Chinese Sesame Cookie

By
Rhonda Parkinson
Rhonda Parkinson
Rhonda Parkinson is a freelance writer who has authored many cookbooks, including two Everything guides to Chinese cooking.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/7/22
Chinese Sesame Cookie Recipe

 The Spruce
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Chill Time: 4 hrs
Total: 4 hrs 40 mins
Servings: 24 to 25 servings
Yield: 48 to 50 cookies
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
154 Calories
9g Fat
16g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 to 25
Amount per serving
Calories 154
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 4g 21%
Cholesterol 19mg 6%
Sodium 94mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 16g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 39mg 3%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 30mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Sesame cookies, like almond cookies and other types of Chinese cookies, were traditionally made with lard. Using butter or shortening (or a combination of both, as in this recipe) gives us a healthier cookie with just over 75 calories. For extra flavor, try incorporating a few tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds into the cookie dough before baking.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup shortening

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup white sesame seeds, as needed

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Chinese Sesame Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  2. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl.

    Chinese Sesame Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter, shortening, and white and brown sugars.

    Chinese Sesame Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  4. Add the eggs and almond extract, and beat until well blended.

    Chinese Sesame Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  5. Stir in the flour mixture and mix well. The dough will be dry and crumbly at this point.

    Chinese Sesame Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  6. Use your fingers to form the mixture into a dough, and then form the dough into 2 rolls or logs that are 10 to 12 inches long. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 and preferably 4 hours. (If desired, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight).

    Chinese Sesame Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  7. Preheat the oven to 325 F.

  8. Take a log and lightly score the dough at 3/4-inch intervals so that you have 15 pieces and cut the dough.

    Chinese Sesame Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  9. Roll each piece into a small ball and roll the ball in the bowl of sesame seeds to cover. (Note: If you like you can brush the ball with lightly beaten egg prior to dipping in the sesame seeds, to help the seeds stick to the cookie).

    Chinese Sesame Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  10. Place the balls on a lightly greased cookie tray, approximately 2 inches apart.

    Chinese Sesame Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  11. Bake the cookies at 325 F for about 15 to 17 minutes, or until a fork inserted in the middle comes out clean and they easily lift from the baking sheet. Cool completely.

    Chinese Sesame Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce

  12. When thoroughly cooled, enjoy or store in a sealed container.

    Chinese Sesame Cookie Recipe
     The Spruce