffron, cashew nuts and ghee. These cookies are soft and tender in texture and due to their sweet taste, chandrakanthalu is often enjoyed as a snack.