Sesame Seed Wafers are delicately crisp cookies with a nutty richness and buttery sweetness, elevated by the earthy aroma of toasted sesame seeds. These vintage treats offer a satisfying snap and subtle caramel-like finish from brown sugar, making them ideal alongside tea or coffee. Toasting the sesame seeds deepens their flavor, giving this humble cookie a distinctive twist that bridges traditional Southern baking with global influences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sesame seeds (toasted)
Instructions
Step 1: Toast Sesame Seeds
- Place sesame seeds in a heavy iron skillet.
- Heat over medium, stirring constantly until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine All
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture.
- Fold in the toasted sesame seeds.
Step 6: Drop and Bake
- Drop batter by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 325°F for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack.
Tips
- Toast sesame seeds carefully, stirring constantly to avoid burning
- For ultra-thin wafers, spread batter evenly and thinly on the sheet
- Line baking sheet with parchment for easier removal
- These cookies crisp further as they cool, do not overbake
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
- Substitute half the sesame seeds with chopped walnuts for texture
- Store in an airtight tin to maintain crispness
- Excellent served with tea or coffee
- Can be shaped into rounds or free-form wafers
- Works well as a light dessert-table cookie
Nutrition
Calories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 18mgPotassium: 48mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 135IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
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