Multi-Millet Cookies

Multi-Millet Cookies: A Nutritious and Wholesome Treat
Multi-millet cookies offer a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional cookies made with refined flours. These cookies are packed with the goodness of different millet grains like finger millet (ragi), pearl millet (bajra), foxtail millet, and sorghum (jowar). Millets are ancient grains, known for their high nutritional value and health benefits, making them a perfect ingredient for modern, health-conscious diets.
One of the key advantages of multi-millet cookies is their rich nutrient profile. Millets are naturally gluten-free and are excellent sources of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium. Incorporating multiple millet varieties into one recipe enhances the diversity of nutrients, promoting better digestion, maintaining energy levels, and supporting overall health.
My daughter and nephews absolutely love the millet cookies I make. They get excited every time I bake a fresh batch, and the cookies have become a favorite snack in our home. Not only are they healthy, but they also have a deliciously crunchy texture that the kids can’t resist. I enjoy making these treats, knowing that they’re packed with nutritious ingredients like different types of millets, and the kids love munching on them during snack time. It feels great to offer something wholesome that they truly enjoy!
Unlike cookies made with refined sugar, multi-millet cookies often use natural sweeteners like jaggery or coconut sugar. These sweeteners provide a healthier, unrefined source of sweetness, contributing additional minerals and a rich, caramel-like flavor. Combined with wholesome fats like ghee or butter, these cookies have a perfect balance of taste and nutrition.
Multi-millet cookies are also versatile. You can customize them with added ingredients like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor. Their crunchy yet soft texture makes them a delightful snack for all ages, especially for children and the elderly, as they are easy to digest.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or packed as a snack, multi-millet cookies are a healthier and tastier alternative to conventional cookies. Their combination of ancient grains, natural sweeteners, and nutrient-dense ingredients makes them a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy wholesome, guilt-free treats.
Here's a simple multi-millet cookie recipe without baking powder. These cookies are healthy, crunchy, and made from a blend of different millets.
Multi-Millet Cookies
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 1 cup millet flour (you can use a mix of finger millet, pearl millet, sorghum, or any millet flours you prefer)
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup jaggery powder or unrefined sugar
- 1/3 cup melted ghee or butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)2-3 tbsp milk (as needed)
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp chopped nuts, choco chips, seeds, or dried fruits for added texture
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the millet flour, whole wheat flour, jaggery powder, and a pinch of salt. If you're adding nuts or dried fruits, mix them in now.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour the melted ghee (or butter) and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir well until you have a crumbly dough.
- Form the dough: Gradually add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not sticky.
- Shape the cookies: Take a portions of dough and roll them into balls. Flatten them slightly between your palms or shape them using cookie cutter and place them on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. They may appear soft when you first take them out but will harden as they cool.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- Here are some tips to help you make perfect multi-millet cookies:
- 1. Choose the Right Millet Flours
- You can use a combination of different millet flours like finger millet (ragi), pearl millet (bajra), and sorghum (jowar) for balanced flavor and texture.
- If you're new to millet baking, consider starting with a higher proportion of finger millet or adding some wheat flour to help with binding, as millet flours alone can be crumbly.
- 2. Sieve the Flours
- Always sift millet flours to remove lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients. It also helps in creating a lighter texture.
- 3. Sweetener Balance
- Using jaggery or unrefined sugar not only adds sweetness but also moisture, so adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
- You can also experiment with other natural sweeteners like coconut sugar.
- 4. Use Cold Ingredients
- Ensure the ghee or butter is at room temperature or slightly cold when mixing. Warm butter can make the dough too soft, making it harder to shape the cookies.
- 5. Chill the Dough (If Needed)
- If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before shaping. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape.
- 6. Add a Binder
- Millet flours tend to be crumbly, so make sure you add enough moisture (like milk) to bind the dough. You can also add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with water (flax egg) for extra binding and nutrition.
- 7. Don’t Overwork the Dough
- When mixing, handle the dough gently. Overworking the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix just until everything is combined.
- 8. Shape Evenly
- Make sure all cookies are the same size for even baking. Flatten them to a uniform thickness for consistency in texture.
- 9. Watch the Baking Time
- Millet cookies can burn quickly due to their delicate nature, so keep a close eye on them. They should be lightly golden on the edges.
- If they seem soft when you take them out, that’s normal—let them cool on the tray, and they will firm up as they cool down.
- 10. Store Properly
- After the cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container to keep them crunchy and fresh for several days.
- With these tips, your multi-millet cookies should turn out crisp, flavorful, and perfectly baked!

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