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10 Easy Diwali Snack Ideas for 2025

Plan Ahead, Celebrate More Stress-Free Festive Snacking!

Diwali is the Festival of Lights, joy, family, and of course, flavour! Great snacks make Diwali memorable, bringing together tradition and irresistible taste. For 2025, Behind Yellow Door Diner brings you ten iconic, easy-to-make Diwali snacks ranging from crispy, buttery murukku to healthy ragi ladoos and festive cookies for every palate. The best part? All these treats can be made a day ahead, letting you enjoy quality time without last-minute kitchen chaos.

Below you’ll find links to tried-and-true recipes from top culinary creators, plus a breakdown of ingredient lists, sweetness level, and cook times. Whether you’re an expert home cook or a newbie to Indian festival foods, these snacks will impress your guests and make your Diwali bright.

Why Make-Ahead Diwali Snacks?

  • Freedom on Festival Day: Prepped snacks mean more time for poojas, family and fun!
  • Perfect Texture: Most Indian snacks retain freshness and crunch for days when stored right.
  • Easy Gifting: Homemade snacks are the best edible gifts for friends and neighbours.

1. Butter Murukku (Benne Chakli)

Light, Crunchy, Irresistible—A South Indian Classic
  • Type: Savory, crunchy
  • Total Ingredients: 9
  • Key Ingredients: Rice flour, fried gram flour, besan (gram flour), unsalted butter, cumin or sesame, salt, hing, water, oil for frying
  • Time: 15 min prep + 20 min cooking = 35 min total
  • Prep-Ahead: Yes. Keeps well 2–3 weeks airtight.

Butter murukku stands out during Diwali for its delicately crisp texture and irresistible buttery flavour, achieved by the perfect blend of rice flour and butter. The dough is carefully mixed with gram flour, fried gram flour, cumin, and a touch of hing, then kneaded with small amounts of water until smooth and crack-free. 

Thanks to its lightness and the balance of fats, the resulting snack is not just crunchy but also melts in the mouth, making every bite addictive. The gentle flavour of butter runs through each piece, setting it apart from traditional murukku recipes that use oil instead of butter for fat.​

Traditional preparation calls for shaping the dough using a murukku press fitted with a star plate, either spiralled for the classic festival look or pressed into strips and broken for snack-sized, bakery-style pieces. The secret to excellent butter murukku lies in not overcrowding the frying pan and letting the pieces fry undisturbed until lightly golden, ensuring they remain airy and crisp. 

Once cooled, the murukku keeps fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks in an airtight container, making it the ideal snack to prepare in advance and enjoy with family and friends throughout the festive season.

2. Bhakarwadi

Spiced Pinwheels—Snack Royalty of Maharashtra & Gujarat
  • Type: Savoury, spiced with a hint of sweet
  • Total Ingredients: ~16
  • Key Ingredients: Gram flour, all-purpose flour, desiccated coconut, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, spices, oil, lemon juice, sugar
  • Time: ~1.5 hours (prep + shaping + frying)
  • Prep-Ahead: Yes. Stays crisp for weeks in airtight jars.

Bhakarwadi is a beloved tea-time snack known for its beautiful spiral shape and the burst of flavours it delivers with every bite. The core of this snack is the tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet coconut masala filling, made with a blend of toasted desiccated coconut, white sesame seeds, poppy seeds, fennel, spices, sugar, and a tart touch of lemon or tamarind. 

This aromatic filling is spread over a sheet of kneaded dough, prepared from a mix of gram flour and all-purpose flour, then rolled tightly to create the signature spiral layers.​ Once rolled, the dough is sliced into pinwheel discs, which are gently pressed and deep-fried until golden and crisp. 

