Delicious Benne-Wafers to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

4 stars
4.01 (11)
Delicious Benne-Wafers to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on January 19, 2024

Benne-Wafers are traditional Southern cookies that originated from West Africa. These thin and crispy treats are made with sesame seeds and have a delightful nutty flavor. They are perfect for snacking or serving as dessert. This recipe is simple and straightforward, allowing you to enjoy these tasty cookies in no time. So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake some mouthwatering Benne-Wafers!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sesame seeds
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 large egg

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a dry skillet, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the toasted sesame seeds, sugar, melted butter, salt, vanilla extract, baking powder, and egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  4. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using the back of a spoon, flatten each mound of batter into a thin circle, as these cookies spread during baking.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown.
  6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 2 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Once cooled, these Benne-Wafers are ready to be enjoyed! Store them in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.

Interesting Facts

  • Benne-wafers are believed to have been brought to America during the slave trade from West Africa.
  • The word 'benne' is derived from the Bantu word 'bene,' which means sesame seeds.
  • In the Lowcountry cuisine of South Carolina, benne-wafers are considered a traditional delicacy.