Sicilian Sesame Cookies

Photo: Lady Catherine Gourmet

Ingredients

1 cup sesame seeds

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

3 large eggs, beaten

4 tablespoons butter (½ stick)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Preheat oven 350 degrees:

Spread sesame seeds in single layer on pan and bake until golden – 8-10 minutes.

In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar baking powder. In small bowl, stir together eggs, softened butter, and vanilla. Add egg mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until blended.

Transfer dough to lightly floured surface. With hands, knead dough five or six times until smooth. Divide dough into quarters. Roll 1 piece into a 24 inch long rope: with knife, cut into 2-inch logs.

Fill small bowl with water. Dip each log in the water and roll in the toasted sesame seeds until completely coated. Place logs 1 inch apart, on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake until golden brown 30-35 minutes.