Sesame Cookies(Italian)
Delicious Italian sesame cookies combine nutty sesame seeds with tender, buttery dough, offering a sweet, crunchy treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease cookie sheets.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream shortening in a mixing bowl.
- Gradually add sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs; beat until smooth.
- Beat in vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients and beat well.
- Dough should be stiff.
- If necessary, add 2 more tablespoons of flour.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough overnight.
- Divide the dough into quarters and roll out on a floured board.
- Roll each piece into a 1/2-inch diameter rope, then cut into 1 to 2-inch long pieces.
- Roll the pieces in sesame seeds to coat.
- Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Enjoy the sesame cookies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with butter. If you prefer a nutty taste, you can use roasted sesame seeds instead of raw. To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, ensure your dough is well-chilled before baking. For added texture, mix in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips. These sesame cookies are a delightful treat reminiscent of Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These sesame cookies are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sweet snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of espresso or a glass of milk. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Zia Angelina'S Biscotti or as part of a dessert platter with Cannoli Cake. They also make a lovely gift when packaged in a decorative tin.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sesame cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them; just layer the cookies between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven to restore their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Cookies(Italian) contains roughly 276 calories, with 5g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, all-purpose flour works well in this recipe. While cake flour will give a lighter texture, all-purpose flour will still yield delicious cookies. Just ensure to measure accurately and consider sifting it for a finer result.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free sesame cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon per cup of flour to help with texture. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same for a tasty alternative.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Alternatively, you can chill the dough longer in the refrigerator to firm it up, making it easier to handle and shape.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).