Description
These Italian Sesame Cookies are delightful bite-sized treats with a crisp exterior coated in toasted sesame seeds and a tender, buttery interior. Perfect for afternoon tea or a light dessert, these cookies combine classic vanilla and optional almond extracts for a subtle, aromatic flavor.
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 ensure cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating that air has been incorporated for a tender cookie.
- Incorporate Eggs and Extracts: Add 2 large eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract if using for a rich flavor profile.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined to ensure a tender dough without overmixing.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then shape each ball into small logs, which will help in coating and baking evenly.
- Coat with Sesame Seeds: Roll each dough log in 1 cup of sesame seeds, pressing gently to make sure the seeds adhere well to the exterior of the dough.
- Bake: Place the sesame-coated logs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cookies turn lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. This step allows the cookies to firm up and develop their final texture.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the sesame seeds lightly before coating the dough logs.
- Almond extract is optional but adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the sesame seeds well.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best creaming results.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
