Tutti Frutti Biscuits
Crisp, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth biscuits studded with colorful tutti frutti. A classic Indian bakery-style treat that's perfect with a cup of chai and incredibly easy to make at home.
For 8 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cream Butter and Sugar
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and sifted powdered sugar.
- c.Using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the mixture on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until it becomes light, pale, and fluffy.
- d.Add the vanilla essence and beat for another 30 seconds to incorporate it fully.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare and Add Dry Ingredients
- b.In a separate bowl, sift together the maida (all-purpose flour), custard powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
- c.Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on low speed or with a spatula until a crumbly dough forms. Do not overmix.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Form the Dough
- b.Add the tutti frutti to the dough and gently fold it in until evenly distributed.
- c.If the dough is too dry to come together, add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, just until a soft, pliable dough forms. Avoid making it sticky.
- d.Transfer the dough to a clean surface and shape it into a uniform cylindrical log, approximately 2 inches in diameter.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Chill the Dough
- b.Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- c.Place the log in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour, until it is firm to the touch. This step is crucial for preventing the biscuits from spreading during baking.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Slice and Bake
- b.Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- c.Unwrap the chilled dough log and use a sharp knife to slice it into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. You should get about 24 biscuits.
- d.Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch of space between them to allow for slight spreading.
- e.Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown. The centers will still appear soft.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Cool and Store
- b.Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the biscuits cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. They will be fragile when hot.
- c.Carefully transfer the biscuits to a wire rack to cool completely. They will become crisp as they cool.
- d.Once completely cool, store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature, not melted. This is key for achieving a light, crispy texture.
- 2Chilling the dough is non-negotiable. A firm, cold dough ensures clean slices and prevents the biscuits from spreading into thin crisps.
- 3Do not overbake. The biscuits should be pale golden. They will continue to firm up and become crisp as they cool.
- 4For an extra bakery-style touch, you can brush the tops of the sliced biscuits with a little milk before baking.
- 5If you don't have custard powder, replace it with an equal amount of cornflour (cornstarch) and a tiny pinch of yellow food color for that classic hue.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nutty Delight
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts like cashews, pistachios, or almonds along with the tutti frutti for extra crunch and flavor.
Citrus ZestCitrus Zest
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the creamed butter and sugar mixture for a fresh, citrusy aroma.
Cardamom SpiceCardamom Spice
Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom (elaichi) powder to the dry ingredients for a traditional Indian spiced flavor.
Whole Wheat VersionWhole Wheat Version
For a slightly healthier alternative, replace half of the maida with whole wheat flour (atta). The texture will be denser but equally delicious.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Instant Energy
The combination of carbohydrates from the flour and sugar offers a quick source of energy, making these biscuits a delightful pick-me-up treat.
Mood Enhancer
Enjoying a sweet, nostalgic treat like these homemade biscuits can provide comfort and help improve your mood, offering a small moment of joy in your day.
Frequently asked questions
Spreading is usually caused by two things: the butter being too soft or melted, or not chilling the dough for long enough. Ensure your butter is at a cool room temperature (pliable but not greasy) and chill the dough log until it's very firm.