Kaak bi simsum "cookies with sesame"

Here is a recipe for delicious Lebanese ring cookies covered with sesame seeds. In our Lebanese cuisine they are named kaak, this is one of the best kaak recipe ever, I have been doing these sesame cookies for years and years.

The aroma of anise, mahlab and nutmeg in the mixture of these delicious cookies, while baking them in the kitchen is one of the best smell ever.

Plus they are an excellent and delightful treat having them anytime . You can prepare and put in the freezer, this way you will have your coffee with the most amazing kaak ever and in seconds. By the way these sesame cookies are one of my children's favorite's and now my grandchildren also ask for kaak every time I visit them, it is my pleasure to prepare them anytime.

Prep. time: 45 mins

Baking time: 30 mins

Makes : 30 pieces

INGREDIENTS:

l/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/4 cup milk

1 tbsp. anise

1 tsp. mahlab

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

1 heaped tsp. baking powder

3 1/2 to 4 cups of flour

PREPARATION: in a large bowl blend the flour, the sugar the spices and the baking powder. Whisk the eggs, the melted butter and the milk then add them to the mixture. Knead well with your hands until you get a soft and non sticky dough, If it is needed add flour.

Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. and prepare a non greased baking pan. Get ready a bowl of sesame seeds on hand for the dipping. We are going to start making the ring cookies now, take a part of the dough with your hand and roll it into a log and cut into around 12 cm long as shown in the images then bring both ends together to achieve a ring. Dip each ring at a time in the sesame seeds bowl from one side then arrange them in a tray keeping little space between them for the cookie to rise.

Bake them on the second rack in the oven for 10 to 12 mins then from the top for around 2 mins. or until light golden.

I advise you to give it a try once and you will crave to have these delicious sesame cookies in your cuisine all the time. Serve with your afternoon coffee or tea and enjoy !!