Name: Italian Sesame Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup sesame seeds; 1/4 cup milk (for dipping)

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Buttery, golden, and irresistibly nutty, Italian Sesame Cookies are a timeless treat that capture everything wonderful about classic Italian baking. With a delicate crunch from toasted sesame seeds and a tender, mildly sweet crumb, these cookies have a way of disappearing quickly—whether enjoyed with a morning espresso, an afternoon cup of tea, or simply as a nostalgic snack. If you’ve ever wanted to master a cookie that’s both elegant and incredibly simple, you’re in for a treat with this authentic Italian recipe.

Italian Sesame Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s magic in the simplicity of this short list of pantry staples, each one bringing its own bit of character to Italian Sesame Cookies. Together, they create a cookie that’s both crunchy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, flour lends structure and a soft, crumbly texture.
Granulated sugar: Brings just enough sweetness without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Unsalted butter, softened: Offers a lovely richness and ensures the cookies remain tender.
Large eggs: Add binding power while contributing to the cookies’ soft interior.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the aroma and brings warmth to every bite.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies puff ever so gently.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and accentuates the buttery notes.
Sesame seeds: These are the star—after toasting in the oven, they give the cookie its signature crunch and nutty flavor.
Milk (for dipping): Dipping the raw dough before rolling in sesame seeds helps the seeds stick and adds a hint of extra softness to the finished cookie.

How to Make Italian Sesame Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While things are heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy release and perfect bottoms on your cookies. This quick step makes cleanup a snap and helps your Italian Sesame Cookies bake evenly without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Aim for a light and fluffy texture—this is where the cookie gets its delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality. An electric mixer makes this a breeze, but a sturdy wooden spoon and a bit of elbow grease work beautifully in a pinch.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in your eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. The eggs will add richness and moisture, helping to bind your dough together for those perfectly tender cookies.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly. The dough will come together into a soft, pliable mass—perfect for shaping.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into petite 2-inch logs. This shape is traditional for Italian Sesame Cookies and makes them perfect for dunking. Keep the logs uniform for even baking and a picture-perfect presentation.

Step 6: Dip and Coat in Sesame Seeds

Pour the milk into a shallow bowl and the sesame seeds onto a plate. Roll each dough log lightly in milk—just enough to moisten—and then coat completely in sesame seeds. The milk helps the seeds adhere and adds a hint of extra softness to the finished cookie.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Arrange the sesame-coated cookies on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the bottoms are just golden and the sesame seeds are beautifully toasted. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack so they set perfectly and get that irresistible crunch.

How to Serve Italian Sesame Cookies

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra sesame seeds over the cookies just as they come out of the oven. Some bakers like to dust the cookies with a little powdered sugar, but these are picture-perfect just as they are—golden and glistening.

Side Dishes

Italian Sesame Cookies shine brightest with a good cup of espresso or a strong cappuccino on the side. For a heartier offering, serve with a fruit compote, a creamy ricotta spread, or alongside other Italian classics like biscotti and amaretti for a celebratory cookie platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Italian Sesame Cookies in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for an authentic Italian bakery vibe. Stack them tall in a glass jar for a pretty countertop centerpiece, or tie bundles with a ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Italian Sesame Cookies at their absolute best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll happily stay crisp and flavorful for up to a week, making them perfect for make-ahead treats or lunchbox surprises.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Just let them cool completely, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. When you’re ready for a little Italian pick-me-up, let the cookies come to room temperature—no heating required.

Reheating

If you like your cookies slightly warm, a quick 3-5 seconds in the microwave will revive their just-baked charm. For an extra touch of crunch, place them in a 300°F oven for about 2 minutes. Enjoy with your favorite hot drink for pure comfort.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can swap in salted butter, but just reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe so your Italian Sesame Cookies aren’t overly salty—taste as you go if you’re unsure!

Do I have to toast the sesame seeds first?

No need! The baking process will naturally toast the sesame seeds to golden perfection. Rolling the dough in raw seeds ensures they adhere and roast just right in the oven.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Expect a slightly different, but still delightful, texture in your Italian Sesame Cookies.

Is it possible to make these cookies in advance?

Yes—these cookies are actually even better after a day or two, as the flavors deepen and the texture evens out. Perfect for make-ahead baking and gifting!

What is the traditional occasion to serve these cookies?

Italian Sesame Cookies are wonderfully versatile. They can be found at weddings, holiday tables, and simple Sunday gatherings—anytime is the right time for this classic treat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so inviting about a batch of freshly baked Italian Sesame Cookies. Their delicate flavor and rustic charm make them a standout at any gathering or a quietly elegant snack just for you. Give this recipe a try, share with friends and family, and let the aroma of sesame and butter make your kitchen feel like the heart of Italy!

Italian Sesame Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Italian Sesame Cookies are a delightful treat with a nutty crunch from sesame seeds and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Coating:

3/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup milk (for dipping)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Shape cookies: Pinch off small pieces of dough and roll them into 2-inch logs. Dip each log lightly in milk, then roll in sesame seeds to coat.
Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom.
Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.