Ghee cookies were a regular in our house. Mom got them from the bakery nearby on her way back while picking up the weekly groceries.
She preferred these cookies because they were eggless. We would be the happiest that day. Those Indian butter biscuits would just melt in our mouths.
I make it a point to stop by this bakery even today whenever I visit home. The beauty of this bakery is that despite it being there for so many years, the taste of those ghee biscuits is still the same.
In fact, today's recipe comes from that very bakery. The owner was kind enough to share it with me.
That's why my today's recipe post is dedicated to that special bakery and the family that owns it. Thank you for giving me some wonderful memories.
Cookies without eggs
These whole wheat flour cookies are pretty simple to make and that too without eggs. But, do they taste good? Yes, they taste so good that you will not miss the eggs at all!
Although eggs help to make baked goods moist, ghee, oil, or butter in a recipe also serves the same purpose. Eggless cookies tend to turn out flatter and crispier.
Cookies made with ghee
But can you bake with ghee? Yes, you can. Ghee is fatter than butter and tends to make cookies crispier which is the texture we need in this recipe.
The two main ingredients in this recipe are atta (In Hindi) or whole wheat flour and ghee which is what gives it its color and crispy texture.
These cookies are a no-fuss, so-darn-simple eggless dessert that you can whip up any time of the day! I have made these cookies using regular and vegan ghee. Both taste great!
Why make this
These cookies are insanely delicious. They are light, crispy, and will melt in your mouth. You just need 4 basic ingredients to make these cookies.
Minimal prep required
A very easy recipe that can be made in 20 minutes
Vegan cookies recipe, they contain no eggs
Don't need baking powder and baking soda
It is made using whole wheat flour instead of refined flour
A fun recipe to bake with kids
Stores well for weeks
Ideal for gifting during the holidays
Ingredients needed 🧾
Whole wheat flour - Use good quality and not stale whole wheat flour to make these cookies.
Ghee - I have used vegan ghee in this recipe. You can also use regular ghee or butter.
Sugar - Use powdered sugar or castor sugar for this recipe.
Vanilla extract is added for flavoring.
Besides these ingredients, you don't need any fancy gadgets. Just a whisk and a mixing bowl are all you need.
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How to make it 🔪
This 4 ingredient cookie recipe is so delicious that you will keep making this on a regular basis.
Using a measuring spoon (tablespoon) or a small cookie scooper, divide into equal balls and place them on the baking tray that is lined with parchment paper.
Continue the same process for the remaining dough. There is no need to flatten the balls. Keep some distance between each ball.
Preheat the oven to 360 degrees F. Bake these cookies for about 20-25 mins or until the base of the cookies turn brown.
The baking time may vary from oven to oven so keep checking after 10 mins. Take it out and allow it to cool down before consuming these Indian biscuits.
Serving suggestions 🍽
Take them out of the oven and let them stand for 5 minutes. Serve these whole wheat ghee cookies along with tea or coffee any time of the day.
Make a batch and serve them whenever you have guests over. After all, you just need 4 basic ingredients to make these cookies!
Enjoy these Indian cookies as a midnight snack or when you crave something sweet post a meal. They also make great holiday gifts. Your loved ones will love this gift!
Top recipe tips 💭
Use vegan ghee or regular ghee in this recipe. If wheat flour is not available to you, use any self-raising flour or maida. Add ¼ cup cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor.
Do not skip adding salt. Salt subtly enhances the flavor of all the ingredients. It also strengthens the protein in the dough, making cookies chewier.
Use a tablespoon or cookie scooper to scoop out the dough evenly. You can also shape them with your hands or use an ice cream scoop. There is no need to flatten the balls.
The baking time may vary from oven to oven so keep checking after 10 mins. Take them out when the base starts to brown. Do not overbake!
Recipe FAQs 📖
What kind of sugar to use?
Use castor sugar in baking. If you don't have one, then simply grind the regular sugar in a blender and make your own powdered sugar. You can also use brown sugar here.
What is the right texture of the dough?
The cookie dough should not be very crumbly, should look moist, and stick together well. If your dough looks dry, sprinkle a little water until you get the desired consistency.
How to store them?
Allow it to cool completely before consuming it. Store these Indian cookies in airtight containers at room temperature. They stay good for 2 weeks.
