Butter Murukku Recipe | Easy Butter Chakli at Home
Butter Murukku Recipe | Easy Butter Chakli at Home
Butter Murukku, also popularly known as Butter Chakli, is one of the most loved crunchy South Indian snacks. Originating from Tamil Nadu and Andhra households, this delicious murukku is a festive essential, especially during Diwali, Krishna Jayanthi (Gokulashtami), and other special occasions. The combination of rice flour, roasted gram flour, butter, and a touch of spices makes it light, crispy, and melt-in-the-mouth compared to traditional murukku varieties.
In this detailed blog, we’ll cover:
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What is Butter Murukku?
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Difference between Butter Murukku and Regular Murukku
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Ingredients required
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Step-by-step recipe for Butter Murukku (with tips)
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Butter Murukku calories and nutrition details
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Expert tips and variations
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FAQs about Butter Murukku
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Serving and storage ideas
By the end, you’ll have everything you need to make perfect homemade butter murukku that stays crunchy for days!
What is Butter Murukku?
Butter Murukku is a crispy, spiral-shaped snack made primarily with rice flour, roasted gram dal flour (pottukadalai maavu), and butter. The addition of butter is what gives this murukku its signature soft crunch and melt-in-mouth texture. Unlike regular murukku which is slightly hard and crunchy, butter murukku is lighter and more delicate.
It is shaped using a murukku press (chakli maker) and deep-fried until golden. In many households, it is prepared in large batches during Diwali to share with family and friends. Children especially love butter murukku because of its mild flavor and crispy texture.
Butter Murukku vs. Regular Murukku
| Feature | Butter Murukku (Butter Chakli) | Traditional Murukku |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Softer, melt-in-mouth, crunchy but light | Harder, crunchier |
| Flavor | Mild, buttery taste | Stronger, spiced flavor |
| Key Ingredient | Rice flour + roasted gram flour + butter | Rice flour + urad dal flour + spices |
| Difficulty level | Easier, beginner-friendly | Slightly tricky, needs right dough consistency |
This makes butter murukku a perfect choice for those who want an easy and foolproof festive snack.
Ingredients for Butter Murukku
To make butter murukku at home, you’ll need the following ingredients (for about 30–35 pieces):
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Rice flour – 2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
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Roasted gram dal flour (Pottukadalai maavu) – ½ cup
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Butter (unsalted, at room temperature) – 2 tbsp
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Cumin seeds / Sesame seeds – 1 tsp (optional)
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Hing (asafoetida) – ¼ tsp
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Salt – to taste
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Water – as needed for kneading
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Oil – for deep frying
Optional additions:
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A pinch of chili powder or pepper for a spicy version
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Ajwain (omam) seeds for added digestive benefits
Step-by-Step Recipe for Butter Murukku
Step 1: Prepare the flour mix
In a wide mixing bowl, add rice flour, roasted gram flour, salt, hing, and cumin/sesame seeds. Mix everything evenly.
Step 2: Add butter
Add softened butter and rub it well into the flour until it becomes crumbly. This step ensures the murukku will be light and crispy.
Step 3: Knead the dough
Slowly add water, little by little, and knead into a soft, smooth, and non-sticky dough. The dough should not be too tight (murukku will break) or too loose (murukku will absorb oil).
Step 4: Fill the murukku press
Grease the inside of a murukku maker (chakli press) with a little oil. Use the star-shaped disc and fill it with the dough.
Step 5: Shape the murukku
On a greased plate or butter paper, press the dough into spirals (murukku shapes). Beginners can directly press the dough into hot oil carefully.
Step 6: Fry the murukku
Heat oil in a deep kadai. Once hot, gently slide the murukku into the oil. Fry on medium flame until golden and crisp. Avoid frying on high flame, as the outside may brown quickly while the inside stays soft.
Step 7: Drain and cool
Remove the fried murukku onto a tissue paper to absorb excess oil. Let it cool completely before storing.
Butter Murukku Calories and Nutrition
Butter murukku is a deep-fried snack, so it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. Here’s an approximate breakdown (per piece of medium-sized murukku, ~10g):
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Calories: 45–55 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 6–7g
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Protein: 0.5–1g
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Fat: 2–3g
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Fiber: ~0.2g
Is butter murukku fattening?
Yes, like most fried snacks, butter murukku is calorie-dense. However, when eaten in small portions (3–4 murukkus at a time), it can be part of a festive or occasional treat.
Expert Tips for Perfect Butter Murukku
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Right flour mix: Always use fine rice flour and freshly powdered roasted gram dal for best results.
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Butter consistency: Soft butter works best. Too much butter will make the murukku absorb oil.
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Oil temperature: Test oil by dropping a small piece of dough – it should rise up slowly, not too fast.
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Dough consistency: Soft, pliable, and non-sticky dough ensures smooth pressing.
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Avoid overcrowding: Fry only a few murukkus at a time for even cooking.
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Storage: Cool completely before storing in airtight jars. Stays fresh for 2–3 weeks.
Variations of Butter Murukku
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Spicy Butter Murukku: Add red chili powder or crushed pepper to the dough.
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Ajwain Murukku: Add omam seeds for a strong flavor and digestive aid.
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Millet Butter Murukku: Replace rice flour with millet flour (ragi, jowar, or bajra).
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Jaggery Murukku (Sweet version): Mix jaggery syrup into the dough for a sweet-salty twist.
Butter Murukku and Health
Many people ask:
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Can you eat butter murukku with ulcers?
Since butter murukku is deep-fried and contains spices, it’s not recommended for people with ulcers or severe acidity. -
Is butter murukku safe for kids?
Yes, in small quantities, it’s safe for children above 2 years. Its mild flavor makes it kid-friendly.
FAQs about Butter Murukku
1. Can I make butter murukku without butter?
Yes, you can use ghee or oil, but butter gives the best texture.
2. Can I make butter murukku without a murukku press?
You can roll small logs of dough and shape them into spirals by hand, though it’s more time-consuming.
3. Why is my murukku breaking while pressing?
The dough might be too dry. Sprinkle some water and knead again.
4. Why is my murukku absorbing too much oil?
Either too much butter was used, or the oil temperature was too low.
5. How long does butter murukku stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, it stays good for 2–3 weeks at room temperature.
Serving Ideas for Butter Murukku
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Serve as an evening snack with tea or coffee.
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Pack it in kids’ snack boxes.
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Offer as a festive gift in decorated jars or boxes.
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Pair with sweets like ladoo or mysore pak during Diwali.
Storage Tips
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Always cool murukku completely before storing.
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Use a clean, dry airtight container.
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Do not use plastic covers for long storage – it may lose crunch.
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For extended freshness, store in steel or glass jars.
Conclusion
Butter Murukku is a timeless South Indian snack that perfectly balances crispiness and flavor. It is easy to prepare, beginner-friendly, and always a festive favorite. While it is high in calories, enjoying it in moderation makes it a delightful treat for the whole family.
Whether you’re celebrating Diwali, hosting guests, or simply craving a crunchy evening snack, this homemade butter murukku recipe is the perfect choice. With just rice flour, roasted gram flour, butter, and a few spices, you can make a batch of golden spirals that stay crunchy for weeks.
So next time you think of festive snacks, don’t forget to try butter murukku – the melt-in-mouth crispy delight that everyone loves!



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