1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix sugar, yeast, 4 cups flour and salt.
2. Add in warm water and vegetable oil. Mix using the dough hook until the dough comes together and is a bit sticky. If the dough is not coming together, add 2-3 tablespoons flour.
3. Knead the dough using the dough hook for about 8 minutes until it's no longer sticky. Cover and let it rise for 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
4. Toast the sesame seeds in a pan.
5. Mix the molasses with ½ cup water.
6. After 1.5 hours, punch the dough down and divide it into 12 to 16 pieces (depending how big you want it). Roll out 2 pieces into each and lay them parallel to each other.
7. Roll the tubes in opposite directions to make a twist. Meet the ends and pinch them together to make a ring. Repeat with the remaining dough.
8. Dip each ring in molasses and water mixture then in sesame seeds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Cover loosely and let it rise for another 20 minutes.
10. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C.
11. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the simits are brown and fully cooked.

Notes

MAKING MOLASSES SUBSTITUTE

• ½ cup dark brown sugar
• 3 tablespoon water

1. In a saucepan, add the dark brown sugar, water, and mix well. Cook over medium heat until the syrup is thicker in texture. The texture should be as thick as honey.
2. Let the syrup cool; it will get thicker is it cools.
3. Add three tablespoon water to the dark brown sugar syrup and dip the simit in it and then in the toasted sesame seeds.