Homemade Italian Sesame Cookies – Light & Nutty
🍪 Italian Sesame Cookies: Sweet, Nutty, and Utterly Irresistible
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,842 fans)
📸 502+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, isn’t there? These Italian Sesame Cookies, or “Reginelle” as they’re affectionately known, bring back a flood of cherished memories. Each bite is a delightful journey – a crisp exterior giving way to a wonderfully tender, slightly chewy crumb, all enrorobed in a nutty, toasted sesame hug. They’re sweet without being cloying, with that distinct sesame fragrance that’s simply captivating. Perfect for a cozy afternoon coffee, a lively family gathering, or tucked into a lunchbox for a sweet surprise, these cookies are a taste of tradition and pure joy.
Quick Glance
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 24 cookies
💥 Vibe: Nutty, Sweet, Chewy
Jump Ahead
- What You’ll Need
- How to Make Italian Sesame Cookies
- Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
- Reviews
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- Recipe Note
What You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful cookies. Each item plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and nutty aroma. Make sure everything is at room temperature for the best results!
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 1 large egg white, lightly beaten (for coating)
- 1 cup sesame seeds
How to Make Italian Sesame Cookies
Let’s get baking! This process is wonderfully straightforward, promising warm, homemade goodness in no time.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Beat in the two large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a soft, pliable dough is what we’re after.
- Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to handle.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour the sesame seeds onto a shallow plate. Lightly beat the egg white in another shallow bowl.
- Remove the dough from the fridge. Roll small pieces of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) into logs roughly 2 inches long.
- Dip each dough log first into the beaten egg white, letting any excess drip off, then roll it generously in the sesame seeds, pressing lightly to ensure they adhere.
- Place the coated cookies about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown and the sesame seeds are beautifully toasted.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
These Italian Sesame Cookies are wonderful on their own, but a little creativity can elevate them even further!
- Citrus Burst: Add a half teaspoon of orange zest along with the lemon zest for an even brighter, more fragrant cookie.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for an extra touch of decadence.
- Almond Flour Boost: For a slightly different texture and nutty flavor, substitute ¼ cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the dough can add a warm, comforting note, especially lovely during cooler months.
- Coffee Companion: Serve them alongside a robust espresso or a creamy cappuccino for the ultimate Italian coffee break experience.
Reviews
Maria S. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“These cookies are just like nonna used to make! So authentic and utterly delicious. The sesame flavor is perfect. A new family favorite for sure!”
Tom P. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Easy to follow recipe and they turned out beautifully. My kids loved helping roll them in the sesame seeds. Great with my morning tea.”
Sophia L. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Absolutely divine! The lemon zest makes all the difference. I made a double batch for a party and they vanished in minutes. A must-try!”
FAQ
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Let it come to room temperature slightly before shaping.
Q: How do I store leftover cookies?
A: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They retain their wonderful texture beautifully.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes, you can! Once completely cooled, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Q: What if I don’t have lemon zest?
A: While lemon zest adds a lovely brightness, you can omit it if you don’t have any. The cookies will still be delicious, just with a slightly less complex flavor profile.
Conclusion
There’s a special kind of warmth that fills your kitchen when these Italian Sesame Cookies are baking, a comforting aroma that truly feels like home. They are more than just a sweet treat; they are a bite of tradition, a moment of joy, and an invitation to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. I truly hope you’ll gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and experience the pure delight of creating these beautiful cookies. Share them with loved ones, enjoy them with a quiet cup of coffee, and let each sesame-kissed bite transport you to a happy place. Happy baking, my friends!
Recipe Note
For the most vibrant sesame flavor and perfect adherence, gently toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium-low heat for a few minutes before rolling the cookies. Just watch them closely so they don’t burn!
Italian Sesame Cookies
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 36
Calories: 100
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- ¾ – 1 cup sesame seeds (for coating)
Instructions
1.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using) until fully combined.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined and a soft, pliable dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Place the sesame seeds in a shallow dish or plate.
7. Take small portions of dough, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them into balls or log shapes (about 1 to 1.5 inches long). The dough might be slightly sticky, so a light dusting of flour on your hands can help.
8. Roll each dough piece thoroughly in the sesame seeds, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Place the coated cookies about 1-2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven and cookie size.
10. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Chef’s Notes: These traditional Italian sesame cookies are delightfully crisp on the outside with a slightly chewy interior. Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, they’re a classic treat for any occasion. The lemon zest adds a wonderful bright note, but can be omitted if preferred.
