This delightful Turkish Simit Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is a brilliant way to reel in the kids with a fun, interactive baking experience. What’s even better? You can whip this up on a baking sheet, making it a quick option for breakfast or a light snack that your family will love! Plus, switch up the toppings or fillings to suit your taste or use it as a fun ‘clean out the fridge’ moment, no pressure!
Ingredient Breakdown
- 500 g Flour
- 2 teaspoons Dry Instant Yeast
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 300 ml Lukewarm Water
- ½ Cup Molasses
- ¼ Cup Additional Water
- 1 Tablespoon Flour
- 300 g Sesame Seeds (toasted)
How to Make Turkish Simit
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Whisk them gently to combine, just a couple of seconds will do. Then, make a little well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the lukewarm water along with molasses and that extra ¼ cup of water. Stir the mixture together until it forms a shaggy dough. You might want to use your hands here, get a little messy; it’s part of the fun!
Continue mixing until the dough comes together, usually about 5 minutes. Let it rest, covered, for 15 minutes. (This allows the gluten to relax, making the shaping process easier and the simit more tender trust me, it’s worth the wait!)
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the dough rests, you can prepare your coating. In a shallow bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with ½ cup of molasses and ¼ cup of water until smooth. Here’s where the magic begins to happen, this is the sticky, sweet bath your simit will love before it gets rolled in sesame seeds.
Step 3: Shape the Simit Dough
After your dough has had a little time to chill (and you’re about ready to bake!), dust your clean countertop with a little flour to keep things from sticking. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 10-12 inches long, then form it into a circle, twisting the ends together to create that signature simit shape. It’s all about the form, no need to be perfect here; just have fun with it!
Step 4: Coat the Simit Dough and Bake
Now that your simit shapes are ready to go, it’s time to coat them! One by one, dip each simit into the molasses mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then, roll them gently in the toasted sesame seeds until they’re well coated. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for another 10-15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 425°F.
Once you’re at temperature, pop those beauties into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing, I promise! When they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Why I Love This Turkish Simit Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need a little pick-me-up or when the kids are home looking for a fun baking activity. The best part is that simit is the ultimate comfort food hot, crunchy on the outside, and soft on the inside. You can also get creative with flavors and toppings, making it versatile and exciting every time. I’m a real sucker for simit fresh out of the oven, slathered with some cream cheese or even just plain!
If you loved this Turkish Simit Recipe, be sure to check out my Turkish Pide Bread, my Turkish Bagel Recipe, or my Turkish Rice Pudding!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This simit recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, proving that great homemade snacks don’t have to take forever!
Make-Ahead Friendly
These simit can be made in bulk and stored for the week. Perfect for meal prep! Just bake a batch and pop them in the freezer.
Customizable
The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility. Use whatever flour you have on hand; try different toppings like cheese or spices! Trust me, you’ll find your favorite way to enjoy these.
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it! Whether for breakfast or a snack, simit is deliciously versatile. Try pairing them with various dips to keep things interesting.
Comfort Food
They’re loaded with tons of flavor, and trust me, there’s something incredible about that sesame seed coating combined with the slightly sweet dough. Oh, and don’t even get me started on how amazing they are fresh out of the oven!
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
Serve your simit warm, just as they come from the oven, or toast them up the next day! They pair wonderfully with cream cheese, za’atar, or even jam. You can also serve them alongside soups or salads for a nice crunch.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, you can pop them in the fridge, but I can almost guarantee they’ll be gone long before that!
Reheating Instructions
For the best flavor and texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Just so they’re warm and slightly crispy again, it’s totally worth it!
Freezer Friendly
Yes, these simit freeze beautifully! Just freeze them on a parchment-lined sheet until they’re solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them straight into the oven!
And there you have it, my friends! A delicious, quick, and easy Turkish Simit Recipe that your family will love. Bake them up and see for yourself this delightful twist on a classic treat. Remember, cooking should be fun and full of joy, just like this recipe! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Turkish Simit
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Whisk gently to combine.
- Make a well in the center and pour in lukewarm water, molasses, and additional water. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Mix until dough comes together, about 5 minutes, then let it rest covered for 15 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with ½ cup of molasses and ¼ cup of water until smooth.
- Dust countertop with flour. Divide dough into 8 pieces and roll each into a 10-12 inch rope and form into circles.
- Dip each simit into the molasses mixture, letting excess drip off, then roll in sesame seeds.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let rest for 10-15 minutes while preheating the oven to 425°F.
- Bake simit for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.