{"id":8038,"date":"2020-09-13T22:40:17","date_gmt":"2020-09-13T22:40:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hadiaslebanesecuisine.com\/blog\/?p=8038"},"modified":"2026-10-16T17:12:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T17:12:29","slug":"lebanese-sweet-kaak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hadiaslebanesecuisine.com\/blog\/lebanese-sweet-kaak\/","title":{"rendered":"Authentic Lebanese Sweet Kaak Recipe (Crispy Sesame Rings)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Crispy, crunchy Lebanese sweet kaak cookies that pair beautifully with tea and are perfect for dunking into a cup of hot salep or serving as part of your afternoon snacks and nibbles!<\/p>\n

To be more accurate, though, perhaps I shouldn\u2019t classify them as cookies, since they are not your ordinary soft, chewy kind. They are meant to be slightly hard and crispy, with a pleasant crunch in every bite.<\/p>\n

Seasoned with anise seeds and mahlab, their flavor is warm and fragrant, while a coating of sesame seeds adds a lovely nutty character. If you were raised in Lebanon, you must have seen them gracing the windows of most Lebanese bakeries.<\/p>\n

Watch the video tutorial to learn how to make them!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Lebanese Sweet Kaak (Video)<\/h1>\n

I get enormous satisfaction from putting a lot of time into a recipe and having it turn out perfectly. This is one of the recipes from my cookbook, and I remember testing more than 20 versions before settling on this quick and easy recipe.<\/p>\n

One of the great things about this recipe is that you don\u2019t need to wait for the dough to rise. Simply mix the ingredients together, and you\u2019ll end up with a sticky dough. Then, you can immediately start shaping your kaak into logs or rings.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If<\/span> you\u2019ve<\/span> never<\/span> had<\/span> kaak,<\/span> roll<\/span> up<\/span> your<\/span> sleeves<\/span> and<\/span> give<\/span> this<\/span> Lebanese<\/span> classic<\/span> a<\/span> try.<\/span> They\u2019re<\/span> not<\/span> difficult<\/span> to<\/span> make,<\/span> even<\/span> if<\/span> you\u2019re<\/span> a<\/span> beginner<\/span> baker!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Spices and Seeds for Lebanese Sweet Kaak<\/h2>\n

Both anise seeds and mahlab are staples in Middle Eastern baking. They are the secret to giving sweet kaak an extra punch of flavor. A small amount of fennel seeds adds a pleasant flavor without being overpowering, while sesame seeds give the kaak a satisfying nutty flavor and a delicate crunch.<\/p>\n

Mahlab (or mahleb):<\/strong> An aromatic spice made from the kernels of a particular type of cherry pit, commonly used in Middle Eastern baked goods.<\/p>\n

Anise seeds:<\/strong> A spice native to the eastern Mediterranean and Southwest Asia, known for its mild, fragrant aroma and sweet flavor reminiscent of licorice.<\/p>\n

Dried fennel seeds:<\/strong> The dried seeds of the fennel plant. They are highly aromatic and have a mildly sweet flavor.<\/p>\n

White sesame seeds:<\/strong> Sesame is considered one of the oldest oilseed crops known to humanity and is a common ingredient in many cuisines. These tiny seeds add a nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch to baked goods.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

How to Make Lebanese Sweet Kaak<\/h2>\n
First, clarify the butter. If you are using ghee, skip this step.<\/div>\n
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Skim off the white foam that appears on the surface. Transfer the melted butter to a small glass container and let it sit for about 10 minutes. You will notice that the milk solids settle to the bottom, leaving a golden liquid on top. Pour the golden liquid, which is the clarified butter, into a small bowl, and discard the white solids at the bottom.<\/div>\n
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, your prepared clarified butter, sunflower oil, sugar, the lightly beaten egg, anise seeds, mahlab, vanilla extract, baking soda, and water. Knead the mixture just until you obtain a soft, cohesive, and slightly sticky dough.<\/div>\n
If the dough seems dry, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time, mixing after each addition until incorporated. If the dough is too wet or sticky to handle, sprinkle in a little flour and knead just until the dough comes together.<\/div>\n
Divide the dough into equal-sized balls, roughly the size of a ping-pong ball or slightly smaller.<\/div>\n
Roll each ball between the palms of your hands to form a rope about 7 cm (2.5 inches) long. You can leave the ropes as logs or pinch the ends of each rope together to form a circle.<\/div>\n
Dip each piece in the sesame seeds, making sure they cover both sides of the kaak.<\/div>\n
Place the kaak on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving some space between each piece. They will not rise much during baking.<\/div>\n
Bake in a preheated oven at 200\u00b0C (400\u00b0F) for 20\u201325 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful, pale golden brown. Keep a close eye on them toward the end, as every oven behaves a little differently!<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Two Ways to Shape Lebanese Sweet Kaak<\/h2>\n

Lebanese sweet kaak can be shaped in two different ways: into simple logs or into rings. Both shapes are traditional and equally delicious, so you can choose whichever you prefer.<\/p>\n

The log shape:<\/strong> Roll each ball of dough between your palms to form an elongated rope about 7 cm (2.5 inches) long. Dip it in sesame seeds, making sure to coat both sides. It\u2019s now ready to go into the oven.<\/p>\n

The ring shape:<\/strong> Roll each ball of dough between the palms of your hands to form a rope about 7 cm (2.5 inches) long. Pinch the ends together to form a circle. I prefer the kaak to have a nice, round shape. Dip the kaak in sesame seeds, making sure to coat both sides. It\u2019s now ready to go into the oven.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

How Long Can I Keep Kaak?<\/h2>\n

Kaak are dry cookies that store well. Make sure they have cooled completely before storing them to prevent them from softening. Store them in an airtight glass container, and they will keep for up to 2 weeks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

More Delicious Treats to Enjoy With Your Morning Coffee:<\/h3>\n