Traditional Sesame Seed Cookies

Sesame Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sesame seeds (toasted, for rolling)

Instructions:

  1. Toast the Sesame Seeds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sesame seeds evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until they turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up.
  7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough chills.
  8. Shape and Roll: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the toasted sesame seeds, ensuring they are well coated.
  9. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sesame seed-coated dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  10. Flatten: Use the bottom of a glass or your fingers to gently flatten each dough ball.
  11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
  12. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  13. Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy your homemade sesame seed cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!


These cookies have a delightful nutty flavor from the toasted sesame seeds and a buttery, sweet taste that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Feel free to add ingredients such as lemon zest for some tang, or beet powder for some color.