Masala Cookies

Masala cookies,has been my most favourite tea time snack.If you love them too,you must make this.The taste and texture is just like the ones we get in the bakeries back home.It is delicious with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients
(makes about 30 cookies)

Maida - 2cups (260g)
Unsalted Butter - 180g
Baking soda - 1/2tsp
Sugar - 2tsp
Salt -1&1/2tsp/to taste

the spice mix

Peppercorns - 2tsp,coarsely crushed
Roasted Cumin powder - 1tsp
Asafoetida - 1/2tsp
Chilli powder -1tsp
White sesame seeds - 1tsp
Dry ginger powder - 1/2tsp
Garlic,grated - 2tsp
Ginger,grated - 2tsp
Curry leaves - a small sprig,finely chopped
Green chillies - 2,small,finely chopped
Coriander leaves,chopped - 1tbsp
Mint leaves,chopped - 1tbsp(optional)

Method

1.Sift the flour together with salt and baking soda
2.Rub the softened butter into the flour very well so that each flour particle is coated with the butter,till it resembles breadcrumbs (this is an important step while making the cookie,which will result in its right texture)
3.Add the spice mix and sugar, mix it well into the flour
4.Knead the dough lightly so that it all becomes a mass(do not add any water to the dough,add butter if needed)
5.Cover the dough with a cling film and place it in the freezer for about 15 to 20min(this is done just to firm the dough)
6.Pinch small balls from the dough,roll it smoothly and then gently press it between the palms
7.Line a baking sheet with baking parchment paper and place the flattened cookie balls
8.Gently press the surface of each cookie with a fork (touch the fork in dry flour before pressing to avoid sticking to the surface of the cookie)
9.Bake in a preheated oven (180°C)for 45 to 50min.
10.Remove and allow it to cool,stores well in an airtight jar.

Note:Do check the cookies after 35 min of baking,see that its base hasn't become dark orelse it will be bitter to eat.The cookies should have a nice brown colour though.I usually allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray itself after the baking time and the colour deepens henceforth.