Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the sesame seeds until they are finely ground.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the ground sesame seeds, flour, salt, and vanilla extract to the mixing bowl and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a fork.
7. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 24 cookies
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 cookie):
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour to make the cookies gluten-free.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of powdered sugar for a slightly different flavor.
Variations:
- Add 1/4 tsp of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a spiced version of the cookies.
- Use black sesame seeds instead of white sesame seeds for a darker color and nuttier flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure a smooth dough.
- If the dough is too crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk to help it come together.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Reheating instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to crisp them up again.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle some extra sesame seeds on top of the cookies for added texture and flavor.
Pairings:
These cookies pair well with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat after a meal or as a snack on their own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the dough to help it come together.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use fresh ingredients and wash your hands and equipment thoroughly before starting to bake.
Food history:
Gazelle horns, or cornes de gazelle, are a traditional Moroccan cookie that are shaped like crescent moons and filled with almond paste. This recipe is a simplified version that uses sesame seeds instead of almonds.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a nutty and slightly sweet flavor from the sesame seeds and powdered sugar.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat after a meal or as a snack on their own.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
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Region: Moroccan
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Sesame, Sesame-Flavored