Italian Sesame Cookies

These is a family favorite. I found this recipe and tweaked it a bit in that I like to use the mixed sesame seeds that you can find in Arab and specialty markets. I also changed the flavorings a bit. Here is my version.

2 sticks of butter room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 Egg room temperature
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of anise extract
2 and 1/2 cups of flour
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
1/8 teaspoon of salt

1/2 cup of milk or so for dipping Sesame seeds.. at least a half cup or more.

Cream the butter and sugar.
Add the egg and beat well.
Add the vanilla and anise extract ( some anise seeds may be good in these as well)
Mix the flour, salt and baking powder together and add to the wet mixture.
Mix with beater till moistened and together. Then pat dough together.
Form pieces the size of a walnut into a ball and then shape into ovals. Put on baking pan.

You should get 48 nice sized cookies from this recipe. You will need 2 cookie sheets. Put 4 or so of the cookies into a small bowl of milk and then dip and roll into the seeds. Work quickly and shake excess milk off dough as much as possible before dipping. Make sure you have enough seeds to coat well. This is what gives them the great flavor. 2 dozen per cookie sheet. Bake in PREHEATED 350 degree oven. 20 minutes or more if you like them darker like I do. Let cool and then store in a sealed container but these are so good.. I had to stop my nephew from eating them all so I could have some for my cousins when they came over. Enjoy!!!
Theresa