Hyderabadi Style Almond Cookies

Ingredients

While the original Italian Brutti ma buoni cookies are made with hazelnuts, the Hyderabadi adaptation replaces hazelnuts with almonds, which are more commonly used in Indian cuisine. Additionally, the Hyderabadi version incorporates traditional Indian spices like cardamom and saffron to infuse the cookies with a distinct flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Brutti ma buoni, 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 saffron strands 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
• 2 large egg whites 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon rose water 1/4 teaspoon rose water
• Slivered almonds for garnish Slivered almonds for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 9g, 0.7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 16g, 14g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.
4. 4.
   Add the frothy egg whites and rose water to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a sticky dough forms.
5. 5.
   Take small portions of the dough and shape them into round cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. 6.
   Garnish each cookie with a few slivered almonds.
7. 7.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
8. 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.
• Saffron strands — Soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for a few minutes before adding them to the dough. This will enhance the flavor and color.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, toast the almond flour in a dry pan for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.
• If you prefer a stronger cardamom flavor, crush the cardamom pods and grind the seeds to a fine powder.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes for a more visually appealing presentation.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.
• Serve these cookies with a cup of hot Hyderabadi chai for a perfect tea-time treat.

Serving advice

Serve the Hyderabadi Style Almond Cookies as a delightful accompaniment to a cup of hot tea or coffee. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack on their own.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few saffron strands. This will enhance their visual appeal and make them even more inviting.