Description
These traditional Sicilian sesame cookies offer a delightful crunch and a subtle sweetness, infused with the bright aroma of fresh lemon zest and coated in toasted seeds. They are the perfect rustic treat for pairing with coffee, tea, or a sweet dessert wine.
Ingredients
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 fresh lemon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup chilled unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup raw sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest; set aside to infuse.
- Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor or bowl until uniform.
- Cut the cubed, chilled butter into the flour mixture until it reaches a sandy, coarse texture.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the flour mixture until dough forms, then knead into a ball and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and roll the dough into 10-inch ropes, then cut into 2.5-inch logs.
- Dip each log into an egg white wash, roll in sesame seeds to coat, and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
For an extra crunch, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. If you find the sesame seeds are not sticking well, ensure the egg wash is evenly applied to all sides of the dough log before rolling in the seeds.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Sicilian