The layers inside remain distinct, offering a complex taste and delicate crunch in every piece. Bhakarwadi keeps fresh for several weeks in an airtight container, making it perfect for Diwali gatherings when guests drop by for chai and conversation. The snack’s rich medley of tastes and beautiful presentation make it a festive favourite, ideal for sharing and gifting during the holiday season.​

3. Methi Mathri

Flaky, Herby Snackers—Perfect for Chai Time
  • Type: Savory, flaky cracker
  • Total Ingredients: 11
  • Key Ingredients: Maida (or a mix of maida and wheat flour), rava, kasuri methi (dried fenugreek), fennel, cumin, ghee, pepper, baking soda
  • Time: 20 min prep + 30 min frying/baking = ~50 min
  • Prep-Ahead: Yes. Stays crisp up to two weeks in a jar.

Methi mathri is a traditional North Indian snack renowned for its crisp texture and aromatic flavour, making it an essential part of any Diwali snack spread. The secret to its irresistible taste lies in the liberal use of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), which infuses the dough with a distinct, nutty fragrance. 

A mixture of flour, rava (semolina), ajwain, fennel, cumin, and crushed pepper is combined with ghee and then kneaded into a tight dough. The dough is rolled out, cut into discs or squares, pricked with a fork to prevent puffing, and gently deep-fried until golden, ensuring every mathri remains flaky and delicious.​

What sets bakery-style methi mathri apart is the patient, slow frying on low to medium heat. This technique ensures the mathri develops a long-lasting crunch, maintaining freshness for days. 

Once cooled, mathris can be stored in airtight containers and enjoyed with a hot cup of chai, making them perfect for both festive gifting and casual munching during the holiday. The rich aroma of methi and the savoury flavours deepen the next day, elevating the snack experience and adding authentic festive flair to the Diwali spread.

4. Thattai

South Indian Festival Crunch—Spicy, Crispy & Gluten-Free
  • Type: Savoury, crunchy
  • Total Ingredients: 11
  • Key Ingredients: Rice flour, urad dal flour, fried gram flour, channa dal, sesame seeds, red chilli powder, curry leaves, butter
  • Time: ~1 hour, including preparation and frying
  • Prep-Ahead: Yes. Fresh and crisp in airtight storage for days.

Thattai is a beloved South Indian festival snack made by flattening a spiced rice flour dough into thin discs and deep-frying them until crispy and golden. The dough typically combines rice flour, urad dal flour, and fried gram flour along with spices like red chilli powder, asafoetida, and finely chopped fresh curry leaves. 

Butter or ghee is added for richness, and the dough is kneaded with just enough water to form a firm, non-sticky consistency. Small balls of dough are flattened individually between sheets or with fingers, lightly pricked with a fork to prevent puffing, and then fried in hot oil at medium heat until perfectly crisp.​

Each thattai offers a delightful crunch with flavour layers from urad dal and sesame seeds, balanced by the fresh aroma of curry leaves and the gentle warmth of chilli and hing. 

Making thattai is a hands-on process, but the result is a satisfying, light snack that can be enjoyed fresh or stored for days in airtight containers without losing its crispness. Its unique preparation and flavour have made thattai a favourite for Diwali and other Indian festivals, where it is served alongside sweets and other savoury snacks for family and guests to enjoy.

5. Shankarpali

Diamond-Sized, Sugar-Kissed Munchies
  • Type: Sweet, simple
  • Total Ingredients: 6
  • Key Ingredients: Maida, sugar, butter, hot water, salt, oil for frying
  • Time: 20–30 min prep + 20 min frying = ~50 min
  • Prep-Ahead: Yes. Stays good in an airtight box for a month.

These crunchy, mildly sweet diamond-shaped bites are a classic Diwali favourite loved by both kids and adults. The preparation is simple yet rewarding. Start by making a soft yet firm dough using refined flour (maida), ghee or butter for richness, sugar for subtle sweetness, and a pinch of salt. 

