ขนมสาลี่

ขนมสาลี่ (Kanom Sali): Light Thai Egg Cookies for Home Cooks

Introduction to ขนมสาลี่

ขนมสาลี่ (kanom sali) is a traditional Thai sweet known for its delicate, airy texture and golden color. Often enjoyed as a snack or served with tea, ขนมสาลี่ balances light sweetness with a subtle richness from eggs and coconut. This beginner-friendly recipe shows you how to make ขนมสาลี่ at home using simple equipment and common pantry ingredients. Follow the steps below for crisp edges, a tender interior, and an authentic Thai touch.

Ingredients for ขนมสาลี่

• 3 large eggs, separated (3 yolks and 3 whites)
• 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, divided (60 g + 40 g)
• 80 g (2/3 cup) cake flour or all-purpose flour, sifted
• 20 g (2 tbsp) tapioca starch or cornstarch
• 60 ml (1/4 cup) coconut milk (full fat preferred)
• 40 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or 1 tsp pandan extract (optional for aroma)
• A pinch of fine salt
• Optional topping: toasted sesame seeds or black sesame

Instructions for ขนมสาลี่

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a non-stick muffin tin or small-round molds by lightly greasing or lining with parchment. For authentic small rounds, use a mini muffin pan.
2. Whisk the egg yolks with 60 g sugar and the pinch of salt until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes by hand or 1 minute with an electric mixer).
3. Stir in the coconut milk, melted butter, and vanilla or pandan extract to the yolk mixture until smooth.
4. Sift the cake flour and tapioca starch into the yolk mixture. Gently fold until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
5. In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the remaining 40 g sugar and continue beating to soft peaks (stiff peaks are not necessary; soft-medium peaks work best for airiness).
6. Fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the yolk batter to lighten it. Then gently fold in the remaining whites in two additions, using a spatula and a lifting motion to keep as much air as possible.
7. Transfer the batter into a piping bag or spoon it carefully into the prepared molds, filling each 2/3 full. Sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top if using.
8. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Total time varies by pan size—mini muffins may take 8–12 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and let the ขนมสาลี่ cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp slightly as they cool.
10. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For the crispiest texture, avoid refrigeration.

Cooking Tips for Perfect ขนมสาลี่

– Use room-temperature eggs: they whip better and give more volume to the batter.
– Be gentle folding the egg whites: lose less air for a lighter, airy ขนมสาลี่.
– If you don’t have coconut milk, whole milk works, but coconut milk gives a more authentic flavor.
– For a consistent result, use a scale for dry ingredients—baking is precise.
– Adjust oven time for pan size: smaller molds bake faster. Check after 8 minutes for mini molds.
– Flavor variations: add a pinch of grated lime zest, a few drops of pandan for green aroma, or a teaspoon of toasted sesame for nuttiness.
– To make gluten-free ขนมสาลี่, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that includes rice or tapioca starch.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per piece)

Serving size: 1 small cookie (about 30 g). Values are approximate and will vary by ingredient brands and portion size.

• Calories: 110–130 kcal
• Fat: 6–8 g (mostly from butter and coconut milk)
• Carbohydrates: 12–15 g (primarily from sugar and flour)
• Protein: 2–3 g (from eggs)
• Sodium: low; depends on added salt and butter

Allergens: contains eggs, dairy (butter, coconut milk if sensitive), and gluten unless you use a gluten-free flour. For a lighter calorie version, reduce sugar slightly or use a sugar alternative suitable for baking, but note texture may change.

Conclusion: Enjoy Homemade ขนมสาลี่

ขนมสาลี่ is a delightful, approachable Thai snack you can make at home with basic ingredients and simple technique. With airy texture, golden color, and a hint of coconut or pandan, this treat is perfect for beginners and home bakers who want to explore Thai desserts. Try this easy ขนมสาลี่ recipe, experiment with flavors, and share the crisp, fragrant results with family and friends.