| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 12 mins – 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 11g | 5g | 43g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 22g | 3g | 6g | 0.2g |
When it comes to cookies, I’ve always loved to get a little creative. And that’s why I can’t get enough of this fantastic recipe: Black Cumin (Kala Zeera) Cookies. These tasty little treats, with their blend of Eastern spices and mouthwatering fruit, are unlike anything you’ll find in your typical Southern kitchen. And trust me, being born and bred in Charleston, I’ve tasted a fair share of sweet treats.
The Spiced Cookie that Converses with My Southern Roots
You see, baking has always been my favorite method to travel without leaving the kitchen. When I mix the all-purpose flour, work the softened butter, and beat the eggs, I connect with home, with my charming Charleston roots. But the moment the crushed black cumin– this enchanting Eastern spice– blends into the dough, I’m suddenly transported to an exotic locale. This cookie, with its dried fruits and unexpected, perfumed black cumin, is a beautiful fusion of my Southern upbringing and the broader culinary world I love to explore.
Healthy Cookies? You Bet!
Now, we all know that cookies aren’t exactly salad, but these Black Cumin (Kala Zeera) Cookies have a fantastic little health boost that makes them an extra special treat. The star of the show – black cumin, also known as Kala Zeera – has been studied for potential health benefits, like improved digestion and enhanced immune response. The dried fruits, particularly if you choose antioxidant-rich berries, provide a sweet benefit, and the lemon zest is filled with Vitamin C. I’m certainly not saying these cookies are a health food, but it’s great to know that there are some benefits mixed into the indulgence.
As a ball of surf-set sun starts to paint the Charleston sky in hues of pink and orange, I can’t imagine a better pairing than a fresh batch of these cookies and a chilled glass of sweet tea. They’ll equally hold their own with a steamy mug of hot chocolate in the heart of winter. Or, if you’re looking for a dessert to accompany your Sunday Fried Chicken Dinner, these cookies will offer a unique departure from the usual biscuit or pie.
So, next time you’re in the mood to bake something a little bit different, give these Black Cumin (Kala Zeera) Cookies a try. I’m sure they’ll soon become a beloved dessert in your home, as they are in mine. Happy baking!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon crushed black cumin (Kala Zeera)
- 1/2 cup dried mixed fruits (like raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step Three
In a large, mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Step Four
Beat 2 large eggs into the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step Five
Gradually add the dry mixture into the large bowl, mixing well until it’s fully incorporated. The dough should be soft and durable.
Step Six
Add 1 tablespoon of crushed black cumin (Kala Zeera), 1/2 cup of dried mixed fruits, and 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest into the dough. Stir until these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step Seven
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Ensure there’s an inch of space between each cookie dough ball.
Step Eight
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
Step Nine
Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Black Cumin (Kala Zeera) Cookies!
