Kaak Warka: the authentic Tunisian recipe

I discovered Kaak Warka somewhat by chance, in a metal tin on a coffee table, next to a steaming cup of tea. A ring-shaped biscuit, simple in appearance, but with that immediate aroma of anise and that crisp crunch that makes you want… a second one.

Since then, I make it regularly: it's the kind of "calm", no-fuss recipe that fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma and keeps very well!

The traditional version I'm giving you here is for shortbread cookies: a dough made with flour, oil, and sugar, flavored with anise, then shaped into rings and coated with sesame seeds. We're looking for a crisp texture, not a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread.

The secret is to work the dough just the right amount (not too much), to form regular rolls and to brown well in the oven.

Since this is a "pantry" dessert, I like to add a little seasonal touch without betraying its essence: a zest of orange (in winter) and a hint of orange blossom water. It remains entirely within the family of North African flavors, and it awakens the anise without masking it.

You can keep your Kaak Warka for several days in an airtight container. And if you like biscuits for dipping, this one is a champion: two seconds in tea, and it becomes just soft enough on the surface, while still retaining its firm texture!

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Kaak Warka

Recipe by Nathalie Laplace

5.0 based on 1 vote(s)

Type of dish: dessertKitchen: TunisianDifficulty: average

Biscuits

20

cookies

Preparation time

30

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

405

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

Small, golden, and crisp ring-shaped biscuits, flavored with anise and sesame. Kaak Warka are delicious with mint tea, and their dry biscuit texture makes them perfect for dipping.

Cooking Mode

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Ingredients

• 300 g of wheat flour (T55)

• 90 g of sugar

• 90 ml of neutral vegetable oil

• 1 egg

• 80 ml of milk (or water), adjust as needed

• 8 g of baking powder

• 1 teaspoon of anise seeds, lightly crushed

• 1 pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest

• 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water

• 1 tablespoon of honey

• 100g of sesame seeds

Preparation steps

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan oven). Line a baking tray with baking paper.
• In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and anise (crushed in a mortar or under the flat of a knife).
• Add the oil and rub it in with your fingertips: you should get a “damp sand” texture.
• Incorporate the egg, orange zest, and orange blossom water. Then gradually pour in the milk, mixing just until you obtain a smooth, non-sticky dough. Don't overwork it: stop as soon as it holds its shape.
• Prepare the coating: in a bowl, mix the honey with 1 tablespoon of warm water. Pour the sesame seeds onto a plate.
• Take pieces of dough (about 25–30g). Roll each piece into a regular sausage shape about 12–14 cm long. Seal the ends to form a ring.
• Quickly dip each wreath in the honey-water mixture (just to moisten it), then roll it in sesame seeds to coat it well. Place them on the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown. For a crispier texture, bake for an additional 2 minutes without burning them.
• Let them cool completely on a wire rack: it's when they cool that they become really crispy.

📊 Nutritional Information

1 serving (approx. 85g)

* RDA = Recommended Daily Allowance

📝 Notes

Kaak Warka is often eaten with tea: if you want them “special soaking”, push the cooking time to the top of the fork (30 min) and let them dry for 5 minutes in the oven turned off, with the door ajar.

💡 Chef's Tips

For perfectly shaped crowns, weigh your dough balls: this will ensure even baking. If the dough cracks when rolling, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk. Storage: airtight container, 7 to 10 days.

🔄 Variations

• For a more aniseed flavor: increase to 1.5 teaspoons of anise seeds, always lightly crushed.
• Without orange blossom: replace with 1 teaspoon of vanilla or leave plain (anise + sesame is enough).

Nathalie Laplace

Food writer for the Simple & Bon website. Passionate about healthy cooking and especially salads, slow-cooked or oven-baked recipes.