RCI-BR.005.0052.001
Benne Cakes
Benne cakes are a popular snack cookie that originated in Africa, where the benne seed (or sesame seed as it is known in America) comes from. It is enjoyed year round in Africa, and is especially popular in America during the Kwanzaa celebration.
Prep20 min
Cook35 min
Total55 min
Servings4
Difficultyintermediate
Ingredients
- oil to grease a cookie sheet1 unit
- 1 cup
- butter or margarine¼ cupsoftened
- egg1 unitbeaten
- ½ teaspoon
- 1 teaspoon
- ½ cup
- ½ teaspoon
- ¼ teaspoon
- 1 cup
Method
1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet with oil and set aside.
2
Combine finely packed brown sugar and softened butter in a mixing bowl, then cream together until light and fluffy.
3
Add the beaten egg to the butter mixture and stir until well combined.
4
Pour in vanilla extract and freshly squeezed lemon juice, then mix until evenly distributed.
5
Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
6
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
7
Fold in the toasted sesame seeds gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8
Drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9
Bake for 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
12 minutes
10
Remove from oven and cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.