Parents often give in when children insist on packaged cookies and biscuits from the market, but a quiet worry usually stays with them. Most cookies sold commercially are made using refined flour, large amounts of sugar, preservatives and palm oil, all of which can harm the health of children and adults alike. That is why more households are now turning to homemade biscuits and cookies made with healthier ingredients. Radhika Prajapati, a homemaker from Kodarma, is one such person who prepares healthy cookies at home using wheat flour and jaggery, and she has now shared the complete recipe for others to try.
Why market cookies raise health concerns
According to Radhika Prajapati, keeping children happy matters, but protecting their health matters just as much. Packaged cookies available in the market usually contain excess refined flour and sugar, along with preservatives and palm oil, which can affect health over the long run. Parents give in to their children's demands for such snacks, but remain worried about the health effects. This is where homemade cookies become a trustworthy alternative.
Ingredients that replace refined flour and sugar
To make healthy cookies at home, Radhika Prajapati uses coarsely ground wheat flour instead of refined flour. Jaggery replaces sugar, while grated dry coconut and fennel seeds are added to enhance both taste and nutrition. These ingredients not only improve the flavour of the cookies but also pack them with nutrients.
How to make healthy cookies at home
Radhika Prajapati explained that the process begins by taking coarsely ground wheat flour in a bowl. Grated dry coconut and fennel seeds are added to it and mixed well. A little refined or desi ghee is then added, and all the ingredients are combined thoroughly. Jaggery syrup is poured in next, and the mixture is kneaded into a soft dough. Once the dough is ready, small portions are shaped into rounds. A mould can also be used to give the cookies a defined shape. A fork or any other designing tool can be used to create an attractive pattern on top. Finally, the cookies are cooked on a low flame until they turn golden brown.
Stays fresh for days without any preservatives
Once the cookies cool down, they can be stored in an airtight container, keeping them usable for several days. According to Radhika Prajapati, these homemade cookies are not just loved by children for their taste, they also contain no artificial colour, preservatives or palm oil. Jaggery is considered a source of natural sweetness along with iron and several other essential nutrients, while wheat flour provides fibre. Coconut and fennel, meanwhile, add both flavour and aroma to the cookies.
