Italian Sesame Cookies

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. Bake: 10 min./batch

Makes

8 dozen

Updated: Nov. 29, 2023
These nontraditional European cookies aren't overly sweet and have a wonderful crunch from sesame seeds. They're the ideal accompaniment to a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea. —Sarah Knoblock, Hyde Park, Indiana
Italian Sesame Cookies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1-3/4 cups sesame seeds
  • 3/4 cup 2% milk

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla. In a second bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
  2. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, knead 10-12 times or until smooth. Divide dough into 8 portions. Shape each portion into a 24-in. log. Cut logs into 2-in. pieces.
  3. Place sesame seeds and milk in separate shallow bowls. Brush pieces with milk, then roll in sesame seeds. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Bake until set and bottoms are lightly browned, 7-9 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 45 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.