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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Benne Seed Cookies

30 cookies

45 minutes

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Sesame seeds are known as benne seeds in the South, and these cookies are a nod to traditional Southern benne wafers. The unconventional addition of tahini reinforced the nutty notes of the toasted sesame seeds, and browned butter brought richness and depth of flavor. We liked these made with a mixture of black and white sesame seeds. Black sesame seeds are sold in natural foods stores, Asian markets and in the international aisle of well-stocked supermarkets. Try to purchase seeds that are not pretoasted; if they are, use them straight from the package and toast only the white sesame seeds. If you cannot find black sesame seeds, you can make the cookies with just white. Turbinado sugar is a coarse raw sugar with a light golden color; it gives the cookies interesting texture as well as hints of molasses.

30

cookies

Tip

Don’t toast the black and white sesame seeds separately. Since the black sesame seeds won't darken in color as they cook, the color of the white seeds will help you gauge doneness. As you toast, stir frequently and pay attention, as they burn easily.

45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 80

    grams (½ cup) white sesame seeds

  • 80

    grams (½ cup) black sesame seeds

Directions

Reviews
Laura R.
January 15, 2025
I baked these out of curiosity
and for the simple fact that I love sesame. I'm not from the south and had never heard of these cookies. As I was going through the Tuesday Night cookbook looking for something to make for dinner, I got to this page and the recipe was very intriguing. They are not like any cookies I've had before but are actually excellent. A savory sweet flavor with a really nice crisp texture. They were very easy to make and I'll definitely be making them again. I followed the recipe exactly.
Kaye R.
April 7, 2023
Seriously good
Every time that I make these people are amazed and want the recipe. These are wonderful.
Thomas F.
January 12, 2023
Kettle Corn
If you like kettle corn and you want that flavor in a cookie form, this is your recipe.
Cheryl W.

I was surprised how crisp the cookies became after cooling. I assumed with all the fat the would be soft. I was looking for a softer cookie. They are good.


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