Barazek Sesame Cookies
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1/2 cup/ 120g sugar
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4.5 tablespoons water, divided
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1.5 cups (200g) plain all purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 cup/115g clarified butter or ghee at room temperature*See below on how to make your own ghee or clarified butter
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1.5 tablespoons honey
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1/2 cup/70g sesame seeds
Step 1 - Preheat oven to 175C/350F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Make a sugar syrup by placing the sugar and four tablespoons of the water in a heavy bottomed pot and bring to a boil stirring occasionally. Boil for one minutes, remove from heat then cool for 10 minutes.
Step 2 - Whisk the flour and baking powder in a small bowl so that the baking powder is distributed. With a wooden spoon or spatula, cream the butter in a medium bowl and then alternately add the sugar syrup and flour mixture until combined. Cover with cling film and place in fridge or freezer until firm to handle.
Step 3 - Meanwhile, in a shallow bowl, stir the sesame seeds with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of water and honey.
Step 4 - Pinch a small ball of dough and shape it into a round. Press into the sesame mix on both sides and I find it easier to keep the round shape if I make a C shape with my thumb and forefinger and shape it back into a circle then. Place on lined baking tray keeping them about 2cms or about an inch apart.
Step 5 - Bake cookies for 15-18 minutes until golden. Cool on trays and store in an airtight container.
How to make ghee or clarified butter