Benne Wafers Recipe

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

Yield:

5 1/2 dozen

Benne wafers are a Lowcountry recipe that isn't familiar to many outside the region, but it's one that's well worth knowing. Made with benne (or sesame seeds), these crisp wafers have the rich caramel-y notes of lace cookies and deep toasty flavor thanks to the seeds. In a word, they're irresistible. And if all that deliciousness isn't enough to convince you to give them a try, they're also incredibly easy to prep: Simply melt some butter, then add all the ingredients into a single bowl and blend. It's no wonder they're a popular choice for gift giving during the holidays.

If you're aiming for perfectly round cookies, your best bet is to use a silicone baking mat so the cookies spread evenly as they bake. You can also use parchment, but it will yield less consistent results. Be sure to store the cookies in an airtight container as soon as they've cooled so they keep their crunch.

Learn how to make benne wafers, and add the unique cookie to your holiday cookie tin.

Where Did Benne Wafers Originate?

Benne seeds were brought to the Southern United States by enslaved Africans, who believed them to be good luck. Enslaved people planted them in their own gardens, using them to flavor rice and other dishes, to grind into flour, and to bake benne wafers, which became a traditional cookie in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Plantation owners took notice and began to use benne seeds to produce cooking oil.

Benne Seeds vs. Sesame Seeds

Cultivated as a less costly cooking oil alternative to lard and olive oil, benne plants were crossbred to maximize their output. Sesame seeds, a modern iteration of benne seeds, are less flavorful but contain a higher amount of oil than their historical counterparts.

What Do Benne Wafers Taste Like?

This cookie showcases the flavor of benne seeds, or their alternative, sesame seeds. These seeds can be used much in same way as nuts. They produce a nutty aroma and buttery flavor that complements a variety of sweet and savory recipes. While benne seeds are more aromatic and smoky than sesame seeds, particularly when toasted, they produce a similar flavor and can be used interchangeably.

That nutty aroma and buttery flavor of the seeds translates into these benne wafers, with their crisp, light texture and distinctive flavor. If you don't live near enough to South Carolina to purchase a batch of these incredible cookies, these homemade wafers will bring you an authentic experience.

Ingredients for Benne Wafers

To make these crisp cookies, you'll need:

Unsalted butter: Melted for cookies with a crisp texture.
Dark brown sugar: Adds light notes of caramel and molasses to the wafers.
Large egg: Binds the batter.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.
Flour: Thickens the batter just enough for a thin, crisp texture.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the wafers and brings out the nuttiness of the sesame seeds.
Toasted sesame seeds: For a deep, nutty flavor.

How To Make Benne Wafers

A quick mix is all it takes to make over five dozen cookies. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Heat oven to 325°F, and line two baking sheets.
Step 2. Whisk butter and sugar until smooth. Whisk in egg, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour and seeds until well blended.
Step 3. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes.
Step 4. Scoop 1 teaspoon portions onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Step 5. Bake 12 minutes. Cool slightly on baking sheets, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter.

What To Serve With Benne Wafers

Benne wafers are a delicious snack for any time of day, whether served with tea or all on their own. These classic cookies also make an excellent gift when bagged up for the holidays, or when given out as wedding or shower favors.

How To Store Benne Wafers

Store the prepared wafers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, if they last that long. The wafers can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to one month and enjoyed straight out of the freezer.

More Classic Cookie Recipes You'll Love

From tea cakes to shortbread, these cookies are Southern classics for a reason:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg
3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

Directions

Prepare oven and baking sheets:

Heat the oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
Make dough:

Whisk butter and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add egg, vanilla, and salt and whisk well. Stir in the flour and sesame seeds until well blended.
Rest dough:

Let the batter sit 5 minutes to hydrate and thicken. (This will make it easier to scoop.)
Scoop dough:

Scoop 1 teaspoon portions onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Bake wafers:

Bake 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Repeat the scooping and baking steps with the remaining batter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to toast the seeds for benne wafers?

Toasting the sesame seeds brings out their nutty flavor and aroma, so we recommend toasting for the most delicious benne wafers.
Can I use benne seeds in the place of sesame seeds for these wafers?

Benne seeds are often more flavorful than sesame seeds, and we definitely recommend using them if you're able to obtain them.
What other ways can I garnish benne wafers?

For an extra decadent finish, dip or drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate. Chill until set before serving.