Imagine biting into a sweet, crunchy cookie with a nutty taste of roasted sesame seeds. You will experience this when you try the authentic barazek Syrian sesame cookies! In this story, I take you on a journey to a Middle Eastern restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, where I tasted these delectable treats for the first time. I was determined to recreate the recipe at home, and after some persuasion, the owner agreed to share the family recipe with me. Now, I want to share it with you so you can try it for yourself and savor the taste of Middle Eastern cuisine!
I was in a Middle Eastern restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, one day. I was there with a client for a business lunch, and we were both excited to try the authentic Middle Eastern cuisine that the restaurant was famous for. As soon as we arrived, the owner greeted us warmly, a friendly man with a big smile.
We were seated at a cozy table near the window and immediately served some delicious barazek Syrian sesame cookies. They were crunchy and sweet, with a hint of cinnamon, and they went perfectly with the hot tea we ordered.
As we enjoyed our meal, we noticed that the restaurant was bustling with activity. The tables were full of happy customers, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. This was a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
However, our peaceful lunch was soon interrupted when we heard a loud commotion from a nearby table. One customer had accidentally spilled their drink on another customer, and tempers started flaring. The restaurant staff quickly jumped into action, cleaning up the mess and soothing the disgruntled customers.
Despite the brief disturbance, the restaurant continued to buzz with activity, and our meal resumed. I became increasingly intrigued by the Middle East’s food and culture as we ate. I began asking the owner questions about the restaurant’s history, the dishes’ ingredients, and the recipes’ origins.
To my surprise, the owner was happy to answer all my questions and even gave me tips on making some dishes at home. However, there was one recipe in particular that I was dying to know – the recipe for those delicious barazek Syrian sesame cookies.
I begged the owner to share the recipe with me, explaining that I loved to bake and was always looking for new recipes to try. At first, he was hesitant, explaining that the recipe was not meant to be shared with an outsider. However, as I continued to express my interest, he eventually relented and agreed to give me the recipe.
I was overjoyed and thanked him profusely. I couldn’t wait to try making the cookies at home and impress my friends and family with my newfound Middle Eastern baking skills.
As we finished our meal and said goodbye to the owner, I couldn’t help but reflect on our just experience. Not only had we enjoyed some incredible food and learned about a new culture, but we also witnessed the power of hospitality and kindness.
Despite the brief disturbance caused by the spilled drink, the restaurant staff handled the situation gracefully and professionally, ensuring that all customers felt welcome and respected. And even though the owner was initially hesitant to share his family recipe, he ultimately showed generosity and kindness by agreeing to share it with me.
So, this is how I create the barazek Syrian sesame cookies at home.
Ingredients:
- 5 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/4 cups sesame seeds ( white )
- 4/5 cup butter (unsalted)
- 3/4 cup caster sugar
- 1 piece of egg
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground mahleb
- 3 cups sifted flour
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup raw and peeled pistachios (chopped or finely crushed)
How to create the barazek Syrian sesame cookies?
- To make delicious barazek Syrian sesame cookies, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. To begin, ensure that your oven is preheated to 320°F (160°C) and prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Over medium heat, roast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 2 minutes, stirring until lightly browned. Let the seeds cool before adding them to the mixture.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter, egg, and sugar until the mixture is smooth. Next, add the mahleb (or mahalepi), vinegar, and vanilla extract, and mix everything well.
- Add the flour mixture and baking powder to the mixer until the dough is smooth. Ensure not to over-knead the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
- Gradually add the milk and continue to mix until the dough is smooth. Once you’ve finished mixing, cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 45 minutes.
- On a deep plate, pour the honey syrup and add the sesame seeds. Mix everything well. On a separate plate, place the chopped pistachios.
- Using your hands, form the dough into small balls about the size of a walnut. Squeeze each ball onto the plate of pistachios, flattening it slightly. Flip each biscuit over and dip it into the honey syrup and sesame seeds mixture.
- Place the cookies on the baking sheets with the sesame seed side facing up, spacing them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Bake the cookies for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the baking sheets halfway through until the edges are golden brown.
- Once the cookies are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. Once completely cool, store the barazek in an airtight metal container to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
Making barazek Syrian sesame cookies might seem intimidating at first. Still, with the right ingredients and some simple steps, you can make a batch just as delicious as the ones I had in that Memphis Middle Eastern restaurant. These cookies are perfect for enjoying tea or coffee or sharing with friends and family. Give them a try and see how delicious they can be!
