How to Make Millet Cookies at Home
Every now and then we all crave a good cookie but are wary of it owing to the amount of unhealthy ingredients like maida, refined sugar, preservatives, and artificial colours that go into making a cookie. If you are a fan of baking or even a least bit interested in wanting to make your own cookies to be sure of what goes in it, know that a healthier variation of cookie can be made using millets while substituting refined sugar for a sweetener of your choice that is comparably healthier. Let’s tell you how you can achieve tasty cookies using a variety of millet flours.Explore our Millet Cookies collection to get started.
Why Choose Millet Cookies? (Health Benefits & Advantages)
Millet cookies offer a nutritional boost with high levels of fiber, protein, iron, and calcium. These nutrients support better digestion and provide a steady release of energy throughout the day. Naturally gluten-free, millet cookies can be diabetic-friendly when prepared with natural sweeteners such as honey or date paste.
Homemade organic millet cookies are a rung above store-bought versions because you control the ingredients, ensuring no preservatives and using only organic, wholesome components. This means you not only enjoy a delicious treat but also a healthier snack that contributes positively to your overall well-being.
Ingredients Needed for Millet Cookies
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For making our home-made millet cookies, we require just a bunch of wholesome ingredients.
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This includes millet flour for the base, which can be ragi, bajra, or a blend of multi-millet flours. For the fat source, we either use butter or ghee, and finally sugar, jaggery, or honey, as the sweetener of choice.
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To elevate your cookies, consider optional add-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or warming spices like cardamom and cinnamon.
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For a healthier twist, substitute refined sugar with alternatives like coconut sugar.
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Millet Cookies at Home
Basic Millet Cookies Recipe (Oven Method)
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Preheat & Prepare Dry Mix:
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
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In a bowl, combine your millet flour (ragi, bajra, or multi-millet), baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
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Cream Butter and Sweetener:
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In a separate bowl, whisk together butter or ghee with your chosen sweetener (sugar, jaggery, or honey) until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Combine Ingredients:
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Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you form a consistent dough.
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For additional texture and flavor, fold in optional add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a dash of cardamom.
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Shape and Bake:
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Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a greased baking tray, flattening them slightly.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
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Cool and Enjoy:
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Allow the cookies to cool on a rack before serving, ensuring they set properly and develop their full flavor.
Millet Cookies Without Oven (Stovetop/Pan Method)
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Prepare the Dough:
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Follow the same steps for the dry and wet ingredient preparation as described above to create your cookie dough.
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Cooking on the Stove:
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Heat a non-stick tava or frying pan on low heat.
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Place small portions of the dough in the pan, gently flattening them to form cookies.
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Cook Evenly:
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Cook for 8-10 minutes on one side, then carefully flip the cookies and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until both sides are lightly browned and cooked through.
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Cool and Serve:
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Remove the cookies from the pan and let them cool completely before enjoying.
Millet Cookie Variations
Multi-Millet Cookies
For a nutrient-rich twist, try combining a blend of ragi, bajra, and jowar flours to create multi millet cookies. This combination enhances the protein, fiber, and mineral content of the cookies. Adjust the binding agents, using an egg, mashed banana, or flaxseed mix, according to your desired texture, ensuring a well-rounded and wholesome treat.
Millet Chocolate Chip Cookies
Elevate your cookie game by adding dark chocolate chips, creating a healthier, kid-friendly option known as millet chocolate chip cookies. Replace refined sugar with coconut sugar for a natural sweetness that complements the nutty flavor of the millet flours. This version delivers both taste and nutrition in one bite.
Savory Millet Cookies
For a change of pace, skip the sugar entirely and introduce savory spices such as cumin, black pepper, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These savory millet cookies make for a perfect tea-time snack, offering a crunchy, flavorful alternative that pairs well with your favorite beverage.
Tips for Perfect Millet Cookies
Flour Selection:
Use ragi for a bold, dense cookie or opt for foxtail millet for a lighter, more delicate bite. Combining different millet flours can also yield a balanced texture and flavor.
Keep It Moist:
Avoid a dry cookie by adding sufficient fat—choose butter, ghee, or oil—and moisture from milk or yogurt. These ingredients help keep the cookies tender and improve overall flavor.
Storing Your Treats:
Allow the cookies to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. This method ensures they remain soft and delicious for up to one week.
FAQs
Q: Can I make millet cookies without sugar?
Yes, you can replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners such as jaggery, honey, or coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Q: Are millet cookies gluten-free?
They are naturally gluten-free when made with 100% millet flour (like ragi, jowar, or bajra), provided there is no cross-contamination.
Q: Can I make millet cookies vegan?
Absolutely—simply substitute butter with coconut oil (or another vegan fat) and use a flax egg as a binder.
Q: How do I make millet cookies without an oven?
You can cook them on a stovetop or in a non-stick pan; shape the dough into small cookies and cook on low heat, flipping occasionally, which takes about 8-10 minutes per side.
Q: What is the best millet for cookies?
Ragi offers a rich, dense flavor; jowar gives a lighter, crispier texture; and bajra adds a pleasant crunch. Mixing these flours can balance flavor and texture.
While baking cookies can sound daunting and overwhelming for those of us who are new to cooking, let us assure you it is as simple as it reads in the recipe. All you need to get is the measurements right and bake at right temperatures. Swap your regular biscuits for these home made cookies as an accompaniment to your evening tea and the delight in enjoying a recipe of your own making is sure to put a smile on your face.
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