Description
A crumbly, Sicilian-style sesame cookie infused with bright lemon zest and buttery richness. These golden, twice-baked treats offer a perfect balance of nutty flavor and sophisticated crunch for your morning coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggs (yolks and whites separated)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 fresh lemon
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Separate egg yolks from whites and whisk yolks with milk, vanilla, and lemon zest.
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl or food processor.
- Work chilled, cubed butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse sand.
- Add the liquid yolk mixture and stir until dough forms, then wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (200°C), divide dough into 6 portions, and roll each into a 10-inch log before cutting into 2.5-inch pieces.
- Whisk egg whites with water, coat each cookie in the wash and sesame seeds, and bake for 25 minutes on a parchment-lined tray until golden.
Notes
Keep the dough and butter as cold as possible during the shaping process to ensure the cookies maintain their short, crumbly texture without spreading. If you find the sesame seeds are not adhering well, thin the egg wash with an extra teaspoon of water to help the coating stick more evenly.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Sicilian