Indulge in the rich flavors and unique textures of Habbat Al-Barakah, also known as Nigella Seed Cookies. These traditional Middle Eastern cookies, flavored with the earthy and slightly peppery taste of nigella seeds, offer a delightful treat that's both exotic and comforting. Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies bring a taste of cultural heritage to your everyday snacks.
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Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 250g (2 cups)
- Butter: 125g (1/2 cup), softened
- Sugar: 100g (1/2 cup)
- Egg: 1 large
- Nigella seeds: 2 tablespoons (20g)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Milk: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
Method of Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and nigella seeds.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently flatten each ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy these cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- You can add a touch of cardamom or cinnamon for additional flavor.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can I substitute the butter with margarine? A: Yes, you can use margarine, but the texture and flavor might slightly differ.
- Q: Are nigella seeds the same as black sesame seeds? A: No, nigella seeds have a distinct flavor and are not interchangeable with black sesame seeds.
- Q: Can I freeze the dough? A: Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.