Embark on a culinary adventure with a delightful duo of cookies inspired by the captivating flavors of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. These exquisite treats, hailing from the storied lands of Greece and Lebanon, promise an explosion of taste that will transport your palate to vibrant souks and sun-kissed shores.
From the sun-drenched shores of Greece, we bring you the Melomakarona, a traditional Christmas cookie characterized by its moist, honey-soaked texture and warm, inviting spices. This delectable confection is a symphony of flavors, with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest dancing together in perfect harmony. Its golden-brown exterior, adorned with chopped walnuts, adds a touch of rustic charm that completes this delectable masterpiece.
From the vibrant souks of Lebanon, we introduce the delectable Anise Cookies, a beloved treat that captures the essence of Middle Eastern hospitality. These cookies are a delightful balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of anise that lingers on the palate. Their delicate, crumbly texture and snowy-white appearance make them a visual delight, while their subtle sweetness and aromatic spices create a truly unforgettable experience.
Both the Melomakarona and the Anise Cookies are culinary treasures that showcase the rich culinary heritage of their respective regions. With their distinct flavors and textures, these cookies are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a delightful baking journey that will transport you to the heart of the Mediterranean and Middle East.
AUNT ANNE'S SESAME COOKIES
After trying my hand at countless sesame cookie recipes, my Italian girlfriend shared her Aunt Anne's recipe and I knew my search had ended! Basically an anise flavored butter cookie covered in sesame seeds. The smell when removing them from the oven is wonderful!
Provided by DianeF
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 32m
Yield 60
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and anise extract until well blended. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt; stir into the butter mixture until well incorporated. If you are using a stand mixer, let the dough mix for another minute to add lightness to the dough. The dough will be soft, but will hand roll easily.
- Pinch off pieces of dough slightly smaller than a walnut, and roll them into small logs. Dip in milk, then roll in sesame seeds. Place cookies one inch apart on a cookie sheet. Cookies will not spread very much.
- Bake for 17 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until bottom and sides of cookies are lightly toasted. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 72.1 calories, Carbohydrate 7.1 g, Cholesterol 11.4 mg, Fat 4.4 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 30.5 mg, Sugar 2.6 g
SESAME SEED COOKIES I
Italian cookies rolled in sesame seeds
Provided by Connie Lombardo
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Yield 42
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Combine flour and sugar in a bowl. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender-or work with your hands - until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Add anise oil (optional) small amount for it is very strong, to 1/2 cup of the milk and add to flour mixture. Gradually add more of the milk mixing until dough holds together.
- Pull off small portions of dough and roll between palms of the hands into a roll about finger size. Roll in sesame seeds. Seeds stick better if put in sugared water and taken out and put on a clean lintless cloth. Roll on cloth with seeds, then flatten out too about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into 2 inch strips, place on ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove, cool completely, then store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 136.4 calories, Carbohydrate 14.4 g, Cholesterol 0.3 mg, Fat 8.2 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 2.2 mg, Sugar 5 g
ANISE SESAME COOKIES
Categories Cookies Mixer Egg Dessert Bake Christmas Quick & Easy Fall Winter Edible Gift Anise Gourmet Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes about 3 dozen
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Soak anise seeds in boiling-hot water until most of water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes in a stand mixer (preferably fitted with paddle attachment) or 4 minutes with a handheld. Beat in 1 egg and anise seeds with any remaining soaking liquid until combined. Reduce speed to low, then mix in flour mixture until just combined.
- Divide dough into 4 balls and flatten each into a 4-inch disk. Chill disks, wrapped in plastic wrap, until firm, about 3 hours.
- Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 350°F.
- While oven preheats, roll out 1 piece of dough (keep remaining dough chilled) on a well-floured surface with a well-floured rolling pin into a 7-inch round (slightly less than 1/4 inch thick; if dough becomes too soft to roll out, chill on a baking sheet until firm). Cut out as many cookies as possible from dough with cutter and transfer to 2 ungreased large baking sheets, arranging cookies about 1 inch apart. Beat remaining egg in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon water to make an egg wash. Brush each cookie lightly with egg wash, then sprinkle with some of sesame seeds.
- Bake cookies, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until bottoms are golden, 10 to 12 minutes total, then transfer with a metal spatula to racks to cool completely.
- Gather scraps and chill until firm enough to reroll. Make more cookies with remaining dough, scraps (reroll only once), and sesame seeds, then bake on cooled sheets.
SESAME ANISE MELTS
This is an Italian cookie. Shaped in balls and rolled in sesame seeds. Flavored with anise.
Provided by CLUBCANDY
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Yield 18
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt, set aside. In a medium bowl, cream together the lard and sugar. Stir in the egg and anise seeds. Add dry ingredients, mix well. Put the sesame seeds into a shallow bowl or saucer. Roll dough into 1 inch balls, roll them in the sesame seeds to coat. Place them 1 1/2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Flatten the balls slightly using the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 6 to 9 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 210.9 calories, Carbohydrate 21 g, Cholesterol 18.4 mg, Fat 13 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 3.3 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 54.9 mg, Sugar 8.4 g
SESAME SEED ANISE COOKIES
These are wonderful with coffee or hot tea
Provided by Mary Muscarello
Categories Cookies
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. Mix all ingredients and roll into a long roll. Chill. Cut into slices about 2-3 inches thick. Roll slightly and put a little water on cookie and roll in sesame seeds. Bake at 350 degrees until lightly brown
SESAME-ANISE COOKIES
This recipe comes from Melting Pot Potluck. It was put together to announce the arrival of a new pastor and his wife. Origin: Mexico.
Provided by CJAY8248
Categories Dessert
Time 27m
Yield 10 dozen, 20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine anise seeds with boiling water and steep while mixing dough. Gradually blend sugar with butter and soda. Add 1 egg. Mix. Strain anise liquid into the mixture, discarding seed. Stir in flour, a little at a time. Mix well. Chill dough overnight or until stiff enough to handle. Shape dough into small balls (use 1/8 teaspoon measure as a scoop). Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Cover with waxed paper and flatten to 1/8" thickness with the bottom of a flat glass. By this time the dough will have softened and the waxed paper will stick, so place paper-covered sheet in or near freezer for 5 minutes. Peel off waxed paper. Brush tops with slightly beaten egg, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. (Toast seeds in shallow baking pan for 20 minutes in a 350* oven, turning frequently.) Bake cookies in preheated oven
- 400* about 7 minutes until lightly browned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 149, Fat 8.3, SaturatedFat 4.7, Cholesterol 39.5, Sodium 64.4, Carbohydrate 16.8, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 6.8, Protein 2.3
Tips:
- Use fresh anise seeds. Stale anise seeds will not have as strong a flavor.
- Toast the anise seeds before using. This will help to release their flavor.
- Use a light-colored sesame oil. Dark sesame oil has a strong flavor that can overpower the delicate flavor of the anise seeds.
- Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the cookies tough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies to hold their shape.
- Bake the cookies until they are just golden brown. Overbaking will make the cookies dry and crumbly.
- Let the cookies cool completely before storing them. This will help the cookies to keep their shape and flavor.
Conclusion:
These sesame seed anise cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. They are a great way to use up leftover sesame seeds and anise seeds, and they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you are looking for a sweet and savory snack, give these cookies a try!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love