Mango Lassi Cookies: A Sweet Indian-Inspired Fusion Treat

By yummyrecipes

Mango Lassi Cookies are a delightful fusion of the iconic Indian mango lassi drink and a soft, chewy cookie, bringing together the tropical sweetness of mango, the tanginess of yogurt, and the warm, aromatic spice of cardamom. These cookies are perfect for dessert, tea time, or festive occasions like Diwali, Holi, or summer gatherings. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or simply love innovative baked goods, this recipe by yummyrecipes is approachable, customizable, and sure to impress. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making Mango Lassi Cookies from scratch, complete with tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s embark on this flavorful baking adventure!

What Are Mango Lassi Cookies?

Mango Lassi Cookies draw inspiration from the creamy, refreshing mango lassi, a traditional Indian beverage made with mango, yogurt, milk, and cardamom. These cookies translate those flavors into a baked treat by using freeze-dried mango powder for intense fruitiness, yogurt for a subtle tang, and a cardamom-infused glaze for an aromatic finish. The result is a soft, chewy cookie with crisp edges and a melt-in-the-mouth center, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.

This recipe yields approximately 20–24 cookies and takes about 1 hour, including chilling time. It’s egg-free, making it vegetarian-friendly, and can be adapted for dairy-free or gluten-free diets with simple substitutions. The Indian-inspired fusion cuisine makes these cookies a unique addition to any dessert table.

Ingredients

To create Mango Lassi Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients. Most are pantry staples, but freeze-dried mango may require a visit to a specialty store or online retailer.

For the Cookies:

1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free)
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter for dairy-free)
⅔ cup (130g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (65g) light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup (60g) plain whole-milk yogurt (Indian curd or Greek yogurt; use plant-based yogurt for dairy-free)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp mango extract (optional, for enhanced mango flavor)
⅓ cup (30g) freeze-dried mango powder (from blended freeze-dried mango slices)
¾ tsp ground cardamom
¼ cup (30g) chopped pistachios (optional, for rolling or topping)

For the Cardamom Glaze:

1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk (or plant-based milk for dairy-free)
½ tsp ground cardamom
½ tsp vanilla extract

Equipment:

Food processor or blender (for mango powder)
Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Cooling rack
Small whisk or spoon (for glaze)
Cling wrap

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create Mango Lassi Cookies, crafted by yummyrecipes for a perfect balance of Indian-inspired flavors and classic cookie texture.

Step 1: Prepare the Mango Powder

Place 1.5–2 oz of freeze-dried mango slices in a food processor or blender. Pulse until you achieve a fine powder, yielding about ⅓ cup.
Sift the powder to remove any large pieces and set aside. This ensures a smooth texture in the cookies.

Tip: Freeze-dried mango is essential for concentrated flavor without excess moisture. Find it at stores like Trader Joe’s or online. Avoid dried mango, which is too chewy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, freeze-dried mango powder, and ground cardamom until evenly mixed.
Set aside. The mango powder and cardamom infuse the dough with the signature lassi flavor.

Tip: If the mango powder clumps, sift it with the flour to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the yogurt, vanilla extract, and mango extract (if using). Mix on low until fully combined, scraping the bowl as needed.

Tip: Creaming thoroughly aerates the dough, ensuring a chewy texture. The yogurt adds tanginess reminiscent of a mango lassi.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two batches, mixing on low speed until just combined. Stop mixing once the dough comes together to avoid toughness.
The dough should be soft but not sticky. If too wet, add 1 tbsp flour; if too dry, add 1 tsp yogurt.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Scoop the dough onto cling wrap, shape into a disc, and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes) to firm up and meld the flavors.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Tip: Chilling prevents excessive spreading and enhances the mango and cardamom flavors.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Scoop 1.5 tbsp portions of chilled dough and roll into balls. A cookie scoop ensures uniform size.
If using pistachios, roll one side of each ball in chopped pistachios for crunch and visual appeal.
Place the balls on the baking sheets, 2 inches apart, and gently flatten each slightly.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are set but soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Tip: For perfectly round cookies, use a round cutter to shape them immediately after baking while still warm.

Step 7: Make the Cardamom Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, 2 tbsp milk, ground cardamom, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust with more milk (½ tsp at a time) for a drizzleable consistency.
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops or dip them lightly. Sprinkle with extra pistachios or a pinch of cardamom, if desired.
Let the glaze set for 15 minutes before serving.

Tip: Freshly ground cardamom from green pods offers the best flavor. Use a mortar and pestle for maximum aroma.

Step 8: Serve and Store

Serve the cookies with chai, coffee, or a glass of milk for a delightful treat.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, refrigerated for a week, or freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months.

Tip: Layer parchment between glazed cookies to prevent sticking during storage.

Tips for Success

Mango Powder is Key: Freeze-dried mango powder delivers intense flavor without making the dough soggy, unlike fresh or canned mango.
Cardamom Balance: Use just enough cardamom to complement the mango without overpowering it. Taste the dough and adjust if needed.
Yogurt Selection: Whole-milk yogurt or Indian curd mimics the tanginess of lassi. Greek yogurt can be used but may need a splash of milk to thin it.
Chill Time: Don’t skip chilling, as it helps the cookies maintain their shape and intensifies the flavors.
Glaze Consistency: Test the glaze on one cookie to ensure it’s not too thick or runny before applying to all.

Variations to Try

Mango Lassi Cookies are highly adaptable. Here are some variations to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

Saffron-Kesar Cookies: Add a pinch of saffron soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk to the dough for a luxurious, floral note inspired by mango kesar shrikhand.
Vegan Cookies: Use vegan butter and plant-based yogurt (e.g., coconut or almond) and milk in the glaze.
Gluten-Free Cookies: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum for structure.
Coconut-Mango Cookies: Add ¼ cup shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.
Spicy Mango Cookies: Incorporate ¼ tsp ground ginger for a gentle warmth, inspired by other mango cookie recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These Indian-inspired fusion cookies are versatile and pair beautifully with various beverages and settings:

With Beverages: Enjoy with masala chai, rose tea, or a mango lassi for a thematic treat.
Festive Platters: Serve alongside gulab jamun, barfi, or other Indian sweets for Diwali or Holi celebrations.
Party Dessert: Arrange on a dessert table with a bowl of mango yogurt dip for a fun, interactive experience.
Gifting: Package in a decorative box with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Why You’ll Love Mango Lassi Cookies

Crafted by yummyrecipes, these cookies stand out for several reasons:

Unique Flavor Profile: The mango, yogurt, and cardamom combination offers a refreshing twist on classic cookies, rooted in Indian cuisine.
Versatile Occasions: Perfect for casual snacking, festive celebrations, or summer gatherings.
Dietary Flexibility: Easily adapted for vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free diets.
Make-Ahead Convenience: The dough can be prepped and frozen, and the cookies store well.

Conclusion

Mango Lassi Cookies by yummyrecipes are a creative and delicious way to enjoy the essence of a mango lassi in a portable, chewy cookie. With their vibrant tropical flavor, tangy yogurt base, and aromatic cardamom glaze, these Indian-inspired fusion treats are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe is simple yet sophisticated, making it a must-try for any dessert lover. Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the flavors of India shine in every bite. Happy baking!

Cuisine: Indian-Inspired Fusion
Keywords: Mango Lassi Cookies, Indian dessert, mango cookies, cardamom glaze, yogurt cookies, tropical dessert, fusion baking, vegetarian, egg-free, Diwali sweets, summer treats, chewy cookies