NAN-E BERENJI

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Nan-e Berenji image

A staple during Nowruz (Persian New Year) festivities, these delicate cookies are flavored with rosewater and cardamom and have a texture similar to shortbread. Made with rice flour, nan berenji are also gluten-free. Traditionally, one forms balls from the dough, then presses them with a Persian cookie stamp that leaves a curved ridged design on top of the cookie, but you can achieve a similar effect using a spoon. Be sure to let the dough fully rest in the fridge so the flour has time to hydrate and the flavors can meld.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 6h45m

Yield about 24 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 7

2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large egg yolks
2 teaspoons rosewater
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 cups rice flour, plus more if needed (See Cook's Note)
Black sesame seeds or poppy seeds, optional

Steps:

  • Beat the confectioners' sugar and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Add the yolks and mix until creamy and smooth, about 1 minute. Add the rosewater and cardamom and mix until combined, about 1 minute.
  • Add the rice flour and stir using a rubber spatula until you have a soft dough that's still a bit moist, about 3 minutes. If needed, add more rice flour 1 tablespoon at a time. Transfer the dough to a clean bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, 4 to 6 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Scoop 1/2 tablespoon of the dough and roll it into a ball. Place the ball on the prepared baking sheet and gently press it into a 1/2-inch-thick disc. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the discs 2 inches apart. Using the edge of a small spoon, gently make a series of curved indentations on top of each disc, radiating out from the center. Sprinkle with sesame seeds (if using).
  • Bake until the edges start to lightly brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer the cookies to a wire rack. The cookies keep, refrigerated in an airtight container, for up to 4 days.

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