Nankhatais (Goan Shortbread Cookies)
Nankhatais are cookies that are made in Goa at Christmas time. The origins of this cookie are from Europe and the basic recipe is very similar to the European version shortbread.
In Goa, ghee may be used instead of butter. Ghee is clarified butter. However, a good quality butter works well. Some recipes call for a combination of flour and semolina, but I am not a big fan of the resulting gritty texture this produces. Using all purpose flour produces great results every time.
In addition, flavoring may be commonly used. Typical additions are vanilla essence, ground spices such as cardamom or nutmeg, and food coloring. Red or green food coloring also makes for a festive cookie at Christmas time. Topping each cookie with a small piece of chopped preserved cherry is another way to decorate these cookies.
The recipe below is a basic recipe only flavored with vanilla, but it is melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
What You’ll Need to Make Nankhatais
How to Make Nankhatai
Preheat the oven to 325F. Position a rack in the center of the oven.
Place the butter and flour in a bowl.
Cut with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Add the sugar and vanilla.
Mix well. The mixture should come together to a soft dough.
Cut the dough in half and roll each half into a log. Cut into 9 pieces. 
Roll into little balls. Alternatively, break off one-inch pieces of dough and roll them into little balls.
Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure there is a least an inch spacing between the cookies as they will spread as they bake.
Using the bottom of a flat bottomed drinking glass, press down lightly on the each cookie.
Bake at 325F for 12-15 minutes.
Remove it cooling rack to cool completely.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter salted
- 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp pure vanilla essence
For the Filling
- strawberry jam
Instructions
- Place the softened butter and sugar in a bowl and mix together for a few minutes.
- Add the flour. Continue to mix.
- Then add the vanilla. The mixture will start to come together to form a soft dough.
- Remove the dough using a scraper as necessary to a wooden board sprinkled with flour.
- Shape into a ball and cover with plastic wrap
- Refrigerate the dough until it is somewhat firm. If it is too soft the dough will stick to the utensil you are using to try to create the depression.
- Break the dough into pieces and roll into balls about one inch.
- Place on a cookie sheet line with parchment paper.
- Use the back of a quarter spoon measure to make a depression in each ball. Do this to all the balls of dough.
- Then scoop a little jam into a small bowl and using the same quarter teaspoon measure, fill the depression with 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of jam.
- Bake at 300F for 13-15 minutes.
Nutrition Information Disclaimer
Ginny’s Recipe Collection provides nutritional breakdowns for informational purposes only. The data on this site has not been evaluated and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The data is calculated using an online 3rd party nutritional calculator. Therefore these figures should be considered as estimates only. Online calculators may yield different results based on their own nutritional fact databases and algorithms they use. Furthermore, varying factors such as product types, adjustment of seasonings, natural variation in produce, and the manner in which they are processed may affect the final nutritional information. To get the most accurate analysis, please consult a registered dietician.
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