These delicious savory cookies are best enjoyed with your beverage of choice. They are also easy to make, very moreish and an excellent edible gift option for the DIY inclined. The addition of pickle (achaar) masala is optional. I like to include it because I like the extra kick. Since the recipe calls for salted butter, cheese and achaar masala, no additional salt is needed. These spicy, cheesy biscuits pack a lot of punch for very little effort.

Recipe

Spicy Cheese Biscuits

(Makes 1 dozen)

Ingredients

1/4 cup (60 grams) salted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
3/4 cup whole wheat flour (atta)
3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp coarsely crushed black pepper
1 green chilli, de-seeded and finely chopped
1 tsp powdered jaggery/sugar
1 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
1 tsp any Indian pickle of your choice (achaar) (optional)

Method

Combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until they come together.

Transfer the mixture to a bowl and lightly use your fingers to bring it together to form a dough (do not over mix).

Divide the dough into 2 equal parts and roll each one into a log about 2” in diameter. Place the logs on a parchment lined baking tray and chill in the freezer while you preheat your oven.

Preheat your oven to 180°C for 12-15 minutes.

Remove the biscuit dough from the freezer and slice each log into 1/2” rounds. Place the biscuits 2” apart on the lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown. If you prefer your biscuits crispy, slice them a little thinner and bake a little longer.

Remove from the oven and allow the biscuits to cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy the biscuits with any beverage of your choice. Store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days.