Persian Rice Cookies (Nan-e Berenji)

Author

Mahin Gilanpour Motamed

Servings

40 cookies

Category

Dessert

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups rice flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup clarified butter
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup pure rosewater
• Poppy seeds, for sprinkling

Directions

1.  Sift the rice flour with the cornstarch into a medium bowl. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the clarified butter with the confectioners’ sugar at medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. At low speed, beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then gradually add the rosewater until incorporated. Add the dry ingredients and beat at low speed until smooth. Scrape the dough into a medium bowl, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate until just firm, about 1 hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-size mounds of the cookie dough onto the baking sheets. Roll the mounds into balls, then gently press them 1/2 inch thick. Using the wide end of a thimble, gently press 3 slightly overlapping rings onto each round. Sprinkle the center of each cookie with poppy seeds.
3. Bake the cookies for about 18 minutes, until they are firm and just starting to color on the bottom. Let cool completely, about 45 minutes. Using a thin metal spatula, transfer the cookies to a platter and serve.