Hello, baking enthusiasts! Today, we’re bringing a burst of sunshine to your cookie jar with Orange Millet Sugar Cookies. These cookies combine the zesty flavor of fresh oranges with the nutty, wholesome goodness of millet. Perfectly sweet and delightfully chewy, they’re a wonderful treat for any time of the year. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Millet?

Millet is a gluten-free grain that adds a unique texture and a boost of nutrition to baked goods. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals, making it a fantastic addition to these sugar cookies. Paired with the bright flavor of orange, millet helps create a cookie that’s not only delicious but also nutritious.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these refreshing cookies:

• 1 cup millet flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free blend if preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1-2 oranges)
• Additional granulated sugar for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the millet flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Add Egg, Vanilla, and Orange: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until fully incorporated.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Shape the Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out balls of dough and roll them in granulated sugar. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly undercooked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy: Serve your Orange Millet Sugar Cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Orange Millet Sugar Cookies

• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls.
• Extra Zest: For a more intense orange flavor, add a bit more orange zest or a drop of orange extract.
• Decorative Sugar: Roll the cookies in colored sugar for a festive look, especially for holidays or special occasions.

Orange Millet Sugar Cookies are a delightful way to enjoy a classic cookie with a citrusy twist and a nutritious boost. The combination of fresh orange and the nuttiness of millet makes these cookies a refreshing and wholesome treat. Give this recipe a try and let us know how your cookies turn out in the comments below. Happy baking!