Nigerian-style Benne Wafers

Ingredients

In this Nigerian adaptation of Benne Wafers, we incorporate traditional Nigerian spices like ginger and nutmeg to infuse the cookies with a warm and aromatic flavor. Additionally, we use locally sourced ingredients such as Nigerian sesame seeds to add an authentic touch to the recipe. We alse have the original recipe for Benne Wafers, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (80g) toasted Nigerian sesame seeds 1/2 cup (80g) toasted Nigerian sesame seeds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 13g, 7g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
6. 6.
   Fold in the toasted Nigerian sesame seeds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. 7.
   Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. 8.
   Flatten each ball with the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand to create thin wafers.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the wafers turn golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and allow the wafers to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Nigerian sesame seeds — Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them, as it can affect the flavor of the wafers.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the wafers after they have cooled.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes for a fun twist on presentation.
• Store the wafers in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
• These wafers make a great homemade gift for friends and family.

Serving advice

Serve Nigerian-style Benne Wafers as a delightful snack with a cup of Nigerian tea or coffee. They can also be enjoyed alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the wafers on a decorative plate or in a glass jar to showcase their golden brown color and delicate texture. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.