About the Recipe
If you're looking for a simple, nostalgic cookie that’s both savory and slightly sweet, you’re going to love Kaak—the beloved Sesame Salted Cookie from the Middle East. These golden rings are perfect for dipping into tea, pairing with coffee, or enjoying on their own as a satisfying anytime snack.
What makes them truly special? Their unique flavor combo: fragrant fennel, a touch of sugar, and a generous coat of sesame seeds. No fancy tools needed—just simple ingredients and a bit of love.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
500 g (3 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
80 mL (⅓ cup) vegetable oil or avocado oil
30 g (⅓ cup) fennel seeds
200 g (about 7 oz) margarine (or substitute with butter)
27 g (1 ½ tablespoons) salt
10 g (1 tablespoon) active dry yeast
65 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
240 mL (1 cup) warm water
1 large egg, beaten (for brushing on top)
Sesame seeds, for coating
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Preparation
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Make the dough:In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
Flour
Oil
Fennel seeds
Margarine
Salt
Yeast
Sugar
Warm water
Mix everything together until a soft, pliable dough forms. You can use a stand mixer or your hands—whichever you prefer.Tip: If the dough feels too dry, add a splash more water. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Trust your hands—it’s hard to mess this one up!
Rest the dough:Once the dough is smooth, shape it into a large ball. Cover with a towel and let it rest for 15–20 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
Shape the cookies:Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll each into a rope about the thickness of your finger. Cut each rope into pieces roughly 4 inches long. Form each piece into a circle, gently pinching the ends together to seal.
Add the egg wash and sesame seeds:Beat an egg in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the cookies with the egg wash, then press the egg-washed side of each cookie into a bowl of sesame seeds to coat.
Arrange on baking sheet:Place the cookies, sesame side up, onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Bake:Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and the tops are just starting to color.Note: If the cookies feel soft or a little soggy when you check them, give them a few more minutes in the oven. But don’t overbake—Kaak should be tender, not dry.
Storage & Serving
Once cooled, store your Kaak in a cookie jar on the counter, or freeze for later. These cookies stay fresh for days and reheat beautifully if you'd like to serve them warm.
Enjoy them with a hot drink, share with friends and family, or savor them as a comforting bite during a quiet afternoon.
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Kaak is more than a cookie—it’s a little taste of tradition. Whether you grew up eating them or are trying them for the first time, this recipe brings warmth, comfort, and timeless flavor to your kitchen.
Instagram Reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLQs4Z8yTp-/