A Real Charleston Tradition

[Steve Profile]

Benne Wafers are a true Charleston tradition. I love them. This is a variation of them for Christmas. Enjoy.

Benne Sandwich Cookies
(makes about 3 dozen cookies)

1 cup 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) melted butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For filling: 1 cup dark semisweet chocolate, melted.

Directions:

Toast the sesame seeds by placing them on an un-greased baking sheet and toast watching closely, until lightly brown (I do it under the broiler - be sure to watch or you will risk burning them).
For cookies: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder. Add sesame seeds, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, mix until blended.
Shape dough into dime sized balls, place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets (cookies will spread).
Bake 4 to 6 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool cookies directly on baking sheets until set (about 3 minutes). Transfer to rack to cool completely.

For Filling: Place chocolate in a medium microwave-safe dish. Microwave 30 seconds on high, stir and continue to microwave in 10 - 20 second intervals, stirring after each, until chocolate is melted. Spread chocolate between 2 cookies. Allow chocolate to set. Store cookies in air-tight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 5 days.