Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re baking a batch of delightful Ragi Cookies—an easy and wholesome treat that combines the nutritious benefits of ragi (finger millet) with the sweetness of cookies. These cookies are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Perfect for a snack or a light dessert, let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

To make these tasty Ragi Cookies, you will need:

• 1 cup ragi flour (finger millet flour)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for added indulgence)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and well combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and egg (or flax egg). Beat until smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the ragi flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon powder (if using).
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Nuts and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

1. Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still be soft but will firm up as they cool.
3. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Enjoy the ragi cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage. They also make a great addition to a lunchbox or as a healthy snack.

Tips and Variations

• Flour Options: You can use all ragi flour if you prefer, but a combination with whole wheat flour helps with texture and binding.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes until gel-like).
• Sweetener: Adjust the amount of sweetener according to your taste. You can also use natural sweeteners like stevia or agave syrup.
• Add-Ins: Experiment with other add-ins like dried fruit (raisins, cranberries), seeds (chia, sunflower), or spices (nutmeg, cardamom) to customize your cookies.

Why Ragi?

Ragi, or finger millet, is a highly nutritious grain that is rich in calcium, iron, fiber, and protein. It supports bone health, improves digestion, and provides sustained energy. Incorporating ragi into cookies is a fantastic way to enjoy its benefits in a delicious treat.

Conclusion

Ragi cookies are a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious and tasty snack. They are simple to make and packed with the goodness of ragi, making them a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. Try this recipe and let us know how your cookies turn out. Happy baking!