Healthy And Delicious Ragi Almond Cookies For Tea Time Munching

Tea time is often accompanied by the desire for something crunchy and delicious to munch on. However, finding a snack that is both tasty and healthy can be challenging.

Enter ragi almond cookies – a perfect blend of health and flavor that will satisfy your tea-time cravings without the guilt. These cookies are made using ragi flour, a powerhouse of nutrients, and almonds, which add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

The Nutritional Powerhouse: Ragi

Ragi, also known as finger millet, is a gluten-free grain that has been a staple in Indian diets for centuries. It is celebrated for its numerous health benefits, including:

• Rich in Calcium: Ragi is one of the best sources of calcium among plant foods. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and it plays a vital role in muscle function and nerve transmission.
• High Fiber Content: The high dietary fiber in ragi helps in digestion, prevents constipation, and keeps you feeling full for longer, aiding in weight management.
• Low Glycemic Index: Ragi has a low glycemic index, making it an excellent choice for people with diabetes as it helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Packed with Nutrients: Ragi is also rich in iron, which helps in preventing anemia, and contains essential amino acids that contribute to overall health.

The Goodness of Almonds

Almonds are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Here’s why adding almonds to your cookies makes them even better:

• Healthy Fats: Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, which are essential for brain health and help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
• Protein and Fiber: The protein and fiber in almonds make these cookies more filling and satisfying.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Almonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants, which contribute to heart health and overall well-being.

Recipe for Healthy Ragi Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup ragi (finger millet) flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour or finely ground almonds
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup powdered jaggery or coconut sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and powdered jaggery (or coconut sugar) until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract and almond milk to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the ragi flour, almond flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
6. Add Chopped Almonds: Fold in the chopped almonds, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
7. Shape the Cookies: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form small balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the back of a spoon.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool and Store: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container.

Enjoying Your Ragi Almond Cookies

These ragi almond cookies are perfect for tea time but can be enjoyed any time of the day. Here are a few ways to savor them:

• With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal snack for your tea-time breaks.
• As a Healthy Snack: Carry these cookies with you for a healthy on-the-go snack. They provide a quick energy boost and keep you full between meals.
• For Breakfast: Pair a couple of cookies with a glass of milk or a smoothie for a quick and nutritious breakfast.

Why Ragi Almond Cookies are a Great Choice

• Nutrient-Dense: These cookies are packed with nutrients from ragi and almonds, making them a healthy choice for snacking.
• Gluten-Free Option: By using ragi flour and almond flour, you can make these cookies gluten-free, which is great for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
• Refined Sugar-Free: The use of jaggery or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar makes these cookies a healthier option.
• Versatile and Delicious: The nutty flavor of ragi combined with the crunch of almonds makes these cookies irresistibly delicious.

Conclusion

Ragi almond cookies are a delightful and healthy addition to your tea-time routine. They are easy to make, packed with nutrition, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a guilt-free snack or a nutritious treat for your family, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.