Ragi Cookies with Jaggery

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in healthier snack alternatives, and one delightful option that has gained popularity is Ragi Cookies with jaggery.

These wholesome treats combine the goodness of finger millet, also known as ragi, with the comfort and indulgence of cookies.

Ragi, a nutrient-rich ancient grain, has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries, celebrated for its numerous health benefits. When transformed into cookies, ragi not only imparts a unique nutty flavor but also brings a wealth of nutritional advantages to the table.

Ragi Cookies with jaggery is a perfect fusion of traditional wisdom and modern culinary innovation. They cater to the health-conscious, offering a guilt-free snacking option without compromising on taste. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious addition to your daily diet, a tasty snack for your children, or a wholesome treat to enjoy with a cup of tea, Ragi Cookies are a delightful choice.

Unlike many conventional cookies that are often laden with refined sugars and unhealthy fats, Ragi Cookies typically uses natural sweeteners like jaggery and healthier fats like ghee.

Ingredients Detail

Let’s start your Ragi Cookies with jaggery by gathering all the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredient	About Ingredient	Quantity
Ragi (Finger Millet)	Nutrient-rich, gluten-free flour	1 cup
Whole Wheat Flour	Adds structure and fiber to the cookies	1/2 cup
Ghee	Provides moisture and flavor	1/2 cup (at room temperature)
Jaggery (Grated or Powdered)	Natural sweetener with a unique flavor	1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
Baking Powder	Leavening agent for a bit of rise	1/2 teaspoon
Pinch of Salt	Enhances overall flavor and balance	A pinch
Chopped Nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews)	Adds texture and nutty taste	1/4 cup

Detailed Cooking Instructions

With everything at hand, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step journey of Ragi cookies with jaggery.

Step 1: Roast the Ragi and Wheat Flour

Begin by roasting the ragi flour and whole wheat flour separately to enhance their flavors. In a clean, dry pan, place the ragi flour and heat it over low to medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning, and roast until it emits a pleasant, nutty aroma and turns a slightly darker shade. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the ragi flour is roasted, transfer it to a bowl and set it aside.

Next, in the same pan, add the whole wheat flour and repeat the roasting process. Stir continuously until the wheat flour also becomes aromatic and changes to a light golden color, which usually takes around 4-6 minutes. Then, combine it with the roasted ragi flour. Roasting the flours individually brings out their unique flavors and ensures a rich, toasty taste in our cookies. Allow the combined flours to cool down while you move on to the next step.

Roasting the flour is a crucial step to enhance the overall flavor profile of the Ragi Cookies with jaggery.

Step 2: : Cream the Homemade Ghee and Jaggery

In a mixing bowl, take the room-temperature homemade ghee (1/2 cup) and the grated or powdered jaggery (1/2 cup, adjust to taste).

Using a hand-whisker machine, mix the homemade ghee and jaggery together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing. Creaming the ghee and jaggery together not only sweetens the dough but also incorporates air, resulting in lighter, softer cookies with a delightful flavor.

Ensure that the homemade ghee and jaggery are well combined before proceeding to the next step in the cookie-making process.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Twist (Optional)

If you want to introduce a delightful chocolate flavor to your Ragi Cookies, you can do so at this stage. Add cocoa powder (2-3 tablespoons, adjust to taste) to the creamed ghee and jaggery mixture from Step 2.

Mix the cocoa powder using a spatula or whisker until it is fully incorporated into the mixture. This will create a rich, chocolatey base for your cookies.

The addition of cocoa powder will give your Ragi Cookies a delicious chocolate twist, making them even more indulgent and appealing to chocolate lovers. If you prefer plain Ragi Cookies, you can skip this step and move on to the next.

Step 4: Enhance Our Flour Mix

Now, let’s bring some magic to our roasted Ragi and whole wheat flour blend from Step 1. We’ll add a pinch of salt for balance and a touch of baking powder (1/2 teaspoon) to help our cookies rise beautifully. Using a spoon or whisk, thoroughly mix these into the flour for even distribution. This step readies our dry ingredients, ensuring our cookies will have a harmonious flavour and a delightful, fluffy texture.

Step 5: Create the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to bring all the components together. Transfer the flour mixture that you prepared in Step 4 into creamy ghee and jaggery mixture from Step 2. This is where the magic happens. Begin combining the wet and dry ingredients, gently folding them together. Use a spatula or your hands to form a smooth, cohesive cookie dough. Make sure there are no lumps and all the ingredients are well incorporated. If the dough feels a tad dry or crumbly, add two tablespoons of milk, one at a time, until everything comes together into a dough. This dough is the heart of your Ragi Cookies, so take your time to ensure it’s thoroughly mixed. Be gentle; avoid overmixing and ending up with tough cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Then, gently flatten each one with your hands. Continue this process, shaping all the cookies and arranging them on the baking sheet. This is your chance to get creative with shapes and sizes, but remember to keep them relatively uniform for even baking.

Shaping the cookies is where your personal touch comes in, so enjoy the process and get ready for some delicious Ragi Cookies fresh from the oven!

Step 7: Get Nutty (if you want)

If you’re in the mood for some extra texture and nutty goodness in your Ragi Cookies, it’s time to get creative. Take a handful of your favourite chopped nuts, like almonds or cashews, and gently press them onto the tops of your cookie dough rounds. You can also sprinkle some on top if you prefer. This step not only adds a delightful crunch but also enhances the visual appeal of your cookies.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the tray of shaped Ragi Cookies, with or without nuts, into the preheated oven. Put the cookies to bake for about 18 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown around the edges. Keep a watchful eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Once out of the oven, let your cookies chill on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up.

This short cooling period helps the cookies set and achieve their perfect texture.

Step 9: Serve and Store

Your homemade ragi cookies are now ready to be eaten! Whether with a cup of tea, coffee, or just as a healthy snack, they’re a treat. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for days.

And there you have it—delicious homemade ragi cookies to enjoy anytime!

Video Tutorial: Ragi Cookies with Jaggery

Pro Tips for Ragi Cookies with Jaggery

Now, let’s explore some pro tips that will take your Ragi Cookies with jaggery to the next level.

• Use high-quality ragi flour, jaggery, and ghee for the best flavour and nutritional value.
• Ensure your ghee is at room temperature for smoother creaming with jaggery and a better cookie texture.
• To ensure even baking, flatten each cookie to a consistent thickness.
• Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature before baking for even cooking.

FAQ: Ragi Cookies with Jaggery