I can't host a blog in South Carolina without sharing the traditional cookie of the Lowcountry - Benne Wafers - Benne is an African word for Sesame and they're sold all over Charleston in a variety of flavors and recipes, but this one is a fairly traditional take on these nutty little cookies.
Benne Wafers
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup white sesame seeds, toasted
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup white sesame seeds toasted or 1 cup chopped pecans
- Preheat oven to 375F and line two cookie sheets with parchment or silpats
- Whisk together the dry ingredients (first 5)
- Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until blended, then add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined.
- Stir in the flour mixture.
- Pull off small pieces of the do and roll between your palms into 1 inch balls then dip the tops of the balls into the remaining sesame seeds or pecans
- Place cookies onto cookie sheets about 2 inches apart and flatten to 1 1/2 inch rounds.
- Bake 1 sheet at a time until the cookies are lightly browned at the edges, 6-8 minutes.
- Let stand briefly and then remove to racks to cool completely
And now you can check out the rest of the yummy recipes and add your own:
