Gluten-Free Vegan Sesame Snap Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with sesame seeds, this simple sesame snaps recipe is the answer. With just three (or four) ingredients you can make a healthier version of store-bought sesame snaps. Healthier because there’s no refined sugar—these are sweetened with maple syrup, rice syrup, or a mix depending on your preference.

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The Story Behind the Recipe

Every good recipe has a story and this healthy sesame bar recipe is no exception.

When a poorly child asks for a particular comfort food, you do your best to deliver—especially after several days of little appetite while fighting the flu. Living in a village with limited supplies and transport meant a bit of improvisation in the kitchen when Pickle requested more of those “sesame biscuit things.”

I had given him some shop-bought sesame snaps earlier in the week just to entice him to eat. He liked them so much he wanted more, but I didn’t want to rely on refined sugar. Within 30 minutes I had a plate of homemade sesame snaps ready and a happy, smiling child.

These bars were made with a mixture of maple syrup and rice syrup. If you prefer to avoid fructose entirely you can use rice syrup only. Of course, if you’re trying to avoid all sugars, it’s best not to make them—these are tempting!

Why Make Sesame Snaps?

Making your own sesame snaps lets you choose wholesome ingredients and avoid refined sugar and dairy. Sesame seeds are an excellent plant source of calcium and other nutrients, helpful for those avoiding dairy. Coconut oil provides beneficial fats and adds a pleasant texture and flavor to the bars.

Choosing a sweetener is up to you: rice syrup is often chosen because it is lower in fructose, while maple syrup or small amounts of honey are natural alternatives many prefer. Note that rice products can contain traces of arsenic, so some people limit their consumption; others choose small amounts of maple syrup or honey instead.

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How Are Sesame Snaps Made?

This healthier sesame snaps recipe is very simple and quicker than the traditional caramel-based method, which often requires a sugar thermometer and more patience. For this version you only need a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl) to melt the coconut oil with your chosen syrup, then stir in the sesame seeds, spread the mixture on a tray and bake.

The process takes about 15 minutes in the oven plus a few minutes to cool and score before cutting, so you can have fresh sesame snaps in under half an hour.

Sesame Snaps Recipe (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soya-free, refined sugar-free, vegan.

Details

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Serves: 8
Author: Vicki Montague, FreeFromFairy

Ingredients

50 g coconut oil
25 g rice syrup
25 g maple syrup
200 g sesame seeds

Instructions

Place the coconut oil and syrups in a small saucepan and melt over a low heat, stirring until combined.
Remove from the heat and stir in the sesame seeds until evenly coated.
Line a baking tray (about 30cm x 15cm) with baking paper. Tip the mixture into the tray and spread out evenly. For thinner snaps, use a larger tray.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) / gas mark 4 for around 15 minutes, until golden.
Remove from the oven and leave to cool for a couple of minutes. Gently score lines in the warm mixture where you want to break the bars.
Allow to cool completely, then remove from the tin and cut into pieces.
Store in an airtight container.

Notes

Nutrition facts are approximate and for information only.

Nutrition (Approx)