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4.5 from 45 votes

Italian Sesame Seed Cookies (Giuggiulena)

Traditional Italian cookies infused with anise and coated with sesame seeds.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 72 cookies
Calories: 188 kcal
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 10 cups all-purpose flour
  • 6 teaspoons baking powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 16 ounces vegetable shortening (about 2½ cups )
  • 2½ cups granulated sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon anise oil
  • 16 ounces sesame seeds

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Place the sesame seeds in a shallow bowl; set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
  3. With an electric mixer, cream together the vegetable shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the eggs, vanilla extract and anise oil, and beat until completely combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add all of the flour mixture until it is thoroughly combined.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and break off a handful-size piece of dough and knead 5 to 10 times, or until smooth. Using your hands, gently roll the dough into a log about 1-inch in diameter. Cut the log into 3-inch pieces, roll in the sesame seeds, pressing them to adhere, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until you have used up all of the dough.
  5. Bake until the cookies are golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Nutritional values are based on one cookie

Nutrition Information

Calories 188kcal (9%) Carbohydrates 21g (7%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 13mg (4%) Sodium 10mg (0%) Potassium 87mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 20IU (0%) Calcium 81mg (8%) Iron 1.8mg (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 72cookies

Amount Per Serving

Calories 188

% Daily Value*

Calories 188kcal 9%
Carbohydrates 21g 7%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 10mg 0%
Potassium 87mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 20IU 0%
Calcium 81mg 8%
Iron 1.8mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.