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5.0 from 6 votes

Kaak (Cookies with a Sesame-Anise Glaze)

A recipe for Kaak (Cookies with a Sesame-Anise Glaze) from the cookbook, Sumac: Recipes and Stories from Syria, written by Anas Atassi.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 40 mins
Servings: 12 -15 Cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Syrian

Ingredients

For the cookies:
  • 5 tablespoons milk
  • 1/3 cup (65 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/4 cups (155 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (90 grams) semolina
  • 1/2 cup scant (50 grams) cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon anise seeds
For the crust:
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon anise seeds

Instructions

To make the cookies:
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, sugar, oil, and egg until smooth and homogeneous.
  2. In another bowl, combine the flour, semolina, cornstarch, salt, vanilla bean paste, baking powder, and anise seeds.
  3. Gradually whisk the milk mixture into the dry ingredients until it is completely incorporated. The dough should be soft and sticky. Cover and set aside for 1 hour.
  4. After the dough has rested, it should have a smooth consistency and should not feel sticky anymore.
  5. To form the cookies, divide the dough into apricot-sized balls and roll them into little sausages, about 8 inches (20 cm) long. Join the ends to form rings about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
  6. Preheat oven to 350˚F (180˚C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the crust:
  1. Whisk the egg, milk, and vinegar together and pour into a shallow dish.
  2. Mix the sesame seeds and anise seeds in another dish.
  3. Dip the cookie base into the egg mixture and then into the seed mixture. Arrange the kaak, seed side up, on the prepared pan.
  4. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown.
  5. After baking, cool the cookies for at least 30 minutes before dipping them into a cup of tea.