Ingredients
1/2 cup milk
2 cups sesame seeds
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 lb unsalted butter, cut into pieces and softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
Preparation
Preheat oven 375°F; butter and flour two large baking sheets. Pour milk into a shallow bowl. Spread sesame seeds on a piece of wax paper. Set aside. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. On Low speed, beat in the butter a little at a time. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla, and orange zest. Stir the egg mixture into the dry ingredients until well blended. Pinch off a piece of dough the size of a golf ball and shape into a log 2 1/2 inches long and 3/4 inch thick. Dip the log in the milk, then roll it in the sesame seeds. Place on a prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly. Continue with the remaining dough, placing cookies about 1 inch apart. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until well browned. Let cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Store in airtight container.
