Algerian Helouwa Ta'Aba (Lemon Or Sesame Cookies)

Name: Algerian Helouwa Ta'Aba (Lemon Or Sesame Cookies)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 kg plain flour; 6 eggs; 250 g granulated sugar (I use 200g-220g); 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 1/4 liter vegetable oil or 1/4 liter canola oil; Lemon Version; 4 lemons, zest of, finely grated; Sesame Version; 1 egg, beaten; 1/4 cup sesame seeds, lightly toasted

Servings: persons

1
In a large bowl, beat the eggs & the oil.
2
Add the baking powder (& lemon zest if using), & slowly add the flour, mixing the ingredients with your hands until a dough forms. You will probably not need all of the flour.
3
Once you have a firm dough, you can shape your helouwa.
4
To shape, you have 2 choices: you can roll out to 5mm thickness & cut out with your favourite cookie cutters OR you can roll into a 1cm thick 'sausage' & make rings & straight lengths them decorate with a 'Nakkach' or fork if you don't have one. (See photos).
5
If making the sesame version, once you have cut out all your cookies, brush a little beaten egg over the top of the cookies & sprinkle with the sesame seeds.
6
Place on a tray lined with aluminium foil (shiny side up) & bake for 25-28 minutes. The cookies should be pale but hard when tapped. (Unless you want them soft on the inside, in which case you should take them out after 20 minutes).
7
Allow to cool then store in an airtight container for upto 2 weeks.

1575

kcal

Calories

Fat

269

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 kg plain flour, 6 eggs, 250 g granulated sugar (I use 200g-220g), 2 teaspoons baking powder, and more.

Yes, Algerian Helouwa Ta'Aba (Lemon Or Sesame Cookies) falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!