Reginelle sesame cookies

Reginelle are delicious Sicilian cookies covered in sesame. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

• 500 g of flour 00
• 200 g of sugar
• 100 g of lard (or butter if you prefer)
• 100 ml of milk
• 1 large egg
• Grated zest of one lemon (untreated)
• 1 packet of baking powder for sweets
• A pinch of salt
• Sesame seeds as needed
• 1 egg for glazing the cookies

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder and salt.
2. Add the sugar and grated lemon zest to flavor.
3. Incorporate the softened lard or butter and start to knead.
4. Add the egg and continue kneading, gradually pouring the milk until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous dough.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
6. In the meantime, preheat the oven to 180 °C and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
7. Lightly toast the sesame seeds in a non-stick pan until they are golden, taking care not to burn them.
8. Take the dough out of the refrigerator and on a lightly floured work surface, roll it out to about half a centimeter thick.
9. Cut out the cookies in the desired shape using special molds or a sharp knife.
10. Beat the egg in a bowl and brush the surface of the cookies, then roll them in the toasted sesame seeds so that they are evenly covered.
11. Arrange the cookies on the prepared tray, making sure to leave a little space between each one.
12. Bake and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden.
13. Take out of the oven and let cool on a rack.

Reginelle cookies are fantastic dunked in milk or enjoyed on their own as a snack. Toasting the sesame is a crucial step that enhances the flavor of these cookies.

Curiosity

The name “reginelle” comes from the Sicilian term “regina”, and these treats were traditionally prepared in honor of queens visiting Sicily. Sesame, also known as “giuggiulena” in the Sicilian dialect, is a very widespread element in the island’s pastry, where it is widely used in both sweets and bread.