Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Italian Sesame Cookies

Italian Sesamee Cookies

A grown-up treat that’s not over sweet

Christmas is coming up soon. And that means cookies. We bake lots of them at our house.

But sometimes we need to lessen the sugar overload. Which this cookie does, with style. It has just enough sweetness to satisfy, but not too much.

These cookies are great with tea or coffee, or with the classic glass of milk. They make a nice afternoon treat, too.

Even your kids will like these. And you? Let’s call it love.



Italian Sesamee Cookies

Recipe: Italian Sesame Cookies

This is a traditional Italian cookie, and is quite popular during the Christmas holidays.

Mrs. Kitchen Riffs is the baker in our house. She adapted this recipe from one she found in Sweet Maria’s Italian Cookie Tray by Maria Bruscino Sanchez.

Prep time for this recipe is about 15 minutes. Baking time adds another 45 minutes or so, depending on how many cookies you bake on each sheet. Yield is about 36 cookies.

These cookies keep well for several days if stored in an airtight container.

Ingredients
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon double-acting baking powder
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs (consider using pasteurized; see Notes)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons almond extract (or other extract of your choice; see Notes)
  • additional ~½ cup milk for coating cookies
  • 1 to 2 cups sesame seeds
Procedure
  1. Arrange two metal racks in your oven, placing them about a third of the way from the bottom and the top. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (or 350 F for convection bake).
  2. Line your baking sheet(s) with parchment paper. Set aside.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
  4. Place the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl, if using a hand mixer). Add the sugar, then cream together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and mix in thoroughly. Add ½ cup milk and the almond extract, then mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour and baking powder) and mix until well blended.
  5. Fill one small bowl with about ½ cup milk, and another small bowl with sesame seeds.
  6. Scoop out about a tablespoon of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Dip the dough ball into the milk, then roll it in the bowl of sesame seeds until coated (see Notes). Place the dough ball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until you have used all the dough (place the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet). Press down gently on the tops of the cookies to flatten them a bit.
  7. Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, reversing the baking sheet from the bottom to the top oven rack midway through. The cookies are done when they have puffed up and are beginning to brown. Don’t overbake.
  8. Remove the cookies from the baking sheet and cool them on a metal rack.
Italian Sesamee Cookies

Notes
  • These cookies are sometimes called “Biscotti di Regina” in Italian (the name translates as “Queen’s Cookies”). They’re also known as “Giugiuleni” (especially when you form them into a crescent shape).
  • Almost every baking powder you’ll find on your grocery shelf is “double-acting.”
  • Baking powder does become weaker over time (and most baking powder tins have an expiration date). So replace your baking powder when necessary. We usually replace ours once a year, when daylight saving time ends (so we remember to do it).
  • It’s a good idea to shake baking powder before using to make sure all its components are well mixed. Baking powder consists of baking soda, plus an acidic ingredient (which reacts with the baking soda to produce leavening), along with a neutral substance (usually corn starch) to provide bulk.  
  • Eggs carry a slight (but real) risk of salmonella. So we suggest using pasteurized eggs for cookie dough. Although it’s unlikely that the eggs you buy will be infected, why take the risk? Especially since most of us can’t make cookies without tasting the raw dough.  
  • You can identify pasteurized eggs because they usually have a red “P” stamped on them. 
  • We like to use almond extract in this recipe, but anise extract is also traditional. Or you could use vanilla extract if you prefer. 
  • Adjust the amount of almond extract to your taste. If you use 2 teaspoons, the cookies will have a fairly pronounced almond flavor — tasty, but perhaps more than you want.  If you prefer just a hint of almond, stick with one teaspoon.
  • Sesame seeds can be expensive if you buy them in the little jars typically sold at supermarkets. So we like to buy them in bulk, generally from an online source.
  • Why dip the cookie dough dollops in milk before rolling them in sesame seeds? Because the milk coating helps the seeds adhere.
  • About overbaking: It’s all too easy to do. So, if in doubt, underbake instead. Cookies (and other baked goodies) dry out quickly if you bake them just a bit too long.
Italian Sesamee Cookies

Sesame Sweet

“So cookie season is upon us,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “Sweet.”

“But not too sweet,” I said. “And the sesame seeds add great savor to these.”

“A nice cookie for grownups,” said Mrs K R.

“Yeah,” I said. “But I like them too.”

“You’re a smart cookie,” said Mrs K R.

“But not too smart?” I said.

“I didn’t say it,” said Mrs K R. “Though you might have trouble counting.”

“What?” I said. “My quantitative skills are legendary.”

“Creative, too,” said Mrs K R. “You said you ate two or three cookies. But I see there are only a handful left. We started out with three dozen.”

“Says who?” I said.

“Sesame,” said Mrs K R.

Seedy.

