Idlib Sesame and Anise Ring Cookies
Hard, golden ring-shaped cookies encrusted with sesame seeds and scented with anise and fennel — less sweet than Lebanese kaak, more savory-spiced, and designed to be dunked in morning tea or coffee. Baked in large batches that keep for weeks.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sesame seeds
- 100 g sugar
- 125 g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp whole anise seeds
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- ½ tsp ground mahlab (optional)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3–4 tbsp milk
- 1 yolk egg yolk mixed with 1 tsp water (egg wash)
Instructions
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden. Set aside half for coating; fold half into the dough.
- Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
- Combine flour, baking powder, salt, anise seeds, fennel seeds, and mahlab. Add to the butter mixture.
- Mix to a soft dough, adding milk tablespoon by tablespoon until the dough comes together. It should be firm, not sticky.
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Take a walnut-sized piece of dough and roll between your palms into a rope about 12cm long. Form into a ring and press the ends together firmly.
- Brush each ring with egg wash. Dip the top into the reserved sesame seeds.
- Place on baking sheets. Bake 18–20 minutes until golden. The cookies should be firm throughout.
- Cool completely on a rack. They harden further as they cool — this is correct.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Idlib Sesame and Anise Ring Cookies?
Hard, golden ring-shaped cookies encrusted with sesame seeds and scented with anise and fennel — less sweet than Lebanese kaak, more savory-spiced, and designed to be dunked in morning tea or coffee. Baked in large batches that keep for weeks.
Where is Idlib Sesame and Anise Ring Cookies from?
Idlib Sesame and Anise Ring Cookies comes from Idlib Syrian. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Idlib Sesame and Anise Ring Cookies vegetarian?
As written, Idlib Sesame and Anise Ring Cookies contains no meat or fish, so it is suitable for vegetarians. It does include dairy or other animal-derived ingredients, so it is not vegan. Check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of whole anise seeds in Idlib Sesame and Anise Ring Cookies?
The whole anise seeds called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Idlib Sesame and Anise Ring Cookies its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Idlib Sesame and Anise Ring Cookies?
In a Syrian desserts spread, Idlib Sesame and Anise Ring Cookies is served at the end of a meal or with afternoon coffee or tea. A little extra syrup or nuts on top is traditional where the recipe calls for them.
Can I make Idlib Sesame and Anise Ring Cookies ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Most components can be prepared ahead. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture; syrups and nut toppings are best added or refreshed close to serving.