Syrian Ka'ak (Sweet Bracelet Cookies)

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1. 1Step 1: Whisk flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, mahlab, and ground anise in a large bowl.
2. 2Step 2: Add oil, eggs, water, and vanilla. Stir until a smooth, pliable dough forms. The dough should not be sticky. Knead briefly by hand for 1–2 minutes until uniform.
3. 3Step 3: Pinch off walnut-sized pieces (about 25 g each). Roll each into a rope 12–15 cm (5–6 inches) long. Join the ends to form a ring, pressing firmly to seal. You should have about 30 rings.
4. 4Step 4: Spread sesame seeds on a plate. Brush or dip each ring in beaten egg white, then press both sides into sesame seeds until generously coated.
5. 5Step 5: Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Place rings on parchment-lined sheet pans, spacing 2 cm apart. Bake 18–22 minutes until golden and the sesame seeds are toasted. The cookies will firm as they cool.