Anglo-Indian Spiced Butter Biscuits

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Dutch Jodenkoek is transformed into an Anglo-Indian delight by incorporating a blend of Indian spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. These spices infuse the biscuits with a warm and aromatic flavor profile, adding a unique twist to the original recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Jodenkoek, so you can check it out.

• 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
• 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cardamom ½ tsp ground cardamom
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp baking powder ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 13g, 6g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.1g

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, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
5. 5.
   Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each biscuit.
6. 6.
   Gently press down on each ball with the back of a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown around the edges.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the biscuits cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• Ground spices — For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. If using pre-ground spices, make sure they are not expired for optimal taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground cloves to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, sprinkle some granulated sugar on top of the biscuits before baking.
• Store the biscuits in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.
• These biscuits make wonderful edible gifts for friends and family.
• Experiment with different spice combinations to create your own unique variations.

Serving advice

Serve these Anglo-Indian spiced butter biscuits alongside a steaming cup of masala chai or English breakfast tea for a delightful tea-time treat. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a snack or dessert.

Presentation advice

Arrange the biscuits on a decorative platter or in a cookie jar to showcase their golden-brown color and crisscross pattern. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.