Charleston Favorites Benne Wafers…

The Story of Charleston’s Famous Benne Wafers

Benne Wafers are one of the oldest and most historic snacks in the American South. These thin, crispy sesame-seed cookies are deeply connected to the history of Charleston and the Lowcountry.

From Garden Crop to Charleston Treat

By the 1700s, benne had become an important part of Lowcountry cooking. Over time, Charleston families developed recipes for sweet sesame cookies that eventually became known as Benne Wafers. These cookies were commonly served at social gatherings and celebrations long before they were sold commercially.

The Rise of Commercial Benne Wafers

One of the earliest known commercial sales of Benne Wafers occurred in Charleston around 1908. As tourism grew, visitors began taking the distinctive cookies home as souvenirs of Charleston and the South Carolina coast.

Olde Colony Bakery’s Role

The modern popularity of Benne Wafers is closely tied to Olde Colony Bakery. Founded in the late 1940s by World War II veteran Peter Kikos and his wife Leila, the bakery adapted a traditional Charleston benne cake recipe into the crisp wafer that became famous nationwide. Today, the bakery ships thousands of pounds of Benne Wafers across the country each year.

Why They’re Important

Benne seeds were traditionally associated with good luck, prosperity, and hospitality in West African culture. The cookies have become a symbol of Charleston’s unique blend of African, Caribbean, European, and Southern influences.