Transform your kitchen into an artisanal bakery with these easy-to-make sesame cookies. Infused with the rich taste of butter and the distinctive crunch of the white sesame seeds that coat each cookie, this is a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.
In under an hour, you’ll create several batches of cookies that not only taste delicious but also fill your home with an irresistible aroma. Perfect for those who appreciate a not-too-sweet treat, these Italian-inspired cookies shine when served alongside afternoon cups of tea or as a unique addition to your holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients for Sesame Cookies
- Butter: Softened butter serves as the base for this sesame seed cookie, resulting in a tender cookie that melts in your mouth.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar provides sweetness and helps to create a crisp exterior to these cookies.
- Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients, add moisture and provide structure to the cookie as it bakes. For the dough to mix evenly, the eggs should be at room temperature before you begin prepping the recipe.
- Vanilla extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract imparts a warm flavor that complements the sesame seeds and enhances the cookie’s overall flavor profile.
- Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the cookie dough, giving these sesame cookies shape and texture.
- Baking powder: This leavening agent ensures the cookies rise slightly, while making them light and airy.
- Sesame seeds: The star ingredient of these cookies, sesame seeds as a coating add a distinctive nutty flavor and crunch.
- Milk: The use of 2% milk helps the sesame seeds stick to the cookie dough while baking.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the wet ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, five to seven minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3: Shape the cookie dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it 10 to 12 times or until the dough is smooth. Divide the dough equally into eight portions and shape each one into a 24-inch log. Cut the logs into 2-inch pieces.
Step 4: Coat with sesame seeds
Place the sesame seeds and milk in two separate shallow bowls. Brush each piece of dough with milk, then roll it in sesame seeds to coat thoroughly.
Editor’s Tip: For an extra nutty flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a cast-iron pan before coating the shaped cookie dough.
Step 5: Bake the cookies
Place the cookies 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake until the bottoms are lightly browned, seven to nine minutes. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for two minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Sesame Cookie Variations
- Use black sesame seeds: For a visually appealing twist, swap out the white sesame seeds for black ones. You can also use an equal mix of both to coat these sesame cookies.
- Add some zest: Add a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor. Here’s how to zest a lemon.
- Use different seeds: For a different texture and flavor, switch up the seeds you use. Poppy seeds would work well in this recipe.
- Dip them in chocolate: For a truly decadent twist on the classic, dip half of each baked sesame cookie in melted chocolate.
- Add some spice: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Use almond extract: For an even nuttier taste—or if you find yourself out of vanilla extract—replace it with almond extract.
How to Store Sesame Cookies
Allow the sesame cookies to fully cool on a wire rack before transferring them to an airtight container. Place pieces of parchment paper between each layer to prevent the cookies from sticking to each other. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the fridge for up to three weeks.
Can you freeze sesame cookies?
These sesame cookies can be frozen for up to a year, if they’re stored properly. Place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Sesame Cookie Tips
What can you serve with sesame cookies?
A freshly baked Italian sesame seed cookie pairs well with a cup of coffee, afternoon tea or creamy hot chocolate.
How do you prevent sesame cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To maintain the shape of your sesame cookies, make sure to chill the shaped cookies for 15 to 20 minutes in the fridge before baking.
Can you make sesame cookies with whole wheat flour?
You can only substitute half the all-purpose flour in this sesame cookies recipe for whole wheat flour. Anything more, and your batch of cookies will turn out too dry and dense.
