Try this tested recipe, make it a family staple instantly. Made with toasted sesame seeds these sesame cookies will surely please the crowd. A must try!
Sesame seeds in a sweet cookie might not seem a good match at first as sesame seeds are more often used in savory pastry. However, this recipe makes light, soft, crumbly and delicious cookies.
How to toast sesame
The main ingredient of this recipe is Sesame Seeds. You can read more about sesame seeds here. Sesame seeds need to be toasted.
Oven method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, spread the sesame seeds evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure the baking sheet has a rim to prevent seeds from rolling off.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the sesame seeds for about 5-10 minutes, depending on your oven and the desired level of toastiness. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as sesame seeds can go from golden brown to burnt quickly.
- Every couple of minutes, take the baking sheet out of the oven and give it a gentle shake or stir with a spatula to ensure even toasting.
- Once the sesame seeds are lightly golden brown and fragrant, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a cool plate or bowl immediately. The residual heat from the baking sheet can cause the seeds to continue toasting, so transferring them will help prevent overcooking.
- Allow the toasted sesame seeds to cool completely before using them in your cookie dough. Once cooled, you can incorporate them into your cookie recipe as directed.
Skillet method:
- Heat a dry skillet or frying pan over medium heat. It’s important to use a skillet that has a wide base and is shallow to ensure even toasting.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the sesame seeds in a single layer. You can toast as many sesame seeds as you need for your recipe, but avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lead to uneven toasting.
- Stir the sesame seeds frequently with a spatula or wooden spoon to prevent them from burning. Toast them for about 3-5 minutes, or until they turn a light golden brown and become fragrant.
- Keep a close eye on the sesame seeds as they toast, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly.
- Once the sesame seeds are toasted to your liking, remove them from the skillet immediately and transfer them to a cool plate or bowl to stop the cooking process.
- Allow the toasted sesame seeds to cool completely before using them in your cookie dough or storing them for later use.
Toasting sesame seeds in a skillet over the stove is a quick and easy way to add extra flavor to your cookies, and it gives you more control over the toasting process compared to using an oven. Just be sure to keep stirring them frequently to ensure even toasting and prevent burning. This is the method I have chosen for this recipe.
Tips to make delicious Cookies
- Using butter makes a difference.
- Add baking powder if you want puffy cookies.
- Add a few drops of vinegar will help you with the texture of the cookies.
- Feel free to add other dry ingredients such as cacao, ground pistachio etc. But when you do decrease the amount of flour.
- If available go for caster sugar, it makes the cookies smoother. But if the recipe is asking for granulated sugar, use half of the amount.
- Knead the dough using the folding method.
- Once kneading is over, let the dough rest for half an hour in the fridge. This will make the shaping easier.
I have to confess that these cookies have plenty of calories with the sesame seeds and the butter, but can be prepared once in a while, especially for tea time. They are soooooo good.
If you liked this recipe, check out my other cookie recipes.
Sweet Sesame Cookies
Ingredients
- 200 grams flour
- 100 grams sesame seeds
- 200 grams butter
- 135 grams powdered sugar
- 10 grams baking powder
- 10 grams vanillin
Instructions
- Sauté the sesame seeds without adding anything else, until the seeds slightly change colour.
- Add and mix all the ingredients except the flour in a mixing bowl.
- Gradually add the flour and knead until you obtain a soft and non-sticky dough.
- Make small balls out of the main dough.
- Lay a baking sheet on the oven tray. Place each little cookie on the tray. They should not touch each other, as they will rise.
- Cook in a preheated oven at 180° Celsius until golden on all sides.