Description
These Italian Sesame Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a tender, buttery dough rolled in nutty sesame seeds and baked to golden perfection. With a subtle hint of vanilla and optional almond extract, these cookies offer a classic Italian flavor profile and a satisfying crunch from the sesame coating.
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). 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. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Then stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using, to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then shape each ball into small logs to prepare for coating.
- Coat with Sesame Seeds: Roll each dough log in the sesame seeds, pressing gently to ensure the seeds adhere well to the surface.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange the sesame-coated logs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow for even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up and develop their final texture.
Notes
- If almond extract is not preferred or available, it can be omitted without significantly affecting the overall flavor.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy mixture when creaming with sugar.
- Press the sesame seeds gently onto the dough logs to ensure they stick during baking.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the sesame seeds lightly before rolling the dough logs.
