Foxtail Millet Cookies Recipe
Foxtail millet is a highly nutritious grain that’s rih in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s gluten-free and offers a great alternative to traditional flour in baking. These Foxtail Millet Cookies are not only delicious but also a healthy snack option. Here’s how you can make them.
Ingredients:
Foxtail Millet Flour – 1 cup
Whole Wheat Flour – 1/2 cup (optional, for texture)
Butter – 1/2 cup (softened)
Sugar – 1/4 cup (you can use brown sugar for a healthier option)
Honey – 1 tbsp (for a natural sweetener)
Baking Powder – 1/2 tsp
Baking Soda – 1/4 tsp
Salt – 1/4 tsp
Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
Chopped Nuts – 1/4 cup (optional, walnuts, almonds, or cashews work well)
Raisins or Dried Cranberries – 1/4 cup (optional)
Coconut Oil or Ghee – 2 tbsp (for richness)
Milk or Dairy-Free Milk – 1-2 tbsp (adjust to get the right dough consistency)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the foxtail millet flour, whole wheat flour (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting helps ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for the texture of the cookies. You can use a hand mixer or simply beat with a spoon.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the honey, vanilla extract, and coconut oil or ghee to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir to combine. If the dough feels too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Add Nuts and Dried Fruits (Optional): Gently fold in the chopped nuts and raisins or dried cranberries if you’re using them. These ingredients will add texture and a burst of flavor to the cookies.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop out small portions of dough using a spoon or cookie scoop and roll them into balls. Flatten each ball slightly to form a cookie shape. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one, as they will spread a little during baking.
Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Cool and Serve: Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
For a more chewy texture, you can add a little extra honey or a spoonful of maple syrup.
If you want the cookies to have a crunchier texture, you can bake them for an extra 2-3 minutes.
Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chocolate chips, seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower), or other dried fruits.
These Foxtail Millet Cookies are perfect for snacking, and they can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. Their nutty flavor and crisp texture make them a delightful treat for any time of the day.