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Getting your hands on a snack these days that delivers both taste and nutrition is an endless hunt. If you are also conscious about what you consume, then you are missing out a lot by not giving millet cookies a try. Prepared from the traditional ragi or finger millet, jowar or sorghum, and bajra or pearl millet, these cookies are a perfect example that old and classic ingredients can easily fit into a modern-day lifestyle. Many food startups as well as home bakers are trying and experimenting with millet-based products, calling them the sustainable, climate-friendly option to wheat and refined flour.
Unlike other cookies that are prepared with refined flour, millet cookies have a lovely earthy aroma and flavour. These cookies not only keep you fuller for a long time, but also deliver a good source of energy. The best part about these cookies? They can be enjoyed as a guilt-free treat, as a quick bite for your evening tea snack, to pack in your kid’s tiffin, or as a healthier option to satisfy those mid-day sweet cravings.
Millet Cookies Recipe
Here is a detailed recipe for millet cookies, prepared with simple ingredients, requiring minimal effort, and delivering maximum goodness.
Ingredients You Need:
Dry ingredients:
1 cup millet flour, such as finger millet or ragi, pearl millet or bajra, or foxtail millet flour.
1/4 cup whole wheat flour or oat flour (optional)
1/2 tsp baking powder
A pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
1/3 cup jaggery powder or coconut sugar
1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
1–2 tbsp milk (dairy or plant-based as per your preference)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Add-Ons (Optional)
Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
Chocolate chips or raisins
Sesame seeds or flax seeds
How To Make Millet Cookies?
Prepare the oven and tray
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
In a baking tray, line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Preheating the oven ensures even baking.
Mix all the dry ingredients
Take a mixing bowl and sift together all the ingredients, such as millet flour, wheat/oat flour (if using), baking powder, and salt.
Mix the wet ingredients
Take a separate bowl and whisk together the Jaggery powder, melted butter or coconut oil, and vanilla extract (if using).
Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients and mix gently until a soft dough forms.
You can also add 1–2 tbsp of milk if you need to bind the mixture.
Keep in mind not to overmix. The dough should be soft but should not be sticky.
Shape the cookies
Now, to begin making the cookies, take small portions of dough and roll them into balls.
Slightly flatten it with your fingers or by using the back of a spoon.
Place these cookies on the baking tray and leave space in between.
Bake the cookies
Bake the cookies at 170°C (340°F) for about 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Don’t overbake, or else they will become too hard.
Cool and store
Cool the cookies on the tray for about 5 minutes, then store them in an airtight box.
Serving Ideas For Millet Cookies
Here are some easy and creative ideas to serve millet cookies to make them more satisfying:
Tea or coffee: It is one of the best classic pairings. The earthy taste of millet goes well with both of them.
Crushed and served in warm milk: This is one of the best ideas to serve to kids. If required, the milk can be slightly sweetened with jaggery.
Healthy snack option: These cookies can also serve as a healthy version of your cravings. Just pack a few cookies in a small airtight container for the office or travel and munch on them whenever you're hungry.
Cookie sandwich: Spread some peanut butter, almond butter, or Nutella between two millet cookies and enjoy it as a sandwich.
With Greek yoghurt: Crush some millet cookies and sprinkle over some Greek yoghurt. You can also add some fruits to make a wholesome dessert.
Energy Boost: Pair these cookies with a handful of nuts and seeds for a quick, protein-rich pre-workout snack.
Festive Gifting: Wrap the cookies in jars or boxes with ribbons and gift them
Ice cream topping: Crush these cookies over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful crunchy twist.
Tips And Tricks For Preparing Millet Cookies
Here are some of the tips that you should keep in mind while preparing the millet cookies:
Choose the right type of Millet flour: Ragi or finger millet has a chocolaty flavour, whereas bajra or pearl millet has a slightly nutty flavour, and jowar (sorghum) is mild.
Mix with a binder: Pure millet has a crumbly texture. You can add a little whole wheat flour, oat flour, or almond flour to help it bind better.
Sweetener choice: Jaggery powder, coconut sugar, or brown sugar goes well with millet. If you want to make a healthier version, avoid white sugar.
Don’t overmix: Once you have added the flour, gently mix it to form dough. Overmixing can make the cookies hard.
Check the consistency of the dough: You can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk if the dough feels too dry. If it is too sticky, sprinkle some flour.
Rest the dough: Keeping the dough to rest for 15–20 mins helps cookies to hold shape and prevents them from spreading too much.
Temperature is the key: Bake the cookies at 160–170°C. Millet flour cooks faster than maida, so keep an eye on it.
Add flavour to boost taste: Flavours like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, or vanilla pair amazingly with the earthy taste of millet.
Whether it is enjoyed with a hot cup of tea, coffee or packed in a lunchbox, these millet cookies are an easy, tasty and healthy snack to prepare at home.
