Food & Cooking Recipes Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes Sesame Seed Cookies 3.7 (50) 10 Reviews By Martha Stewart Test Kitchen Martha Stewart Test Kitchen The recipes developed by our test kitchen team have undergone a rigorous process of development and testing, ensuring that every element is optimal, from ingredient amounts to method and cooking time. This process includes triple-testing recipes to ensure they meet our high standards. The many stellar cooks and food editors who have been part of our team include Sarah Carey, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jennifer Aaronson, Shira Bocar, Anna Kovel, Greg Lofts, Riley Wofford, Lauren Tyrell, and Lindsay Leopold. Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 12, 2017 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Reed Davis Yield: 48 cookies In South Carolina and Georgia, these popular cookies are known as "benne wafers," taking their name from the West African word for sesame. Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking soda 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup packed light-brown sugar 1 large egg ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup hulled sesame seeds, toasted Directions Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line four baking sheets with parchment paper, and set aside. Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda, and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, and beat until combined. Add reserved flour mixture, and beat until combined. Add toasted sesame seeds, and beat until incorporated. Using a spoon, drop cookie batter, about 1 tablespoon at a time, onto prepared baking sheets, allowing at least 2 inches between cookies for spreading. Bake until golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven, and cool on a wire rack. Rate it Print