Chebakia Sesame Cookies

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Combine the warm water, yeast, and crushed saffron in a small bowl. Let the mixture stand until lightly foamy.

   Timer: 5 min (fixed)

   Ingredients used: 4.0 gr Active Dry Yeast, 0.1 gr Saffron, 45.0 ml Water

   Cookware: small bowl

2. Step 2

   Combine the flour, the ½ cup (70 gr) ground sesame portion, anise, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

   Ingredients used: 350.0 gr All-Purpose Flour, 4.0 gr Anise Seed, 4.0 gr Baking Powder, 3.0 gr Fine Salt, 3.0 gr Ground Cinnamon, 70.0 gr Sesame Seed

   Cookware: mixing bowl

3. Step 3

   Whisk the egg, melted butter, olive oil, vinegar, 1 ¼ tbsp (20 ml) orange blossom water, and saffron-yeast mixture together.

   Ingredients used: 30.0 gr Butter, 1.0 piece Egg, 30.0 ml Olive Oil, 20.0 ml Orange Blossom Water, 15.0 ml White Vinegar

   Cookware: small bowl, whisk

4. Step 4

   Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix, then knead until the dough is firm, smooth, and pliable.

   Timer: 10 min (fixed)

   Cookware: mixing bowl

5. Step 5

   Cover the dough and let it rest at room temperature.

   Timer: 30 min (fixed)

   Cookware: mixing bowl

6. Step 6

   Divide the dough into manageable portions and roll each portion about 2 mm thick. Cut into rectangles, make four parallel interior slits in each, and weave alternating strips together to form flower shapes. Arrange them on a baking sheet.

   Timer: 30 min (fixed)

   Cookware: baking sheet, pastry wheel, rolling pin

7. Step 7

   Warm the honey and the remaining 2 tsp (10 ml) orange blossom water in a saucepan over low heat until fluid. Keep the mixture warm without boiling.

   Timer: 5 min (fixed)

   Ingredients used: 500.0 gr Honey, 10.0 ml Orange Blossom Water

   Cookware: saucepan

8. Step 8

   Pour the vegetable oil into a deep pot and heat it over medium heat to 175°C.

   Timer: 10 min (fixed)

   Ingredients used: 1500.0 ml Vegetable Oil

   Cookware: Deep Pot, Kitchen thermometer

9. Step 9

   Fry the shaped dough in small batches, turning once, until evenly deep golden. Lift each batch out with a slotted spoon and allow excess oil to drain.

   Timer: 15 min (fixed)

   Cookware: Deep Pot, Kitchen thermometer, slotted spoon

10. Step 10

    Transfer each hot fried cookie directly into the warm honey. Turn to coat, soak briefly, then lift it onto a wire rack.

    Timer: 10 min (fixed)

    Cookware: saucepan, slotted spoon, wire rack

11. Step 11

    Sprinkle the cookies with the remaining 3 ½ tbsp (30 gr) whole sesame portion. Let them cool and drain until the coating is set.

    Timer: 15 min (fixed)

    Ingredients used: 30.0 gr Sesame Seed

    Cookware: wire rack