Sesame Stars
Sesame Stars are delightful, buttery cookies infused with lemon zest and topped with sesame seeds, offering a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors. Their crisp texture makes them an excellent choice for tea time, parties, or gift-giving, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, baking powder, and baking soda together.
- Combine eggs, brown sugar, white sugar, salt, vanilla, lemon rind, and butter in a mixing bowl.
- Add the sifted flour mixture and beat until smooth.
- Stir in milk and sesame seeds.
- Drop by level tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet and press out to 1/4-inch thick with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of citrus zests like orange or lime along with the lemon rind. If you don't have sesame seeds, you can substitute them with poppy seeds or chopped nuts. Make sure not to overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep the cookies tender. Adjust the sugar levels based on your sweetness preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Sesame Stars with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or you can drizzle them with No Fail Fudge Sauce for an indulgent treat. Browse more American recipes for additional dessert ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sesame Stars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Stars contains roughly 53 calories, with 0g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
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 make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When ready to bake, let it soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and baking.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Both will work well and still provide a nice texture to the cookies. Keep in mind that the flavor may slightly change depending on the substitute used.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, consider adding colored sprinkles on top before baking or using cookie cutters to create fun shapes. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch, making them perfect for parties or special occasions.
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).