Reginelle Siciliane (Sesame Cookies) – Traditional Sicilian Recipe from Nonna

These delightful sesame-coated cookies are a staple of Sicilian tradition.

Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, Reginelle Siciliane or Regina are subtly sweet with a nutty flavor, perfect for pairing with coffee or tea.

Nonna’s recipe stays true to Sicilian roots, combining simplicity with a touch of homemade comfort.

Why Nonna Loves This Recipe

Nonna loves Reginelle Siciliane because they are a perfect reflection of Sicilian culture: simple, rustic, and full of flavor. Here’s why this recipe is close to her heart:

• Celebrates Tradition: These cookies are a classic treat, found in Sicilian bakeries and cherished in households across the island.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for an afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these cookies always feel appropriate and welcoming.
• Rich in History: Nonna appreciates the rich heritage behind sesame seeds in Mediterranean cuisine, a symbol of abundance.
• Easy to Make: The recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients, making it ideal for everyday baking.
• Deliciously Versatile: Nonna loves how these cookies can be customized with hints of citrus or almond to add variety.

For Nonna, these cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a taste of Sicily, a connection to her roots, and a way to share tradition with her family. ❤️

DOWNLOAD PDF WITH RECIPE OF SESAME COOKIES HERE:

SesameCookies

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 25 cookies

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150g) sesame seeds, for coating

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the chilled, cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Knead gently if needed.

2. Shape the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Divide the dough into small portions, about the size of a walnut, and roll each into a log approximately 2–3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
3. Roll each cookie in sesame seeds, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.

3. Bake the Cookies:

1. Place the sesame-coated cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
3. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nonna’s Tips and Tricks

• Toast Your Sesame Seeds: For extra flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before coating the cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it for 15 minutes before shaping.
• Add Citrus: For a Sicilian twist, incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the dough.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks—they stay fresh and crispy!

Nutritional Facts (Per Cookie)

Enjoy Nonna’s Reginelle Siciliane, a crunchy, nutty delight that brings the flavors of Sicily into your home. Buon appetito! 🍪

Nonna's Reginelle Cookies (Sesame Seed Cookies)

These delightful sesame-coated cookies are a staple of Sicilian tradition. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, Reginelle Siciliane are subtly sweet with a nutty flavor, perfect for pairing with coffee or tea.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Italian Cookies

Cuisine Italian

Servings 25 Cookies

Notes

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150g) sesame seeds, for coating

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the chilled, cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Knead gently if needed.

2. Shape the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Divide the dough into small portions, about the size of a walnut, and roll each into a log approximately 2–3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
3. Roll each cookie in sesame seeds, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.

3. Bake the Cookies:

1. Place the sesame-coated cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
3. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Nonna’s Tips and Tricks

• Toast Your Sesame Seeds: For extra flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before coating the cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it for 15 minutes before shaping.
• Add Citrus: For a Sicilian twist, incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon into the dough.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks—they stay fresh and crispy!

Keyword italian cookies, sesame cookies, reginelle cookies, sicilian cookies

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