Finger Millet Biscuits are a healthy and wholesome alternative to store-bought biscuits that are often loaded with refined flour, sugar, and preservatives. Made using finger millet (Ragi / Nachni), these biscuits are rich in calcium, fiber, and essential minerals, making them perfect for kids, elders, fitness lovers, and anyone looking for clean snacking options. Crisp, mildly sweet, and satisfying, ragi biscuits are ideal for tea-time, travel snacks, or lunchbox treats.
In Indian households, biscuits are a daily habit, especially with chai or coffee. By switching to finger millet biscuits, you enjoy the same comfort with better nutrition and longer-lasting fullness. Ragi’s natural nuttiness pairs beautifully with jaggery or mild sweetness, creating biscuits that are both tasty and nourishing. These biscuits are gluten-free (with the right binding), diabetic-friendly in moderation, and much lighter on digestion than regular biscuits 🌿🍪
🌿 Why Finger Millet (Ragi) is Perfect for Biscuits 🌾
Finger millet is considered one of the most powerful grains in Indian nutrition, especially known for bone health.
Key health benefits of finger millet include:
✔ Extremely rich in calcium – strengthens bones & teeth
✔ High dietary fiber – supports digestion & gut health
✔ Low glycemic index – helps manage blood sugar
✔ Rich in iron & antioxidants – boosts energy
✔ Naturally gluten-free – suitable for gluten sensitivity
Using ragi in biscuits makes them nutrient-dense snacks instead of empty-calorie treats.
🍪 Homemade Biscuits vs Store-Bought – A Smart Choice
Homemade finger millet biscuits stand out because:
🍪 No refined flour or preservatives
🍯 Controlled sweetness using jaggery or natural sweeteners
🧈 Healthy fats instead of hydrogenated oils
🥣 Better satiety with fewer cravings
They are perfect for people trying to reduce junk food without completely giving up snacks.
📝 Ingredients 🧺
For Finger Millet Biscuits:
- Finger millet flour (ragi flour) – 1 cup
- Wheat flour – ¼ cup (optional, for binding)
- Powdered jaggery or brown sugar – ½ cup
- Butter or ghee – ½ cup (softened)
- Baking powder – ½ teaspoon
- Baking soda – a pinch
- Cardamom powder – ¼ teaspoon
- Salt – a pinch
- Milk – 2–3 tablespoons (as needed)
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped nuts (almonds/cashews) – 2 tablespoons
- Chocolate chips – optional
- Vanilla essence – ½ teaspoon
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Method 🥄
🌾 Step 1: Preparing the Dough
In a mixing bowl, add finger millet flour, wheat flour (if using), baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom powder. Mix well.
In another bowl, cream butter (or ghee) and powdered jaggery until light and smooth. Add this to the dry ingredients and mix gently. Add milk little by little to form a soft, non-sticky dough. Do not over-knead.
🍪 Step 2: Shaping the Biscuits
Preheat oven to 170°C.
Divide the dough into small portions and roll into balls. Flatten gently using your palm or fork. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each biscuit.
🔥 Step 3: Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the edges turn firm and the surface looks dry. The biscuits will harden slightly as they cool.
👉 For stove-top baking, use a thick kadai with salt at the base and bake covered on low flame for 20–25 minutes.
✨ Step 4: Cooling & Storing
Remove from oven and allow biscuits to cool completely. Once cooled, they turn crisp and crunchy. Store in an airtight container.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions 🌿
Enjoy Finger Millet Biscuits with:
- Hot tea or coffee ☕
- Milk for kids 🥛
- As a travel or office snack 🎒
They stay fresh for 7–10 days when stored properly.
💡 Tips, Variations & Pro Baking Notes 🌟
✔ Do not overbake; ragi biscuits harden on cooling
✔ Use ghee for traditional aroma and digestion
✔ Add oats or seeds for extra crunch
✔ Make sugar-free using dates powder (texture may vary)
✔ For vegan version, use coconut oil instead of butter
✔ Add cocoa powder for chocolate ragi biscuits
🥗 Health Benefits at a Glance 📊
🌾 Finger millet – calcium-rich, high fiber
🍪 Homemade biscuits – no preservatives
🥛 Balanced fats & sweetness – better digestion
💚 Ideal for kids, elders & mindful eaters
🌼 Conclusion ✨
Finger Millet Biscuits are a perfect example of how everyday snacks can be transformed into nourishing, homemade treats. Crunchy, mildly sweet, and full of goodness, these biscuits allow you to enjoy tea-time without guilt. Whether you’re baking for your family, kids, or yourself, ragi biscuits are a smart, delicious choice that supports long-term health while satisfying cravings 🌾🍪💛