Benne Wafer Sandwich Cookies

A traditional recipe from the Old South, benne wafers are thin, crisp cookies made with REAL Butter, brown sugar and sesame seeds. This updated version sandwiches two benne wafers together with a filling of melted chocolate to make one delicious cookie!

Yield: 3 dozen sandwich cookies

Ingredients

Cookies

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup sesame seeds, lightly toasted*
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Filling

• 1 cup dark, semisweet or milk chocolate, chopped

Instructions

Cookies

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt and baking powder.
2. Add sesame seeds, brown sugar, melted butter, egg and vanilla extract; mix until blended.
3. Shape dough into dime-sized balls, place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets (cookies will spread).
4. Bake 4 to 6 minutes, or until lightly browned.
5. Cool cookies directly on baking sheet until set (about 3 minutes).
6. Transfer to rack to cool completely.

Filling

1. Place chocolate in medium microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 30 seconds on high, stir and continue to microwave in 10- to 20-second intervals, stirring after each until chocolate is melted and smooth. Spread 1 teaspoon chocolate between two cookies; allow chocolate to set.
2. Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 5 days.

Notes

* To toast sesame seeds, place the sesame seeds on an ungreased baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes, watching closely, until lightly browned.

Recipe and photo used with permission from: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin