Biscuits are a beloved snack that goes well with tea or as a light bite on the go. Biscuits are a popular choice across the world since they go perfectly with a variety of beverages. Because they taste so good and are so crispy, biscuits are a family choice in Indian homes too. There are many kinds of biscuits, from spicy to sweet, and they are an essential part of the food habits globally. Now, winter evenings also need a good snack with your preferred sips, right? Baking biscuits with just a few ingredients and simple steps sounds like the best thing to do. You don’t need to step out of the house and freeze in the cold weather for a pack of biscuits anymore. You can create delicious, warm biscuits at home. There's nothing better than walking into the kitchen to smell the aroma of freshly cooked biscuits. You can also get your baking skills up to perfection by making biscuits. Try these 10 biscuit recipes for the winter and the festive season.
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Nankhatai
They're traditional biscuits from India. They are adored by both younger and older generations, and they can be found at any Hindu festival. The Diwali festival is the most prominent festival where they appear. This is a symbolic representation of love triumphing over hatred, and many Indian families prepare elaborate feasts in which the Nankhatai plays an important role. In addition, during the festival, many Indian bakers prepare these Indian treats on the streets. It is a very simple biscuit that serves as an excellent appetiser after the heavy meals served during the festival's peak.
Macarons
You've probably heard of these before, right? They're those colourful, tasty biscuit sandwiches. Macarons are meringue-based sweet cookies made with egg white, granulated sugar, ground almonds, icing sugar, and food colouring. They're so popular that you can find them in almost any bakery around the world. They're a popular choice for parties and other social gatherings. There are two methods by which macaroons are generally prepared. One is the Italian style, and the other is the French method. Both methods are similar in nature and differ slightly. The ingredients used in both cases remain the same.
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Buttermilk Biscuits
Warm, flaky, and buttery, homemade buttermilk biscuits are perfect for any meal. The exterior is slightly crunchy, giving way to a soft and airy interior. These biscuits are made with cold butter, which is essential for creating lovely air pockets that make the biscuits flaky. Self-rising flour ensures they rise beautifully, while buttermilk adds fat and acidity, enhancing the flavour and rise. The dough is prepared by combining the flour and cold butter and then adding buttermilk. After kneading and rolling out the dough, the biscuits are cut and baked at 425°F for 11-13 minutes, resulting in golden brown tops. Brushing the tops with melted butter adds an extra layer of richness.
Anisette Biscuits
Do you enjoy liquorice? Do you want something with liquorice in it to satisfy your cravings? So did you know there are liquorice-flavoured biscuits that are both attractive and delicious? Anisette biscuits get their name from their main ingredient, anise seeds. Anise seeds are used to make Anisette liquor and to flavour baked goods. These anise seeds are derived from the Anise plant (Pimpinella anisum), which is native to the eastern Mediterranean and southwest Asia. Because the seeds from these plants are very aromatic, they have been used in a variety of Italian dishes. Anise seeds were even used to flavour food by the ancient Romans. Anise seeds are not only good for flavouring food, but they also aid digestion.
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Cheese & Garlic Biscuits
These biscuits are cheesy and garlicky, with a hint of ranch seasoning. They are perfect as a savoury side dish. The ingredients include biscuit/baking mix, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, ranch salad dressing mix, and buttermilk. The dry ingredients are combined, and buttermilk is added to moisten the mixture. The dough is dropped by tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets and baked at 450°F for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. A topping made with melted butter, minced chives, garlic powder, ranch dressing mix, and pepper is brushed over the warm biscuits before serving.
Also Read: 6 Homemade Chocolate Bar Recipes To Try For Instant Joy
Scones
You cannot go wrong with the classic British scone. This elegant and dainty baked good has graced afternoon tea tables for generations. Characterised by their crumbly texture and buttery flavour, scones are often paired with clotted cream and jam. The charm of scones lies in their simplicity, making them the perfect canvas for endless variations. From fruit-filled scones to savoury cheddar and chive scones, the British scone is a prime example of biscuits' ability to transform based on the chef's creativity.
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Senbei
In Japan, senbei is a type of traditional Japanese rice cracker that comes in various shapes, sizes, and flavours. From savoury soy sauce and seaweed to sweet varieties with sugar or honey glaze, it demonstrates how biscuits can cater to diverse preferences and cultural palettes. These crunchy delights are often enjoyed as snacks or paired with green tea, showcasing how biscuits can effortlessly transition from sweet to savoury in the global culinary arena.
Osamania Biscuits
Osmania biscuits are savoured as a snack, with tea, in Hyderabad, and are ubiquitous in the city. It is a soft, mildly savoury and sweet biscuit that is made with butter, sugar, custard powder, baking powder, and is flavoured with a pinch of elaichi powder and some saffron milk; all of which are baked to make slightly thick biscuits. It is said that Osmania biscuits received royal patronage during the Nizamian era. Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of Hyderabad, is believed to have asked for a special snack to be made, and as a result, the Osmania biscuits were made. This tea biscuit continues to be synonymous with Hyderabad’s identity. You can also make Osmania Biscuits at home, as it is an easy recipe.
Coconut Biscuits
Be it after a meal or in the evening, or in the middle of a work-from-home meeting, you always feel the urge to munch on something crunchy and tasty. With the weather all cold and making you want to drink cups and cups of tea and coffee, pair it up with coconut biscuits made at home. Imagine the crunchy taste of the coconut merged with the delectable condensed milk and butter, and it all comes together in the form of little treats. Fresh, warm and aromatic coconut biscuits sound so delicious right now, don't they?
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Chocolate Biscuits
Unquestionably, the basic chocolate biscuit is a timeless delight that seamlessly transcends generations, tea breaks, and even the occasional midnight snack. A straightforward and traditional baking, these chocolate biscuits are buttery and delicious. These cookies can be adorned with fondant, royal icing, or simply a spray of melted chocolate and some sprinkles. They are delicious and incredibly adaptable to any situation!