Hello, baking enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a recipe that combines the rich flavors of maple and pecans with the wholesome goodness of millet. Millet Maple Pecan Cookies are perfect for those who appreciate a balance of nutty crunch and sweet maple goodness in their treats. Let’s get started on baking these delightful cookies!

Why Millet?

Millet is a gluten-free grain known for its nutty flavor and crunchy texture. It’s also packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and essential minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any cookie recipe. In these cookies, millet adds a delightful crunch that complements the sweetness of maple syrup and the nuttiness of pecans.

Ingredients

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

• 1 cup millet flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• Additional pecan halves for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet 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, Sugar, and Maple Syrup: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and maple syrup until creamy and well combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract 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. Fold in Chopped Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, gently press a pecan half into the top of each cookie.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy: Serve your Millet Maple Pecan Cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Millet Maple Pecan Cookies

• Maple Syrup Quality: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid using pancake syrup, as it typically contains artificial flavors.
• Toasting Pecans: For an extra nutty flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before adding them to the dough.
• Make Ahead: The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Millet Maple Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of maple and pecans with the wholesome crunch of millet. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or dessert, these cookies are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and share your experience in the comments below. Happy baking!