Susamliji (sesame cookies)

These are a celebration cookie, and every Macedonian family makes them for special occasions. During the holidays, platters of these cookies are made for Macedonian neighbours and extended family.

40 MINUTES + CHILLING MAKES ABOUT 28 COOKIES | EASY

eggs 5 whole milk 120ml

vegetable oil 120ml, plus extra for the baking sheets

caster sugar 250g

baking powder 1 tbsp

freshly squeezed orange juice 4 tbsp

plain flour 700g, sifted, plus extra for dusting

sesame seeds 40g

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or an electric whisk, mix together

4 of the eggs, the milk, oil, sugar, baking powder and orange juice. Slowly add the flour, mixing for a few minutes until fully incorporated and a dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, cover and chill for 20 minutes.

2 Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Oil two large baking sheets with a little vegetable oil.

3 On a lightly floured worksurface, portion the dough out into approximately doubletablespoon-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a log about 1cm thick and 10cm long. Fold each log in half and twist the ends together.

4 Put the cookies onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 5cm apart. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining egg, then brush this over the cookies and sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

5 Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown (you may need to do this in batches if your oven can’t fit both baking sheets at once).

PER COOKIE 192 kcals | fat 6.5G saturates 0.9G | carbs 28.7G | sugars 9.4G fibre 1.2G | protein 4.2G | salt 0.2G