Name: Italian Sesame Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sesame seeds (untoasted); 1/4 cup milk (for dipping)

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Buttery, tender, and irresistibly nutty, Italian Sesame Cookies are a beloved classic straight from Italian grandmothers’ kitchens. Their golden, crunchy sesame shell gives way to a delicate, not-too-sweet crumb inside—making them perfect for dunking in coffee or nibbling with a scoop of gelato. If you’ve never tried making Italian Sesame Cookies at home, you’re in for a wonderfully nostalgic treat that adds warmth and tradition to any cookie platter.

Italian Sesame Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Italian Sesame Cookies comes from a handful of pantry staples, each playing a crucial role in creating their unique taste and texture. Choosing quality ingredients will really let the flavors and the signature sesame crunch shine through.

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives these cookies their rich, tender crumb and classic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the nutty sesame flavor.
Large Eggs: Bind the dough together and add structure, ensuring each cookie holds its shape beautifully.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that complement both the butter and sesame seeds.
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our cookie dough, providing the ideal base for chewy-yet-soft bites.
Baking Powder: Gives a gentle lift and softness, so the cookies don’t turn out dense.
Salt: A small pinch balances sweetness and enhances every other flavor in the cookie.
Sesame Seeds (untoasted): The star ingredient! Their earthy, nutty crunch is what makes these cookies iconic. Try to use fresh, good-quality seeds for best flavor.
Milk (for dipping): Helps the sesame seeds stick to the dough and adds a beautiful shine once baked.

How to Make Italian Sesame Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This step is essential for creating the tender crumb inside each Italian Sesame Cookie.

Step 2: Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This allows the dough to absorb each egg fully, for a smooth, silky texture. Stir in the vanilla extract—it should smell incredible at this stage!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms. The finished dough should be easy to shape but not sticky.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Pinch off tablespoon-sized pieces of dough and gently roll them into small logs or ovals between your palms. For that iconic Italian Sesame Cookie look, you can also twist or form crescent shapes. Keep the shapes consistent for even baking.

Step 5: Dip and Coat in Sesame Seeds

Pour the milk into a shallow dish and place the sesame seeds into another shallow bowl. Dip each dough log lightly in the milk, then roll it in sesame seeds to coat generously all around. Press gently so the seeds adhere nicely—this gives the cookies their signature crust.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, keeping an eye on them towards the end. The bottoms should be lightly golden, and the tops should look set but not browned. Let the Italian Sesame Cookies cool for a few minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Italian Sesame Cookies

Garnishes

Although Italian Sesame Cookies are beautiful in their simplicity, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can add a festive touch for holidays and special occasions. You can also serve them alongside espresso beans for a charming coffee shop vibe.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with classic Italian beverages like espresso, cappuccino, or a sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo. A scoop of Italian gelato or a platter of fresh fruit will make your cookie spread even more inviting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the Italian Sesame Cookies in a tall glass jar for a rustic, homey centerpiece. For gifting, tie a dozen cookies together with kitchen twine, or layer them in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper. They also look adorable arranged in spirals on a cake stand at brunch or tea parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Italian Sesame Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly crisp and flavorful for up to a week, making them ideal for baking in advance or enjoying slowly over several days.

Freezing

For longer storage, Italian Sesame Cookies freeze beautifully. Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container (with parchment between layers to prevent sticking) and freeze for up to 2 months. Just pull out what you need and let them thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you’d like to restore a bit of warmth and that fresh-baked aroma, simply pop the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–4 minutes. They’ll taste almost as if they just came out of the oven—perfect if you’re preparing them for guests or a special treat.

FAQs

What type Dessert

Untoasted sesame seeds are traditional and create that attractive pale crust as the cookies bake; however, lightly toasting the seeds beforehand can deepen their nutty flavor if you prefer a more pronounced sesame note.

Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter?

Butter is key for both flavor and texture in Italian Sesame Cookies, but in a pinch, you could substitute with a plant-based margarine for a dairy-free version; just know the flavor will be slightly different.

Why do my cookies spread too much in the oven?

If your dough is too soft or your butter was overly warm, the cookies can spread more than intended. Chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before shaping and baking for best results and consistent, tidy cookies.

Are there gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?

Yes, you can make Italian Sesame Cookies gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a good cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the sesame flavors will still shine.

Do Italian Sesame Cookies need to be crunchy or soft?

This recipe yields cookies that are crisp on the outside, thanks to the sesame coating, and just tender enough inside. If you love crunchier cookies, bake them an extra 2–3 minutes; for softer cookies, bake towards the shorter end of the baking time.

Final Thoughts

Every bite of Italian Sesame Cookies is truly a taste of tradition—crisp, buttery, and bursting with old-world charm. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share a little Italian magic with your family and friends. Enjoy baking, and get ready for some wonderfully nutty, golden cookies to brighten up any occasion!

Italian Sesame Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 38 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delicious Italian Sesame Cookies are a delightful treat with a nutty flavor and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Coating:

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

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
Form Cookies: Pinch off dough pieces, form into logs or ovals. Dip in milk, then coat with sesame seeds.
Bake: Place cookies on baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden.
Cool and Serve: Cool on pan briefly, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.