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Barazek Cookies: A delightful Middle Eastern treat with a blend of toasted sesame seeds, pistachios, and a touch of sweetness. Perfect for festive occasions or an everyday sweet indulgence. Try making them at home and savor the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean.
Ingredients:
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Adjust Servings
4 1/2 cups ( 500 grams ) of flour | |
1 cup minus 1 teaspoon ( 250 grams ) of ghee, room temperature | |
1/2 cup (125 grams) of sugar | |
1/2 cup (125 grams) of water |
For the sesame seeds:
3/4 cup ( 200 grams) of toasted sesame seeds | |
1 tablespoon granulated sugar | |
1 tablespoon date molasses | |
1 tablespoon thick simple syrup | |
2 to 4 tablespoons water | |
100 grams crushed unsalted pistachio |
Preparation
1
Work the ghee into the flour by kneading until the mixture becomes silky, about 5-8 minutes. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2
Using your fingertips, create small holes in the dough. Mix the sugar and water until dissolved, then pour the mixture into the dough. Gently fold until the dough absorbs the liquid. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
3
Combine the sesame seeds with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of date molasses, and simple syrup. Using the palms of your hands, work the mixture until the seeds are fully coated and start sticking to your hands, about 4 minutes. If needed, wet your fingers slightly to help bind the sesame seeds while mixing.
4
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange your workstation with sesame seeds on one side, pistachios on the other, and the dough in the center for easy assembly.
5
Work in batches to form the cookies. You can either roll the dough into a long log about ¾ inch in diameter, cut it into small pieces, and roll each into 12-15 gram balls, or simply pinch off small amounts of dough and shape them into balls. Once shaped, gently press one side of each ball to create a slight indentation in the center.
6
Gently press one side of each dough ball into the pistachios. Flip to the other side and press firmly into the sesame seeds to coat. Place the cookies pistachio-side down on a baking sheet, arranging them closely together with no space between them.
7
Bake the cookies at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes—no longer! Allow them to cool to room temperature on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
How You Must Store These Christmas Cookies.
To ensure these Barazek cookies retain their pleasant texture and taste, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 weeks. You can also place them in the fridge for up to 2 months or in the freezer for 8 to 12 months.