After resting the dough, roll it out thinly on a floured surface and use a cutter or knife to slice it into neat diamond shapes. These pieces are then deep-fried until they turn a beautiful golden brown, becoming crispy and light with each bite.​

A great feature of this snack is how quickly it comes together, making it a popular choice for homemade festive gifting or last-minute guests. Some versions are coated with powdered or crystallised sugar after frying, adding a glossy, sweet finish that complements the mild crunch perfectly. 

Stored in an airtight container, these diamond cuts maintain their crunch for days, making them an excellent make-ahead snack for a hassle-free Diwali celebration.

6. Ragi Laddu (Nachni Ladoo)

Wholesome Millet Sweet—High in Iron, Quick to Make
  • Type: Sweet, healthy, gluten-free
  • Total Ingredients: 5
  • Key Ingredients: Ragi (finger millet) flour, ghee, powdered sugar or jaggery, cardamom, nuts (optional)
  • Time: 10 min prep + 10 min cooking = 20 min
  • Prep-Ahead: Yes. Lasts over a week.

Ragi Laddu, also known as Nachni Ladoo, is a nutrient-dense traditional Indian sweet that is cherished for its wholesome goodness and delightful taste. Made primarily from ragi (finger millet) flour, these ladoos are an excellent source of calcium, fibre, and essential minerals, making them a superfood snack suitable for the entire family, including kids and pregnant women. 

The preparation involves roasting the ragi flour in ghee until aromatic, then mixing it with powdered jaggery (or sugar) and cardamom for natural sweetness and flavour. Optional ingredients like roasted nuts, sesame seeds, and desiccated coconut can be added for texture and extra nutrition.​

The resulting dough is shaped into small, smooth balls that are easy to make and store. Ragi ladoos are quick to prepare, requiring just about 15-30 minutes in total, making them ideal for busy households that want a healthy yet tasty Diwali treat. 

Besides being delicious, these ladoos are perfect for making ahead of time and can be stored for a week or more in an airtight container. With their deep-rooted association with Indian traditions and health benefits, ragi laddus make for a mindful festive indulgence that satisfies both sweet cravings and nutritional needs.

7. Eggless Condensed Milk Cookies

Festive Sweet Cookies—Just Like Bakery Style
  • Type: Sweet
  • Total Ingredients: 7
  • Key Ingredients: Maida, condensed milk, butter, castor sugar, milk powder, vanilla, baking powder
  • Time: 20 min prep + 20 min bake = 40 min
  • Quantity: Yields 24 cookies
  • Prep-Ahead: Yes. Stays fresh at room temp for days.

Eggless condensed milk cookies are a delightful addition to any Diwali snack table, especially for those who enjoy soft, chewy, and buttery treats without eggs. These cookies have a rich, creamy flavour imparted by the sweetened condensed milk, which also acts as a natural sweetener and binding agent. 

The dough is typically made by combining all-purpose flour, butter, condensed milk, sugar, milk powder, and vanilla, resulting in a soft and pliable dough. After shaping the dough into flat rounds or using a cookie stamp for decorative patterns, the cookies are baked at a moderate temperature until they are lightly golden around the edges while remaining soft in the centre.​

Perfect for gifting thanks to their elegant look and rich taste, these cookies remain soft for days when stored in airtight containers. They offer a nice alternative to traditional Indian sweets, bringing a subtle Western touch to festive celebrations. 

The straightforward recipe and relatively short baking time make them an excellent choice for those who want homemade goodies without the complexity or the use of eggs. Whether for gifting or enjoying during Diwali festivities, these eggless condensed milk cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

8. Jessica’s Pistachio Oat Squares

Healthier Festive Traybake—Nutty & Gluten-Free
  • Type: Sweet, no refined sugar
  • Total Ingredients: 7
  • Key Ingredients: Shelled pistachios, rolled oats, maple syrup, olive oil, coconut flakes, sea salt
  • Time: 10 min prep + 10 min baking = 20 min
  • Prep-Ahead: Yes.

