Uzbek Toki
Toki are small, flavorful Uzbek pastries, often described as a type of sweet or savory cookie or biscuit. They are typically made with a simple dough and can be flavored with various ingredients such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a hint of cardamom. They are enjoyed as a snack or with tea.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 150 g Butter, softened
- 0.5 cup Sugar
- 1 Egg yolk
- 2 tbsp Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (for topping)
- 0.25 tsp Cardamom powder (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
💡 Tip: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. - 2
Beat in the egg yolk, milk, vanilla extract, and cardamom powder (if using) until well combined.
💡 Tip: Adding milk gradually helps create a smooth batter. - 3
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
💡 Tip: Overmixing can result in tough pastries. - 4
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
💡 Tip: Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. - 5
Roll small portions of the dough into balls and flatten them slightly into small discs or desired shapes. Alternatively, roll out the dough and use cookie cutters.
💡 Tip: Uniform size ensures even baking. - 6
Place the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.
💡 Tip: Press seeds gently into the dough to help them adhere. - 7
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still be slightly soft.
💡 Tip: Keep a close eye on them as they can brown quickly. - 8
Let the toki cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 Tip: Allowing them to cool on the sheet firms them up before moving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a savory version, reduce the sugar to 1-2 tablespoons and increase salt slightly, omitting vanilla and cardamom.
- ✓Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- ✓Store cooled toki in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm spice note.
- Incorporate dried fruit like finely chopped raisins or apricots into the dough.
- Dip cooled toki halfway in melted chocolate for a decadent treat.