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A close-up shot of golden-brown crunchy Turkish sesame bite cookies (Lokmalık Susamlı Kurabiye) served on a plate with a traditional glass of Turkish tea.

Crunchy Turkish Sesame Bites (Simit Cookies)

Addictive, bite-sized savory-sweet cookies coated in toasted sesame seeds and molasses. The perfect crunchy companion for your tea or coffee.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Turkish
Calories: 467
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

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
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, oil, water, vinegar, sugar, salt, and mahlep. Whisk until well combined.
    Mixing egg, vegetable oil, and vinegar in a bowl for Turkish sesame cookies.
  2. Stir in the cornmeal first, then add the baking powder and the all-purpose flour gradually.
    Adding cornmeal and white flour to the liquid base for a crunchy texture.
  3. Knead until you have a smooth dough that is slightly firmer than bread dough and doesn't stick to your hands.
    Kneading the smooth, firm dough for bite-sized Turkish cookies.
  4. In one shallow bowl, mix the water and molasses. Place the toasted sesame seeds in another bowl.
  5. Pinch off tiny, marble-sized pieces of dough and roll them into smooth balls.
    Hand-rolling small, marble-sized pieces of dough for lokmalık cookies.
  6. Dip each ball into the molasses-water mixture to ensure the sesame seeds stick perfectly.
    Dipping the dough balls into the molasses and water mixture for flavor
  7. Roll the wet ball in the toasted sesame seeds until completely covered.
    Rolling the glazed cookie balls in a bowl of toasted sesame seeds.
  8. Arrange the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    Rows of sesame-coated cookie bites ready for the oven on a tray.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
    Golden-brown, crunchy Turkish sesame cookies served with a glass of tea.

Video

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.