Description
Italian Sesame Cookies are delightful, lightly sweetened treats with a crisp exterior coated in nutty sesame seeds. These cookies combine the softness of butter and eggs with the crunch of sesame seeds, making them perfect for afternoon tea or as a charming dessert anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup milk
Coating
- 1 cup sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which adds air to the dough for a tender texture.
- Incorporate Eggs and Extracts: Add eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and, if using, almond extract to enhance the cookie’s aroma and flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then shape each into small log forms, which will give the cookies their traditional shape.
- Coat with Sesame Seeds: Roll each dough log in the sesame seeds, pressing gently so that the seeds adhere completely, providing a crunchy sesame crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the coated logs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them to allow for slight spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cookies turn lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving, ensuring they set properly and maintain their shape.
Notes
- For a nutty flavor boost, you may toast the sesame seeds lightly before coating the dough.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a lovely depth to the taste; omit if allergic or preferred.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming and texture.
- Use parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
