Recipe

South Karnataka Style Almond Cookies

Crunchy Almond Delights: South Karnataka's Sweet Treat

4.7 out of 5

Indulge in the delightful flavors of South Karnataka with these homemade almond cookies. Made with a traditional recipe, these crunchy treats are a popular sweet snack in the region.

Dessert› Cookie› Amaretti di Saronno

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Asian cuisine› Indian cuisine› South Indian cuisine› Karnataka cuisine› South Karnataka

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

15-18 minutes

Total time

35-38 minutes

Yields

Makes approximately 20 cookies

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free almond flour), Egg-free, Soy-free, Lactose-free (if using dairy-free milk substitute)

Allergens

Almonds, Milk

Not suitable for

Vegan (contains ghee and milk), Nut-free (contains almonds)

Ingredients

While the original Amaretti di Saronno cookies are made with bitter almonds, South Karnataka Style Almond Cookies use sweet almonds as a substitute. Additionally, the South Karnataka version incorporates local spices and flavors, giving it a unique twist. The cookies are also shaped differently, with a flatter and rounder appearance compared to the original Italian version. We alse have the original recipe for Amaretti di Saronno, so you can check it out.

2 cups (240g) almond flour 2 cups (240g) almond flour
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
Sliced almonds for garnish Sliced almonds for garnish

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 13g, 11g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.
In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, cinnamon powder, and salt.
3.
Add ghee to the dry ingredients and mix well until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4.
Gradually add milk and knead the dough until it comes together.
5.
Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into round, flat cookies.
6.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and garnish each cookie with a sliced almond.
7.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
8.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Almond flour — Ensure that the almond flour is finely ground for a smooth texture in the cookies.
Ghee — If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute ghee with coconut oil or any other plant-based oil.
Milk — Use any type of milk you prefer, such as cow's milk, almond milk, or soy milk.

Tips & Tricks

For a more pronounced almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the dough.
If the dough feels too dry, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift for special occasions or festivals.

Serving advice

Serve these South Karnataka Style Almond Cookies with a hot cup of filter coffee or masala chai for a delightful tea-time experience. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat after a meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate or in a cookie jar to showcase their golden-brown color and garnished almonds. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.