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118 comments:

Sue/the view from great island said...

I'm always amazed at the flavor of sesame, I bet these cookies are fabulous ~ I wonder if they would work with black sesame seeds, too? I have both in my cupboard.

Angie's Recipes said...

I love seedy cookies! And with just 1/2 cup of sugar, I would even call these delicious cookies HEALTHY!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sue, haven't tried this with black sesame seeds, but I'll bet they'd work. Definitely worth a try! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, yup, healthy, that's what these are! :D Thanks for the comment.

Marcelle said...

I have never heard of these cookies, but they look and sound delicious! We go cookie crazy at my house all year long, but it's madhouse during Christmas time :) Will definitely have to give these a try!

Pam said...

I love sesame seeds so I am sure I would love these cookies. Yum!

Amira said...

These are lovely John, they remind me of some sort of cookies we have in Egypt and the other one is also stuffed with honey, yummm, I do not mind the extra sugar by the way hehehe. Lovely recipe that I need to try soon this season, oh and do not worry I go over a baking powder tin in less than 2 months!!! I am a bakeaholic :). Thanks for the recipe. Pinned

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, these are wonderful! You'll enjoy them -- super flavor. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, they're such a nice cookie -- bet you would love them. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, sounds like you don't have to worry about your baking powder becoming stale! I've had a version of this cookie that had honey in it (in North Africa). Good combo. Thanks for the comment.

Tricia Buice said...

I've always wanted to try these because 'sesame' anything is wonderful! You two are just too cute! Says me!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, says you? :-) If you like sesame, you'll totally adore this cookie. It's terrific! Thanks for the comment.

Sprigs of Rosemary said...

A good friend bakes these for me every year and I adore them -- not too sweet, just sweet enough. The deal is I buy her the sesame seeds, she bakes. Since I'm the only one who likes them, I've learned they freeze very well, too. Thanks to Mrs. KR!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rosemary, these do freeze well. Not that we ever have any left over. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

Ahh, milk and cookies- what a comforting treat! Reminds me of when I was a kid and would come home from school for a treat of milk and cookies.These cookies would certainly fit the bill!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, milk and cookies really do pair well, don't they? :-) Thanks for the comment.

motherrimmy said...

My mouth waters just looking at these cookies - they're perfect for coffee dunking! I'm not a big sweet fan, so I love that they're lightly sweetened too.

Denise Browning said...

It looks so delish. Santa will be happy to gobble them! Me too!

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Ses a me these sound fantastioco. Just saying says a me. I adore cookies of all kinds. You might say I am politically correct in the cookie world. Thanks John.

Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things said...

How very scrumptious, John. I have a thing for sesame seeds. Peter will love this, too. Many thanks. Liz

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

These cookies are just right for me, great to dip in tea or coffee.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kristi, these are really nice for dunking. Ask me how I know. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, both you and Santa will love these! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, very important to be politically correct when it comes to the cookie world! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Mae Travels said...

Sesame cookies are also a Chinese treat, though maybe even less sweet than yours. My bulk sesame seeds are from the Whole Foods bulk section-- maybe less expensive than online (unless there's free shipping).

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, sesame seeds are SO good, aren't they? And wonderful in this cookie. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, we like these with both of those! Or all by themselves. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, we should check out the Whole Foods bulk goods! We do get free ship, but that sounds even better. Thanks for the comment.

Anonymous said...

Sesame is one of my favorite in cookies and desserts. This sounds and looks so so good. That crumb looks beyond perfect. These remind me of an Egyption cookie I had once. I absolutely like that it's low in sugar and can't wait to try it out sometime. Yay to cookie season.
xx

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

I am not sure I have ever seen sesame used s intensely in an Italian treat! Very cool cookie and will have to try this one. Thanks for sharing!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Awesome Sauce, this are delish -- bet you'll like them! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, these do call for a load of sesame seeds! Which makes them SO good! Thanks for the comment.

I don't have a blog said...

These remind me a lot of pignoli nut cookies. I made them a few times but ate far too many; now I only buy small quantities at my local Italian bakery. I think I'll have the same problem with these but I'm still going to try them anyway.

Merryn said...

These are just lovely Mrs KR and I would love to have one with a glass of milk, or vin santo as it is the perfect cookie, definitely not too sweet but just delightful. Thanks for sharing John :D

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeri, I know that cookie! And these are somewhat similar, particularly when it comes to eating too many. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Merryn, aren't these neat? Wonderful flavor, and I love just the hint of sweetness. Thanks for the comment.

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi John, please tell Mrs. KR her cookies look wonderful, love cookies like these, they remind me of a cookie my mother-in-law used to make, delicious!

Deb|EastofEdenCooking said...

