Butter Cookies Veg Recipes Of India For Delicious Treats

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Butter cookies hold a special place in the hearts of many, especially in India where traditional sweets and snacks are celebrated with great enthusiasm. These veg butter cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy flavor of butter with the simplicity of basic pantry ingredients.

Whether you are looking for a quick snack, a festive gift, or a homemade dessert to share, these cookies fit the bill perfectly. Indian kitchens often focus on vegetarian recipes, and these butter cookies follow that wholesome tradition, making them accessible and loved by all age groups.

Their crisp texture and melt-in-the-mouth taste make them an irresistible companion to your chai or coffee. In this post, we will explore authentic Indian-style butter cookies with vegetable-based variations that keep the recipe interesting, nutritious, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect blend of tradition and simplicity. Using basic vegetarian ingredients, you can whip up a batch of buttery, aromatic cookies that are crisp yet tender.

The dough is easy to handle, and the ingredients are commonly found in Indian households, making it a go-to recipe for festive occasions or casual snacking.

Another reason to love these cookies is their versatility. You can customize them by adding subtle flavors such as cardamom, saffron, or even a hint of citrus zest.

Plus, their long shelf life means you can make a big batch and enjoy them over several days without losing freshness. This recipe is also perfect for beginners who want to experience Indian baking with a vegan twist by substituting dairy butter with plant-based alternatives.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter for a vegan option)
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, for authentic Indian flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispness)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk (or plant-based milk for vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons grated carrot or beetroot (optional, for a vegetable twist)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric hand mixer or whisk
  • Sieve for sifting flour and powdered sugar
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Rolling pin (optional if shaping cookies manually)
  • Cookie cutters or a knife for shaping
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
  2. Sift the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cardamom powder, and salt into a bowl. This ensures your cookies remain light and airy.
  3. Cream the butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This takes about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and milk to the creamed butter mixture and mix well to combine.
  5. If using vegetables (carrot or beetroot), grate finely and gently fold them into the wet mixture. This adds a subtle color and natural sweetness.
  6. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or your hands until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
  7. Shape the dough into small balls or roll it out on a floured surface to cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
  8. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between them for spreading.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Keep a close eye to avoid over-baking.
  10. Remove from oven and allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

“For perfectly crisp butter cookies every time, ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps in creating a tender crumb and a buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.”

  • For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and almond or soy milk instead of dairy.
  • Add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk to enhance the aroma and color.
  • Try mixing in finely chopped nuts such as cashews or almonds for added crunch.
  • Swap powdered sugar with jaggery powder for a more traditional Indian sweetness.
  • Incorporate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavor.
  • If you want a healthier twist, replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 cookie approx.)
Calories 90 kcal
Fat 6 g
Carbohydrates 9 g
Protein 1 g
Sugar 4 g
Fiber 0.3 g

Serving Suggestions

Butter cookies are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a hot cup of masala chai or filter coffee, making them perfect for an afternoon snack. You can also serve these cookies as dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold.

For festive occasions, pack these cookies in decorative tins and share them with friends and family. They also make a great accompaniment to gift baskets filled with Indian sweets and savories.

Conclusion

Butter cookies in the Indian vegetarian style offer a perfect harmony of simple ingredients and delightful flavors. Their melt-in-the-mouth texture combined with the subtle aroma of cardamom makes them a timeless treat.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with vegetable additions like carrot or beetroot, these cookies promise a satisfying bite every time.

Easy to prepare and quick to bake, this recipe is ideal for all skill levels and occasions. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might love exploring more exciting dishes such as Lemon Straws Recipe, Honey Raisin Challah Recipe, or the deliciously savory Lamb Tenderloin Recipes.

Happy baking and savor every crumb!

📖 Recipe Card: Butter Cookies Veg Recipes of India

Description: Classic Indian-style butter cookies made with simple vegetarian ingredients. These cookies are rich, buttery, and perfect for tea time.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cashews or almonds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla extract and milk, mix well.
  4. Sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and cardamom powder.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture and combine into a soft dough.
  6. Roll dough into small balls and place on baking tray.
  7. Flatten each ball slightly and sprinkle nuts on top if using.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges turn light golden.
  9. Cool cookies on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal per cookie | Protein: 1.5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 14 g

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Marta K

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