The Best Benne Wafers
Crisp, nutty, and irresistibly sweet, "The Best Benne Wafers" are a classic Southern treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with toasted sesame seeds, rich dark brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla, these delicate cookies boast a deep caramel flavor with a satisfying crunch in every bite. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a short 8-minute bake, they’re wonderfully quick to whip up while delivering gourmet results. Perfectly golden and lightly crisped on the edges, these wafers are ideal for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea. Packed with flavor and steeped in tradition, this recipe shines as an easy yet impressive take on Charleston’s signature treat. Keep them stored in an airtight container for a snack that lasts all week—if you don’t devour them first!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sesame seeds (preferably toasted)
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 cup Dark brown sugar
- 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 0.25 teaspoon Baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
If your sesame seeds are not toasted, spread them evenly on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant. Let them cool completely.
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the toasted sesame seeds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, drop small dollops of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges of the wafers are golden brown. Do not overbake as they will crisp up as they cool.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
70 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.6 g | 5% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 21 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.9 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 1% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.8 g | ||
| Protein | 0.9 g | 2% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 36 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 26 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