These 4-ingredient cookies also freeze well for 1-2 months. Thaw them overnight on the kitchen counter.
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Using a measuring spoon (tablespoon) or a small cookie scooper, divide into equal balls and place them on the baking tray that is lined with parchment paper.
Continue the same process for the remaining dough. There is no need to flatten the balls. Keep some distance between each ball.
Preheat the oven at 360 degrees F. Bake these cookies for about 20-25 mins or until the base of the cookies turn brown.
The baking time may vary from oven to oven so keep checking after 10 mins.
Take them out of the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes. Then enjoy!
Notes
Use vegan ghee or regular ghee in this recipe. If wheat flour is not available to you, use any self-raising flour or maida. Add ¼ cup cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor. Do not skip adding salt. Salt subtly enhances the flavor of all the ingredients. It also strengthens the protein in the dough, making cookies chewier.Use a tablespoon or cookie scooper to scoop out the dough evenly. You can also shape them with your hands or use an ice cream scoop. There is no need to flatten the balls. The baking time may vary from oven to oven so keep checking after 10 mins. Take them out when the base starts to brown. Do not overbake!
Tried these today and they turned out so good. Reduced the sugar and added a pinch more salt, to suit our taste. Perfect outcome. These go very well with masala chai. Thank you for this recipe!
Hey, I have baked the nan khatai with maida n a pinch of soda. This doesn't have soda , neither the dough was set aside fir few hours. Just wanted to understand what difference does this make, as I am a beginner to baking!
Hi thank you so much for the recipe....already made it a couple of times and my family loved them...just need to know why do my cookies turn a bit more brown than yours I’ve baked them with whole wheat flour....also what’s the exact temperature and the time to bake them perfectly kindly guide🙏🏻
I am glad you liked it. As far as its fully cooked and tastes fine, you need not worry about the color. The oven may vary so mine looks darker. Next time try keeping in few minutes more in the oven and see if that gives you a deeper color. 🙂
No no in one batch i used melted ghee n whisked with sugar.. they turned out crisp n flattened.
And the other batch i used melted ghee but they didn't spread at all n retained the shape n were thick in the middle.
As i can see yours u used melted ghee but they did spread a bit n don't seem too thick. How? Are u using warm melted ghee or room temp? N how can i get not too thick n not too thin cookies. Thanks
Priyasays
I used melted ghee at room temperature. Make small balls and flatten it lightly. They don't spread so much. It will mostly retain the shape you create in the first place. They are more like biscuits..don't expect it to make it flat like a cookie. Hope that helps.
Yuktisays
Thankyou 💜
Lakshmysays
I tried this today and the kids loved it. And the flavor brings back memories; thank you!! I also wanted to try this recipe using almond flour, any recommendations?
I am so happy that all of you enjoyed these cookies. Do share a pic if you have. I am yet to bake with almond flour. I have something in mind though. I will share it with you once I get success with it. Stay tuned. 🙂
4 ingredients?? Count me in!!
It has been getting harder and harder finding eggs in the grocery stores, so I am definitely going to be making these cookies often 🙂
Hi. The cookies look lovely. And the recipe is perfect for beginners like me!
Can we substitute sugar with jaggery powder?
Priyasays
Hi Neethi. Glad you liked the recipe. Yes you can try with brown sugar. I have not made it with jaggery so not sure. But you can always try and let me know 🙂
Anitasays
These cookies are insanely delicious, and so so simple. Indeed a good recipe to prepare together with the kids. 🙂
Your photographs are so beautiful. They have such a warm soft feel to them. I love those childhood memories of walking past the bakery. Sounds like a a lovely family who owns and runs it -- so very kind to have given you the recipe! I'm intrigued by it and it sounds delicious!
Thank you so much. Yes, they are a sweet family. I enjoy sharing my memories on the blog through the recipes. Glad you enjoyed reading it. 🙂 Do give it a try.
Vani Doraisamy says
Tried these today and they turned out so good. Reduced the sugar and added a pinch more salt, to suit our taste. Perfect outcome. These go very well with masala chai. Thank you for this recipe!
