Cypriot Tahini Pies with Orange Flavor

Instructions

• Combine 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 cup water, and yeast together in a small bowl. Stir well with a fork.
• Sift bread flour and all-purpose flour together in a mixing bowl. Add salt and blend. Pour in yeast mixture. Start adding remaining water gradually; mix until dough comes together. Place dough on a flat work surface and knead until soft and smooth, about 15 minutes.
• Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl and cover. Place it a warm spot and let it rise for 45 minutes.
• In the meantime, prepare the filling. Add remaining sugar, sesame seeds, cinnamon, and orange zest to the tahini. Mix well.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Flatten dough gently and cut into 8 equal pieces. Keep dough covered as you work with 1 piece at a time.
• Roll out 1 piece of dough into a 6-inch disk. Place 2 tablespoons of the filling in the middle, gather up the edges in the center, and pinch to seal. Press down to flatten; roll back out into a 6-inch disk. Roll disk into a log about 12 inches long. Cut in half and stretch each piece out to make it a little longer. Roll in both ends towards the center, creating an 'S' shape. Fold 1 spiral over the other and flatten with your palm. Roll out slightly; transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
• Repeat step 6 with remaining dough and filling, making 16 hand pies in total. Keep finished pies loosely covered so they rise slightly while you finish the rest.
• Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 18 minutes.