Crunchy Turkish Sesame Bites (Simit Cookies)
467kcal
Ingredients
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Vegetable oil (approx. 200ml)
- ½ cup Water (approx. 100ml)
- 2 tbsp Baking powder (approx. 10g)
- 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar (or White vinegar)
- 2.5 tbsp Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Mahlep (Optional, for authentic bakery aroma)
- ½ cup Cornmeal (approx. 100ml)
- 2.5-3 cups All-purpose flour (Add gradually)
For the Coating
- ½ cup Water
- ¼ cup Grape or Mulberry molasses (Pekmez)
- 1 cup Toasted sesame seeds
Equipment
- Wide Mixing Bowl: To knead the shortbread-style dough.
- Two Small Bowls: One for the molasses-water dip and one for the toasted sesame seeds.
- Parchment-Lined Baking Sheet: To prevent the molasses from sticking to the tray.
- Large Skillet: For toasting your sesame seeds to aromatic perfection.
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, oil, water, vinegar, sugar, salt, and mahlep. Whisk until well combined.
- Stir in the cornmeal first, then add the baking powder and the all-purpose flour gradually.
- Knead until you have a smooth dough that is slightly firmer than bread dough and doesn't stick to your hands.
- In one shallow bowl, mix the water and molasses. Place the toasted sesame seeds in another bowl.
- Pinch off tiny, marble-sized pieces of dough and roll them into smooth balls.
- Dip each ball into the molasses-water mixture to ensure the sesame seeds stick perfectly.
- Roll the wet ball in the toasted sesame seeds until completely covered.
- Arrange the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition
Serving1servingCalories467kcalCarbohydrates43gProtein7gFat31gSaturated Fat5gPolyunsaturated Fat16gMonounsaturated Fat8gTrans Fat0.1gCholesterol19mgSodium501mgPotassium145mgFiber3gSugar7gVitamin A28IUVitamin C1mgCalcium298mgIron4mg
Notes
For the most authentic flavor, ensure your sesame seeds are well-toasted before coating the cookies. If you can't find Mahlep, you can omit it, but adding it provides that signature "Turkish bakery" scent that defines this recipe.