Crisp Sesame-Molasses Bread Rings

Twisted bread rings dipped in grape molasses and generously coated with sesame for a deeply toasted, crisp crust.

By Moow Editorial ·

Twisted Turkish simit rings coated in toasted sesame seeds
Photo: Yasin Onuş · Pexels License via Pexels · cropped by Moow
  • Use well-toasted sesame seeds and bake until the rings are a deep mahogany brown for simit’s characteristic flavor.
  • If the rings resist shaping, rest the divided dough for 10 minutes before rolling; this relaxes the gluten without adding a full bulk rise.

At a glance

Read through the method once, then prep the ingredients in the order listed.

  • Yield: 12 pieces
  • Prep time: 25 minutes
  • Cook time: 25 minutes
For the most consistent result, use the listed weights when available; household measures are rounded.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Serving basis: One serving from the final reviewed yield of 12 pieces.

  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Sodium: 402 mg
Estimated from the listed ingredients and serving yield using USDA FoodData Central. Actual values vary with brands, substitutions, cooking losses, oil absorption, and portion size.

Dough

Have these measured and ready before you begin.

  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml by volume) lukewarm milk
  • scant 1/2 cup (100 ml by volume) neutral oil
  • scant 1/2 cup (100 ml by volume) lukewarm water
  • 4 1/4 cups (1000 ml by volume) all-purpose flour
  • 7 g (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 2 level teaspoons (10 ml) powdered sugar
  • 2 heaping teaspoons (10 ml) fine salt

Topping

  • scant 1/2 cup (100 ml by volume) water
  • 2 tbsp grape molasses; use mild unsulphured molasses if unavailable
  • 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon (200 ml by volume) sesame seeds

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheets with parchment.

2. Combine the lukewarm milk, oil, lukewarm water, half the flour, yeast, powdered sugar, and salt. Knead while gradually adding the remaining flour until the dough is soft but no longer sticky.

3. Without proofing, divide the dough into 24 equal pieces. Roll each into a long rope, twist two ropes together, and join the ends to make a ring; repeat for 12 rings.

4. Mix the water and grape molasses in a shallow dish. Dip each ring in the mixture, then coat it thoroughly with sesame seeds.

5. Arrange on the prepared sheets and bake for about 25 minutes, until deeply golden and crisp.

Sources

  1. USDA FoodData Central — April 2026 data release

Contains milk, wheat, yeast, and sesame. Let hot molasses-coated rings cool slightly before eating, and store cooled simit in an airtight container.

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