Italian Sesame Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that’s both classic and delightfully different, Italian Sesame Cookies are sure to win you over at first bite. These golden cookies have a gentle sweetness and irresistible crunch from a generous sesame seed coating, making them the perfect companion to coffee, tea, or simply as a sweet nibble any time of day. With their old-world charm, simple ingredients, and utterly addictive flavor, Italian Sesame Cookies are a timeless favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a special kind of comfort in how simple, yet essential, each ingredient in this recipe is—every one has a unique role, coming together to deliver that traditional taste and familiar texture you crave in Italian Sesame Cookies. Gather everything below and let’s get baking!

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and a soft, tender crumb—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create the signature golden edges of these cookies.
• Large Eggs (3): Adds structure and helps bind the dough together, while giving the cookies just the right amount of lift.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla infuses warmth and depth into every bite.
• All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): The backbone of the dough, it creates structure and balances the other ingredients beautifully.
• Baking Powder (1 tablespoon): Ensures your cookies puff up slightly for that classic soft-yet-firm texture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to highlight and balance the sweetness.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the dough so it’s easy to shape, while adding moistness to the final cookie.
• Sesame Seeds (1 cup, toasted if desired): The star of the show—adds both flavor and crunch, especially delicious when lightly toasted first.

How to Make Italian Sesame Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Ingredients

Let’s start the journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper—trust me, cleanup is so much easier this way. Gather all your ingredients and make sure your butter is soft and eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing results.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial, as properly creamed butter and sugar create the perfect base for soft, tender Italian Sesame Cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. This ensures a smooth, cohesive mixture. Pour in the vanilla extract and give everything another thorough mix, infusing the dough with that irresistible vanilla aroma.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This little bit of prep helps distribute the leavening and salt evenly, so every bite of your cookies is perfectly flavored and just the right texture.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms—you’re looking for a dough that holds together, slightly sticky but easy to shape.

Step 6: Shape and Coat the Dough

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a small log or oval shape. Once shaped, roll each piece in the sesame seeds, making sure every surface gets a good coating. This is where the Italian Sesame Cookies get their gleaming, crunchy exterior!

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the coated dough logs on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches between each (they spread just a little). Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set but not overly browned. Let them cool on a wire rack before diving in—they’ll crisp up nicely as they cool.

How to Serve Italian Sesame Cookies

Garnishes

While Italian Sesame Cookies are beautiful in their simplicity, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add an elegant touch for special occasions. If you’re a chocolate lover, try dipping one end of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and then letting them set for an extra treat.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, these cookies belong right next to a good espresso or a steaming cup of tea. They’re equally at home on a dessert board, paired with fresh berries, or alongside a bowl of creamy gelato for an Italian-inspired finish to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive gatherings, arrange your Italian Sesame Cookies in decorative tins or stack them in a tall glass jar lined with parchment for a rustic, irresistible centerpiece. They make lovely edible gifts—tie a ribbon around a bundle of cookies for a charming homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Italian Sesame Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a week, maintaining their signature crunch and flavor—if they last that long!

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies over a longer stretch, freeze them in layers separated by wax paper in a sturdy airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

Need to refresh your Italian Sesame Cookies? Pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This revives their lovely crunch and warms them just enough to taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I make Italian Sesame Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to two days, or freeze the shaped, unbaked cookies and bake them fresh when needed. The baked cookies also hold up well for several days in an airtight container.

Do I need to toast the sesame seeds?

Toasting the sesame seeds is optional, but it definitely adds a deeper, nuttier flavor and an extra layer of crunch to your Italian Sesame Cookies. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet will do the trick!

Can I use different seeds or nuts as a coating?

Absolutely! If you’d like to switch things up, try substituting poppy seeds or finely chopped pistachios for a twist on the traditional Italian Sesame Cookies—just note that it will change the classic flavor profile.

Are these cookies very sweet?

These cookies are just gently sweet, making them the perfect pairing with hot coffee or tea. If you prefer things sweeter, you can sprinkle a bit of extra sugar on top before baking, but the restrained sweetness is part of their traditional charm.

Why did my cookies spread too much or too little?

If your Italian Sesame Cookies spread too much, the butter may have been too soft or the dough too warm—chilling the dough briefly can help. If they didn’t spread enough, double check your measurements, especially for flour and baking powder, and don’t skip alternating the dry ingredients with milk.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a plate of homemade Italian Sesame Cookies with people you care about. Their comforting flavor and timeless appeal make them a must-bake for any cookie lover. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these golden, sesame-studded treats disappear!

Print