Osmania Biscuits, Perfect with every cup of tea !

Osmania biscuits are pretty famous biscuits sold in Irani cafes of Hyderabad,Telangana state. These biscuits got their name after the last ruler of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. To make an evening perfect , all u need is a cup of Irani chai and osmania biscuit.A perfect balance of sweet and salt makes them stand out and unique when compared to other biscuits. Making them at home is also a pretty easy affair. 

Ingredients to make Osmania biscuits :

• 200 gm : Butter
• 260 gm : Maida
• 3 tbsp : Milk powder
• 1 tbsp : Soy Flour {optional}
• 1 tsp : Salt
• 100 gm : Powdered Sugar
• 2 tsps : Baking powder
• Milk : As needed to brush before baking

Method :

• To begin making Osmania Biscuits Recipe, line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
• Sift the all purpose flour with baking powder and salt in a bowl. 
• Cream the butter using a silicon or rubber spatula until softened. 
  
• Incorporate the sifted flour mixture very little at a time to the creamed butter without any lumps.
• You can use your fingers to ease the process but not the heel of your palm as it is warmer than the fingers by which the butter can melt and disturb its texture. Once all the flour is mixed in, with light hands knead or massage the mixture in order to incorporate some air.

                                          

• After a couple of minutes the dough turns light and pale. Now add milk powder, soy flour and powdered sugar. Knead them for couple of minutes until well combined.

                                                   

• At this point you can refrigerate the dough for few minutes, if its sticking to your hands or else you can continue with the process.

                                                 

• Divide the dough into two equal portions.
• Dust the working surface with little flour and roll out one dough portion into 1/4 inch thick sheet. Using standard round cookie cutter cut out cookies of approximately 3 inches in diameter.

                                                    

• Place them on prepared baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining. Brush their top with milk at room temperature.

                                                            
                                        

                                                            

• Place them in the refrigerator while we preheat the oven at 200 degree Celsius. Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown.

                                                           

•  Place them on wire rack and cool them to room temperature. 

• Store in airtight container. Stays good up to two weeks and more depending on the weather conditions. 

     

                  

Few Pointers :

• Make sure the butter used is at room temperature and soft but not melted.
• Incase of using salted butter reduce the salt quantity to half.
• Skip soy flour if unavailable but it definetely adds on to its flavor.
• I used store bought icing or confectioners sugar.
• Chilling the dough and the shaped cookies helps in retaining their round shape while baking.
• As every oven is different keep an eye while baking. All you are looking for is a light golden crust on top.

Give this simple recipe a try and do share your feedback !