Welcome to my blog! Today, I am excited to share a recipe for Ragi (Finger Millet) Cookies. These cookies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Ragi, also known as finger millet, is a powerhouse of health benefits. It’s rich in calcium, iron, and fiber, making these cookies a guilt-free treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Ragi flour (finger millet flour)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup powdered jaggery or brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1/4 cup milk (or as needed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, almonds or walnuts work great)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Mixing the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered jaggery (or brown sugar) until the mixture is light and fluffy.
• Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
• In a separate bowl, sift together the ragi flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.

3. Combining Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition.
• If the dough feels too dry, add milk a little at a time until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.
• Fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips if using.

4. Shaping the Cookies:

• Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each cookie.
• Gently flatten each ball with your fingers or the back of a spoon to shape the cookies.

5. Baking:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Serving:

• Once cooled, your delicious and healthy ragi cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.

Tips and Variations:

• For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, and use a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk.
• For added flavor, you can mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom powder.
• These cookies make for a great snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ragi cookies are a fantastic way to incorporate healthy millets into your diet. They are perfect for kids’ lunchboxes, a post-workout snack, or just a healthy treat to enjoy any time of the day. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy baking!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these nutritious and tasty Ragi (Finger Millet) Cookies! If you try this recipe, share your pictures and feedback. I’d love to hear from you!