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Millet Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Treat with Health Benefits

When in doubt, trust the good old millets. It can get tricky when you crave a cookie, but your diet regimen does not support it. However, indulging in a dense cookie doesn’t have to come with loads of guilt, especially when you can very well choose the healthier alternative, millet cookies. Unlike traditional cookies loaded with refined flour and sugar, millet cookies encapsulate the best of both worlds—deliciousness and nutritional wholesomeness. These cookies are packed with fibre, essential micronutrients and healthy amino acids, making them the perfect pick for individuals seeking a healthy snacking option. Taste the nutty flavour of millet with a gluten-free as well as guilt-free indulgence with this millet cookie recipe.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients:
    1. Finger millet flour: 1 cup
    2. Pearl millet flour: 1 cup
    3. Rolled oats: 1/2 cup
    4. Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
    5. Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
    6. Cinnamon powder: 1/2 teaspoon
    7. Salt to taste

  • Wet Ingredients:
    1. Unsalted butter (softened): 1/2 cup
    2. Jaggery powder: 1/2 cup
    3. Honey: 1/4 cup
    4. Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
    5. Egg: 1 whole
Methods

Methods

Baking the most scrumptious little snack has never been this easy. Here is how to make millet cookies at home:

    Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you head further. Next, take a pan or a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

    Step 2: In a big bowl, combine all your dry ingredients and give it a good mix.

    Step 3: Consequently, in another bowl, beat the softened butter with some jaggery powder and honey until it turns creamy. You can even use an electric mixer for 3–4 minutes to attain that consistency. Next, incorporate an egg and the vanilla extract into the batter as well. Blend until fully combined.

    Step 4: Once done, fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Make sure not to beat the mixture, but gently fold them until combined to ensure the cookies remain tender.

    Step 5: Here’s the fun part: scoop out about tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and gently roll them into balls. Line them on the parchment paper, about two inches apart. You may flatten the dough ball from the top with a fork or a spoon.

    Step 6: Bake these cookies in the oven for a good 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

    Step 7: Once you remove them fresh off the oven, the centres of the millet cookies may still be a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool. This is why you should allow them to cool for at least five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

And this is it! Your delicious and healthy millet cookies are ready in minutes. Enjoy the goodness of Millets with your whole family.


Health Benefits of Millet Cookie

The cereals that are integral to this millet cookies recipe are finger millet (ragi), pearl millet (bajra) and rolled oats. All of which offer their own unique set of health benefits.
Take finger millet, for instance. It is a rich source of micronutrients, polyphenols and fibre. The grain contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-microbial properties that may support overall health. Moreover, it contains one of the highest sources of calcium, potassium and dietary fibre as compared to other grains. Such minerals help in the formation of bones and muscle development, as well as supporting cell function.
Whereas pearl millet has all the nutrients to keep your heart healthy. It boosts minerals like phosphorus and magnesium, as well as potassium along with omega-3 fats. These may help in lowering blood pressure and regulating cholesterol function to support your health. Together, both millets are gluten-free and high in dietary fibre. This makes this millet cookie recipe a suitable snack for individuals with gluten intolerance as well as those who want to maintain a healthy gut.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Now, this is where you can experiment with the original recipe based on your preferences and mood.

If you are simply craving a comforting evening snack, you may enjoy these millet cookies with a warm cup of milk or coffee. This cookie even complements sweet milk tea as well.

If you are a sweet fanatic, you may include mix-ins like dark chocolate chips, dried fruits, or roasted nuts in the cookie dough. However, if you don’t wish to stray off the healthy path, you may even sprinkle some seed mix over your dough before placing it in the oven. These can include sunflower seeds, peanuts, sesame seeds or even flax seeds for a crunch.

If you are serving these at your afternoon tea parties, a fun serving trick would be to half-dunk the cookies into dark chocolate. Let the coated cookies cool further before presenting them to your guests.

Try experimenting with the recipe by supplementing the existing millet flours with others, like foxtail millet or sorghum, for different textures and flavours. Moreover, this cookie recipe can be easily made vegan. Simply substitute the butter with coconut oil or applesauce and an egg with a flax egg.

You can store these delicious cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to retain their freshness. These healthy millet cookies are versatile and loaded with nutrients to support your health. You can simply whip up a new batch of millet cookies any day of the week; whenever you or your child crave a delicious treat. After all, a healthy you is a happy you!