We adore sesame sweets! These cookies would make a wonderful addition to our annual baking marathon!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cheri, these taste every bit as wonderful as they look! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, baking marathons are fun, aren't they? About the only kind I'll "run" these days! :-) Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

Give me a cup of sesame seeds and I will eat them straight up!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, they're good, aren't they? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

Loving the idea of a cookie that isnt loaded with sugar, and sesame... yum, how delicious. I dont have access to a kitchen until February, but I;; be making these bad boys then for sure. :)

Natalia said...

Oh yum, I love seasam, they must've been so good!:)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anna, terrible to be without a kitchen! You'll be dreaming of making these, I'm sure. :D Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

HI Natalia, they were good! Need to make another batch. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

absolutely love Italian cookies, and the seedy ones are the best! sesame adds such a nice flavor to baked goods, and i like a restrained sweetness, also. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shannon, we always seem drawn to the seedy. :-) And these cookies are wonderful! Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

There's a wonderful Italian deli I go to in Glendale sometimes and they sell these. I loved them at first bite. Thanks for the recipe. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, we've never met an Italian deli or bakery that we didn't love! And always buy something. In fact, we first tasted this cookie when we bought some at a bakery in the NYC area. Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

I love the sound of these seedy, Italian gems! The almond flavoring sounds terrific!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, these really are great cookies. They've become one of our favorites! Thanks for the comment.

NIsha @ Honey, What's Cooking said...

While reading your recipe, I immediately thought of Amaretto Cookies, don't these taste similar? You come up with such beautiful creations.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nisha, these are definitely similar, particularly if you use anise extract instead of almond. Thanks for the comment.

Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen said...

Can I have 8 or may be 10, please? I might share with my fellas. These sesame cookies look mouthwatering good, John. Also love how healthy and delicious they are. Perfect for this festive time! :)

Frank said...

Love a cookie that's not too sweet. And with the sesame seeds, could we say that they're actually good for you... ?

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

I'm with you about that sugar load. Thanks for a savory option to add to my list.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anu, you can have a dozen. Right after we bake another batch. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Frank, of course we can say they're good for you! At least that's our story, and we're sticking to it. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, sugar can be fun, but too much is too much. And easy to get too much at this time of the year! So these are a big help. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

I LOVE sesame cookies. There's something so wonderful in their simplicity. They really let the delicate nuttiness of the sesame seeds shine through.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, this is such a good cookie, isn't it? Always forget how good they are until we make a batch. Then can't get them out of my head! Thanks for the comment.

Vicki Bensinger said...

I do't recall ever having these cookies but they sound wonderful! I have plenty of sesame seeds so I'll have to give these a try.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

These are a new cookie to me! They look terrific and I like that they aren't overly sweet when there are so many sweets this time of year.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, I think you'll really like these -- wonderful flavor. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, these ARE terrific! Wonderful flavor, and we like the fact that they're not too sweet, too. Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

I love these cookies, John. My mom used to make them every holiday. However, just let it be our little secret..my favorite way to eat these is for breakfast with a strong cup of coffee...its the breakfast of champions!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, these would make a wonderful breakfast! Great idea. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

What a unique cookie! It will definitely stand out from the pack this holiday season!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, it's a good one, isn't it? SO flavorful! Thanks for the comment.

handmade by amalia said...

Looks really yummy, I'd love to give it a try. Pinned!
Amalia
xo

Judy said...

John, I've never had anything like this, but I love the flavor of sesame seeds. The texture of these cookies would be wonderful on a holiday tray. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amalia, it's a great cookie -- bet you'd love it1 :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judy, the texture of these is amazing! All those seeds! :-) Thanks for the comment.

leebakers said...

They look delicious! Funny, most people just make sugar or chocolate chip cookies, but there are so many options!

Hotly Spiced said...

Great photo of the cookies. Yes, it's definitely cookie season and the season for over-indulging. Excellent that these are lighter of the sweetness level as a few cut-backs at this time of year are essential xx

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi leebakers, there really are a lot of cookie options out there, aren't there? And we mean to try them all! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Charlie, too much over-indulging around our place, alas. Well, we can watch our diets next year. In the meantime, cookies! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eva Taylor said...

Now this is a cookie I can totally get into, but the question is almond or anise, I love them both!
I even have all the ingredients on hand! Not that I don't have enough to do. But they are definitely calling my name!
Eva http://kitcheninspirations.wordpress.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, the only solution is to make two batches -- one with almond, the other with anise. So you can taste and compare. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl said...

We usually buy these from the store, but why should I do that when you made them look so easy?! I need these!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pamela, you do need these! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Beth said...

Great suggestions about baking powder. I must admit I never pay attention to the expiry date, although I do a lot of baking and it's doubtful mine ever actually expires.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Beth, we usually go through baking powder quickly enough, too, but not always. Always a good thing to check! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Raymund said...

