The Best Benne Wafers

Crisp, nutty, and irresistibly sweet, "The Best Benne Wafers" are a classic Southern treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with toasted sesame seeds, rich dark brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla, these delicate cookies boast a deep caramel flavor with a satisfying crunch in every bite. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a short 8-minute bake, they’re wonderfully quick to whip up while delivering gourmet results. Perfectly golden and lightly crisped on the edges, these wafers are ideal for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea. Packed with flavor and steeped in tradition, this recipe shines as an easy yet impressive take on Charleston’s signature treat. Keep them stored in an airtight container for a snack that lasts all week—if you don’t devour them first!

Nutriscore Rating: 38/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:8 mins

Total Time:23 mins

Servings: 36

Ingredients

• 1 cup Sesame seeds (preferably toasted)
• 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 cup Dark brown sugar
• 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 large Egg
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

If your sesame seeds are not toasted, spread them evenly on a baking sheet and lightly toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant. Let them cool completely.

Step 3

In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.

Step 5

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 6

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 7

Fold in the toasted sesame seeds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 8

Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, drop small dollops of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the edges of the wafers are golden brown. Do not overbake as they will crisp up as they cool.

Step 10

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11

Store the wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	606 grams (606.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2675

Total Fat 136.00g	174%
Saturated Fat 51.90g	260%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 406mg	135%
Sodium 904mg	39%
Total Carbohydrate 356.30g	130%
Dietary Fiber 14.80g	53%
Total Sugars 281.10g
Protein 32.50g	65%

Vitamin D 54IU	269%
Calcium 1341mg	103%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 1001mg	21%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.0%

Protein: 4.7%

Carbs: 51.3%