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Golden-brown, round, slightly flattened cookies with a lightly cracked surface and scattered sesame seeds are arranged on a serving plate.

Sham cookies Calories

Traditional, mildly sweet, semolina cookie

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

390kcal

GI

65high

POTASSIUM · 100 G

95mg

FIBER · 100 G

2.2g

Quick answer

1 piece (medium) of Sham cookies (40 g) has 156 calories. That works out to 390 calories per 100 g. It contains 25.2 g of carbs, 2.6 g of protein, 4.8 g of fat and 0.9 g of fiber. Its 2.6 µg of Selenium covers 5% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.

Sham cookies Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 piece (medium) · 40 g

156

KCAL / 40G

Carbs

25.2g

· 9% DV

Protein

2.6g

· 5% DV

Fat

4.8g

· 6% DV

Fiber

0.9g

· 3% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 65% · Protein 7% · Fat 28%

Sham cookies nutrition facts table · 1 piece (medium) (40 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories156 kcal
Total fat4.8 g6%
Saturated fat1.48 g7%
Trans fat0.02 g
Sodium48 mg2%
Total carbohydrate25.2 g9%
Fiber0.9 g3%
Protein2.6 g5%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 1 Medium Sham cookies?

ServingAmountCalories
1 piece (medium)40 g156 kcal
1 piece (small)25 g98 kcal
1 piece (large)60 g234 kcal
2 piece (double)80 g312 kcal
100 g100 g390 kcal
1 serving (large)100 g390 kcal
1 pack (jumbo)200 g780 kcal

Calculated from 390 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sham cookies

What are Sham cookies?

Sham cookies are traditional, mildly sweet semolina cookies. Recipes vary, but they may also include flour, fat, sugar, and eggs, giving them a tender or crumbly texture depending on how they are made.

How are Sham cookies made?

Sham cookies are made by mixing semolina with the other dough ingredients, shaping the dough, and baking it. The precise recipe varies; avoid overworking the dough, which can make the finished cookies tough.

Where do Sham cookies come from?

Sham cookies are associated with the culinary traditions of Sham, a historical name used for the Levant, including Damascus. The name alone does not point to one universally fixed recipe, and versions differ across households and regions.

Are Sham cookies made with semolina?

Yes, semolina is a defining ingredient in Sham cookies and gives them a distinctive grainy, tender texture. The amount and the other ingredients vary between recipes, so not every version will have exactly the same bite.

Why do Sham cookies crumble?

Sham cookies can crumble if the dough is too dry or has not held together before baking. Letting it rest briefly can help the semolina absorb moisture; if it still falls apart, adjust the dough gradually rather than adding lots of liquid at once.

How should you store Sham cookies?

Store Sham cookies in an airtight container in a cool, dry place once they have cooled completely. Sealing them while warm traps steam and can soften their texture.

Can you freeze Sham cookies?

Yes, baked Sham cookies can be frozen. Cool them fully, separate layers with baking paper in a sealed freezer-safe container, and thaw at room temperature before serving.

What can you serve with Sham cookies?

Sham cookies go well with tea or coffee, which balances their mild sweetness. They are commonly served as a small treat for guests or as an afternoon snack.

Can you make Sham cookies without eggs?

Yes, an egg-free version of Sham cookies is possible, but the result may be more fragile because eggs help bind the dough. Use a recipe designed for egg-free baking rather than simply leaving the eggs out.

Are Sham cookies very sweet?

No, Sham cookies are traditionally mildly sweet rather than syrup-soaked or intensely sugary. Their sweetness varies by recipe, so homemade versions can be adjusted, though reducing sugar too much may affect the dough's texture.

Sham cookies Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B1

0.04mg · 3% DV

Biotin

1µg · 3% DV

B2

0.04mg · 3% DV

B3

0.44mg · 3% DV

Minerals

Selenium

2.6µg · 5% DV

Phosphorus

26mg · 4% DV

Copper

0.03mg · 3% DV

Manganese

0.07mg · 3% DV

Sodium

48mg · 2% DV

Potassium ⭐

38mg · 1% DV

Sham cookies Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

65
High
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

16.4
Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Sham cookies

To burn the 156 calories in 1 piece (medium) (40 g):

🚶

39min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

16min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

21min

Cycling

🏊

18min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Sham cookies?

Sham cookies are mildly sweet, traditional semolina biscuits associated with Damascus and the wider Levant. Recipes vary, but semolina gives them a pleasantly substantial, slightly grainy crumb; flour and fat are commonly used to bring the dough together. They are a simple baked sweet rather than a filled or frosted dessert.

In the region, they are enjoyed as a small treat with tea or coffee, and they work just as well for an everyday tea break elsewhere. They are mainly a source of carbohydrates, with relatively little protein and fibre, so pairing one with plain yogurt or a handful of nuts can make a more filling snack. Their gentle sweetness also suits unsweetened tea or coffee.

How Nutritious Is Sham cookies?

Nutrient density

Low

22/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Low

22/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is Sham cookies Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Sham cookies Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes
Dairy free
Eggs yes
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Sham cookies Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Sham cookies Fat Profile

SATURATED

1.48g

MONOUNSATURATED

2.08g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.84g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 52:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (52:1).

Compare Sham cookies

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🍯

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210 kcal

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.