I think I had this before and I do love them with milk.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Raymund, most cookies taste good with milk, don't they? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast today said...

cookies with just right amount of sugar sound definitely good!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marta, these are good! And super for breakfast. :-) Thanks for the comment.

lisa is cooking said...

I always love Italian cookies, and now I'm very curious about the book! Love that these are lower in sugar too. Can't wait to get baking for the holidays.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lisa, it's a neat cookbook! You'll like. You'll like these cookies, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

Not sure if I've ever had these cookies which is surprising in that I've never turned down any type of cookie. They are my weakness for sure. Such beautiful little cookies and love the flavors of sesame and almonds. Thanks Ms. Riffs!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, bet you'd love these! Really wonderful flavor and texture. One of our favorites. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Helene Dsouza said...

I find the idea great to lessen the sugar. I don't have that much of a sweet tooth so this cookie would be just my choice. I wonder how they would be with black sesame seeds. To be honest John I hadn't seen this cookies before, it must be a southern specialty, however I like the ingredients you used and how quick it is to prepare. Thanks for sharing this great find. :)

Nami | Just One Cookbook said...

Sesame cookies are really popular in Japan too, and it's so fun to see Italian loves cookies with sesame seeds as well. The nutty flavor is so good and I love that it has some savory taste to it. I can't believe holiday season is here. We had one sick child and now another one tonight. It looks like I'll be indoors and try the Italian sesame cookies this year!

Katerina said...

I love sesame and almonds so that makes these cookies a win win situation for me!

All That I'm Eating said...

I much prefer adding less sugar to my homemade biscuits; love the sound of these.

Robyn said...

Oh, now these are my kind of cookie! Love that it's not too sweet and the sesame seeds are definitely for grown-ups, lol. Beautiful!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Helene, I'm pretty sure this cookie does come from the south of Italy, perhaps Sicily. And we like that it has less sugar too! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nami, the holiday season is on us so quickly, isn't it? Hope your kids get well soon! There's been something nasty going around. These cookies will definitely help. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Katerina, the flavor of these is wonderful -- we love them! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Caroline, we like sugar, but less is definitely the way to go. These are wonderful! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Robyn, although I think most kids will like these OK, this cookie wouldn't be their first choice. But it's perfect for adults! Thanks for the comment.

Velva said...

This just the kind of cookie that is perfect. Not too sweet, and perfect with a really good cup of hot coffee. Love this recipe.

Velva

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Velva, it really is a nice cookie. Really nice with coffee, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

These cookies are new to me. They look wonderful. I would love to have a couple with a cup of tea.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, these are great for dunking in tea! And really good all by themselves. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Yi @ Yi Reservation said...

This is so yum. I am a fan of anything sesame! Mrs Yi Reservation is also the baker at home (with exception to bread) and she'll love to give the recipe a try. Thanks for sharing.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Yi, I'll bet Mrs YR will really like making these cookies -- it's a fun recipe. Even more fun to eat. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jeff the Chef said...

I love classic, old-world cookies for the holidays. This one is going into my lineup. Thanks!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, you'll love this! A real adult cookie. Not that either of us know any actual adults, of course. :D Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

I am intrigued with these cookies...almond and sesame...and they sure look fluffy...please thanks Mrs. Kitchen Riffs for the recipe.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, these are wonderful cookies -- such a nice combo of flavors! Thanks for the comment.

Rosa said...

Wonderful little cookies! I bet they'd taste great with a glass of Vin Santo...

Best wishes for 2017!

Cheers,

Rosa

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rosa, mmm, cookies and Vin Santo! :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!

DeniseL said...

My grandma made seed cookies every year at Christmas. She was Italian by way of marriage :) Alas, I never got her recipe. In the last ten years I've found many sesame seed cookie recipes online and eventually settled on one that used orange zest and vanilla rather than almond extract. I always thought my Nana's cookies were lemony flavored, but maybe my young palette mistook almond for lemon. I going to give your recipe a try just to be sure! Another note, I mentioned to my family on Christmas Eve that I made these cookies but didn't bring any to share because I was pretty sure no one else liked them. Boy was I wrong! Lots of indignant "I love those!" "Those are my favorites". Lesson learned. Thanks for sharing.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, these have become one of our favorite cookies! Might be interesting to try this recipe with some lemon zest added -- I like that idea! But I LOVE lemon! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Jamie said...

I really love Italian cookies (we lived there for a few years and I think I love Italian bakeries more than I love French bakeries); they are simple, not too sweet, and aren't too rich or gooey, and with only a hint of a flavoring, almond or vanilla.... the perfect treat to eat with coffee or a glass of wine. I must make these!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jamie, you'll love these! You could even serve them to your breakfast guests. :-) Thanks for the comment.