Baked Syrian Barazek Sesame and Pistachio Cookies
Crunchy sesame cookies studded with chopped pistachios, offering a nutty, sweet treat popular in Syrian cuisine. This middle eastern-inspired desserts ready in about 33 minutes layers all-purpose flour, (227 g) unsalted butter, powdered sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes using a hand mixer on medium speed.
- Step 2: Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract, then gradually sift in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Step 3: Place 3/4 cup sesame seeds and 1/2 cup chopped pistachios on a large plate. Take walnut-sized portions of dough and roll each into a ball, then roll the bottom half of each ball into the sesame seeds and pistachios mixture, pressing gently so the nuts and seeds stick.
- Step 4: Arrange the cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with the palm of your hand to about 1/2 inch thick.
- Step 5: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges are golden and the cookies are firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Syrian Barazek Sesame and Pistachio Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Syrian Barazek Sesame and Pistachio Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Syrian Barazek Sesame and Pistachio Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Syrian Barazek Sesame and Pistachio Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Syrian Barazek Sesame and Pistachio Cookies?
Middle Eastern desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
