Cream Kisses From India
Cream Kisses from India are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a subtle lemon flavor, perfect for festive occasions or as a light, sweet treat with tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Cream Crisco and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add a few drops of lemon essence to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Gradually add enriched flour and mix until combined; add milk if the dough is too stiff.
- Pipe or cut into desired shapes and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool before handling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your Crisco is at room temperature before creaming with the powdered sugar. If you don't have lemon essence, you can substitute with almond or vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. If the dough feels too stiff, a splash of milk should help achieve the right consistency for piping. This recipe can also be adapted by adding finely chopped nuts for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful Cream Kisses alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a charming afternoon snack. They also pair beautifully with Indian recipes like Kitchree, providing a sweet contrast to savory dishes. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cream Kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a single layer, then transferring them to a freezer bag. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Kisses From India contains roughly 1459 calories, with 6g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (13% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of Crisco in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butter for Crisco, but be mindful that it may alter the texture slightly. Butter will provide a richer flavor, but ensure it's softened for easy creaming with powdered sugar. This can lead to variations in baking time, so keep an eye on the cookies as they bake.
How do I know when the Cream Kisses are done baking?
The Cream Kisses are done when they turn lightly golden around the edges. Since these cookies are delicate, it's important not to overbake them to maintain their soft texture. If you're unsure, you can always check one from the batch a minute or two before the suggested baking time.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding spices like cardamom or cinnamon, or mix in chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Just be cautious with the quantity to maintain the right dough consistency. These additions can create wonderful variations, making them even more delightful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).