Oat squares bring a wholesome, healthy crunch with a delightfully bold nutty flavour, making them an excellent choice for a modern, gluten-free treat during Diwali. These bars typically use gluten-free rolled oats combined with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey and healthy fats such as coconut oil or butter, creating a chewy yet crunchy texture. 

Additional ingredients like chopped nuts, coconut flakes, and a hint of vanilla add flavour depth and enhance the nutrient profile, making these squares more than just a snack, but a nourishing festive treat.​​

The beauty of oat squares lies in their simplicity and quick preparation time, usually requiring under 30 minutes from start to finish. They can be easily baked in a tray and cut into perfect bite-sized bars, making them convenient to serve at parties or pack as festive gifts. 

These oat bars store well in an airtight container, preserving their texture and flavour, and offer an excellent gluten-free complement to traditional Diwali sweets on your snack table.

9. Gujiya Hearts

Classic Sweet with a Creative Shape—Flaky, Stuffed, Heart-Shaped
  • Type: Sweet, filled pastry
  • Total Ingredients: ~9 (using store-bought parathas for speed)
  • Key Ingredients: Ready frozen parathas or puff pastry, ricotta cheese, ghee, mixed nuts, coconut, sugar, cardamom, butter
  • Time: 30 minutes (including cooling and baking)
  • Prep-Ahead: Yes. It can be baked a day ahead and stays fresh.

Gujiya Hearts offer a beautiful and delicious twist on the traditional Indian sweet gujiya, making them a stunning centrepiece for any Diwali celebration. Unlike the classic deep-fried version, these gujiya hearts use frozen parathas or puff pastry for a flaky, buttery crust that is baked instead of fried, allowing for a lighter but equally indulgent treat. 

The filling is rich and creamy, made from ricotta cheese, ghee, sugar, cardamom, toasted nuts, and desiccated coconut, delivering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. This simplified method saves time without compromising on authenticity and flavour, making the baking process quick and accessible.​

To prepare, the pastry sheets are gently thawed, spread with the luscious filling, and then carefully folded and sealed in a heart shape. These are briefly frozen to firm up, then sliced into individual pieces and baked until golden and crisp. 

The result is a delightful, flaky treat that melts in the mouth with each bite, combining the traditional essence of gujiya with a refreshing presentation. Gujiya Hearts are great for gifting and impressing guests, adding both elegance and flavour to your festive snack offerings.

10. Oaty Biscuits

Quick, Rustic, Crowd-Pleasing Biscuits
  • Type: Sweet, hearty & wholesome
  • Total Ingredients: 9
  • Key Ingredients: Rolled oats, plain flour, wholemeal flour, coconut, brown sugar, sultanas (optional), golden syrup, butter
  • Time: 12 min prep + 12 min bake = 24 min
  • Prep-Ahead: Yes. Will keep well in a tin.

Oaty biscuits are a fantastic choice for Diwali parties or as wholesome snacks in school lunchboxes, combining heartiness, chewiness, and a gentle sweetness that appeals to all ages. Made primarily with rolled oats and often mixed with whole wheat or atta flour, these biscuits are packed with fibre and essential nutrients. 

They typically include a natural sweetener such as brown sugar or jaggery, flavoured with warm spices like cinnamon or cardamom, and feature additions like dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips for extra texture and richness. Their satisfying chew and nutty flavour beautifully balance health and indulgence, making them a crowd-pleaser loved by children and adults alike.​

One of the biggest advantages of oat biscuits is their ease of preparation, requiring minimal ingredients and time, usually baking to perfection within about 20-25 minutes. Their simple ingredient list allows for healthier adaptations, such as reducing sugar or using alternative flours, to fit different dietary needs.

 Once baked, these biscuits hold their texture well and store beautifully in airtight containers, ensuring you have a ready-to-serve snack during the festive rush. These healthy yet delicious biscuits offer a refreshing alternative to traditional sweets while embracing the spirit of sharing and celebration that defines Diwali.

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