Priya says
Thank you so much Vani for the feedback. Glad you liked it! 🙂
Prathibha says
Hey, I have baked the nan khatai with maida n a pinch of soda. This doesn't have soda , neither the dough was set aside fir few hours. Just wanted to understand what difference does this make, as I am a beginner to baking!
Priya says
How did yours turn out? I dont need to add soda to these cookies..they turn out great.
Nameeta says
Hi,
I wanted to know if we can add cocoa or choco chips to this?
Priya says
Yes, you can add. It will taste good.
Nikita says
You did not whisk ghee and sugar? I am yet to try, but felt curious about the whisking part.
Priya says
No, you don't need to do that seperately.
Priya says
No, you don't need to do that separately.
Divya says
You have not mentioned baking powder or baking soda in the recipe. Don't we need to add in the recipe
Priya says
Yes, no need to add them.
Gayatri Sharma says
Hi thank you so much for the recipe....already made it a couple of times and my family loved them...just need to know why do my cookies turn a bit more brown than yours I’ve baked them with whole wheat flour....also what’s the exact temperature and the time to bake them perfectly kindly guide🙏🏻
Priya says
I am glad you liked it. As far as its fully cooked and tastes fine, you need not worry about the color. The oven may vary so mine looks darker. Next time try keeping in few minutes more in the oven and see if that gives you a deeper color. 🙂
Yukti says
Hey my cookies tasted good but spread a little. Why so?
Priya says
Thanks. Do you mean they didn't spread much or it was runny?
Yukti says
No no in one batch i used melted ghee n whisked with sugar.. they turned out crisp n flattened.
And the other batch i used melted ghee but they didn't spread at all n retained the shape n were thick in the middle.
As i can see yours u used melted ghee but they did spread a bit n don't seem too thick. How? Are u using warm melted ghee or room temp? N how can i get not too thick n not too thin cookies. Thanks
Priya says
I used melted ghee at room temperature. Make small balls and flatten it lightly. They don't spread so much. It will mostly retain the shape you create in the first place. They are more like biscuits..don't expect it to make it flat like a cookie. Hope that helps.
Yukti says
Thankyou 💜
Lakshmy says
I tried this today and the kids loved it. And the flavor brings back memories; thank you!! I also wanted to try this recipe using almond flour, any recommendations?
Priya says
I am so happy that all of you enjoyed these cookies. Do share a pic if you have. I am yet to bake with almond flour. I have something in mind though. I will share it with you once I get success with it. Stay tuned. 🙂
Rashmi says
I love the fact that it requires just 4 ingredients. Can I use regular sugar instead of castor sugar? Would love to try. Thanks for sharing.
Priya says
yes you can. Just powder it and use. You can read my notes for more help.
Beth Neels says
I can't wait to try these cookies! They look so good! Thanks!
Priya says
I am glad you liked it. 🙂
stephanie says
These cookies look so healthy and full of flavor.
Priya says
They definitely are all of that! 🙂
Cathleen says
4 ingredients?? Count me in!!
It has been getting harder and harder finding eggs in the grocery stores, so I am definitely going to be making these cookies often 🙂
Priya says
I know right! Thanks. Stay safe.
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain says
Such a simple recipe and I have all the ingredients! I have never baked with ghee before but I am super excited to try these puppies!
Priya says
yay! do try them and let me know how they turned out
Neethi says
Hi. The cookies look lovely. And the recipe is perfect for beginners like me!
Can we substitute sugar with jaggery powder?
Priya says
Hi Neethi. Glad you liked the recipe. Yes you can try with brown sugar. I have not made it with jaggery so not sure. But you can always try and let me know 🙂
Anita says
These cookies are insanely delicious, and so so simple. Indeed a good recipe to prepare together with the kids. 🙂
Akky says
The cookies are truly superb. Melt in the mouth.
The recipe is very simple as well. Thanks for this.
Priya says
I am so glad you loved it 🙂 Yes they are yumm!
cookingontheweekends says
Your photographs are so beautiful. They have such a warm soft feel to them. I love those childhood memories of walking past the bakery. Sounds like a a lovely family who owns and runs it -- so very kind to have given you the recipe! I'm intrigued by it and it sounds delicious!
Priya says
Thank you so much. Yes, they are a sweet family. I enjoy sharing my memories on the blog through the recipes. Glad you enjoyed reading it. 🙂 Do give it a try.