Ragi Oat Biscuits Recipe – Cardamom & Clove Flavored Indian Cookies

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Ragi Oat Biscuits Recipe – Cardamom & Clove Flavored Indian Cookies

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – these Ragi Oat Biscuits are a total game-changer. They’re subtly sweet, wonderfully fragrant, and surprisingly healthy! I first stumbled upon a version of these at a local bakery, and knew I had to try making them at home. After a few tweaks, this is my go-to recipe for a comforting, wholesome treat. They’re perfect with a cup of chai, and honestly, I can’t stop at just one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These biscuits aren’t just delicious; they’re a little bit special. They’re packed with the goodness of ragi and oats, making them a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. The cardamom and cloves add a beautiful aromatic touch, reminiscent of Indian spice markets. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful biscuits:

• ½ cup ragi flour
• ½ cup wheat flour
• ¼ cup oats
• ⅛ cup maida (all-purpose flour)
• 1 fistful plain corn flakes (optional)
• ½ cup + 2-3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 nos cardamom seeds
• 3 cloves
• ¼ cup + ⅛ cup cooking oil
• ½ tsp baking powder

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Ragi Flour: Health Benefits and Regional Uses

Ragi, or finger millet, is a powerhouse of nutrients! It’s rich in calcium, iron, and fiber. In South India, ragi is a staple, used in everything from porridge to roti. It has a slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices in this recipe.

Oats: Types and Nutritional Value

I’ve used regular rolled oats here, but you can also use quick-cooking oats. Oats are fantastic for adding fiber and a lovely texture. They’re great for keeping you feeling full and satisfied.

Cardamom & Cloves: The Aromatic Heart of Indian Baking

These two spices are essential in Indian desserts. Cardamom adds a floral sweetness, while cloves bring a warm, slightly pungent note. Don’t skimp on these – they really make the biscuits sing! I usually buy whole cardamom pods and grind the seeds myself for the freshest flavor.

Cooking Oil: Choosing the Right Oil for Baking

I prefer using a neutral-flavored oil like sunflower or canola oil for baking. You want something that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the spices. Melted ghee also works beautifully for a richer, more traditional flavor.

Maida (All-Purpose Flour): Alternatives for Healthier Baking

Maida gives the biscuits a nice tenderness, but you can reduce the amount or substitute it with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just be aware that it might slightly alter the texture.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, let’s get that sugar fragrant. Pop the sugar, cardamom seeds, and cloves into a mixer and give them a good whiz. Then, sift the mixture to remove any larger pieces. Set it aside – that lovely aroma is a good sign!
2. Next, grind the oats into a powder. This helps them blend seamlessly into the dough. In a large bowl, combine the ragi flour, wheat flour, maida, and powdered oats.
3. Now, for a quick roast! Spread the flour mixture on a baking sheet and pop it into the oven (180°C / 350°F) for 1-2 minutes. This gets rid of any raw flour smell and enhances the flavor.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the cooking oil and baking powder together really well – for a good 10 minutes! This is key to getting light and airy biscuits.
5. Add the sugar mixture and flour blend to the oil. Mix it all up until it starts to come together. If you’re using cornflakes, now’s the time to add them. Keep mixing until you have a soft, pliable dough.
6. Time to shape! You can roll the dough into small, flat balls, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. My kids love helping with this part!
7. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in convection mode. Arrange the biscuits on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges.
9. Here’s a little trick I learned: once they’re baked, turn off the oven and let the biscuits rest inside for 10 minutes. This helps them stay soft.
10. Finally, let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing them in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing can result in tough biscuits.
• If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of oil at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
• For a crispier biscuit, roll the dough a little thinner.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe! Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Ragi Oat Biscuits

Simply substitute the ghee/oil with a vegan alternative like coconut oil.

Gluten-Free Ragi Oat Biscuits

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of maida and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Adjusting Spice Levels

Feel free to adjust the amount of cardamom and cloves to your liking. My grandma always added a pinch of nutmeg too!

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Holi)

During Diwali, I sometimes add a sprinkle of edible silver leaf (varak) for a festive touch. For Holi, a dash of rose water adds a beautiful fragrance.

Serving Suggestions

These biscuits are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a cup of masala chai or a glass of cold milk. They also make a lovely snack for kids.

Storage Instructions

Store the biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well – just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

What is the shelf life of these biscuits?

They’ll stay fresh for about a week in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I use jaggery instead of sugar?

Absolutely! Jaggery will give the biscuits a lovely caramel flavor. You might need to adjust the amount slightly, as jaggery is less sweet than sugar.

Can I make these biscuits without an oven?

Yes, you can! You can cook them on a stovetop in a heavy-bottomed pan. It will take a bit longer and require more attention, but it’s definitely possible.

What is the purpose of roasting the flour mixture?

Roasting the flour removes any raw flour smell and enhances the flavor of the biscuits.

Can I add nuts or seeds to the dough?

Definitely! Chopped almonds, walnuts, or sesame seeds would be delicious additions.

Enjoy baking (and eating!) these Ragi Oat Biscuits. I hope they bring a little bit of joy to your kitchen! Let me know how they turn out in the comments below.