Biscotti Regina - Sicilian Sesame Seed Cookie Recipe
Satisfyingly crunchy, buttery, infused with orange and nutty flavor, biscotti Regina or Sicilian sesame seed cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy with your coffee, tea or a glass of sweet wine!
Servings 50 cookies
Calories 48kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ammonium carbonate or baking powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup butter, unsalted cut into cubes
- 1 large egg
- 3-4 tbsp. milk
- 1 orange zested
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
Instructions
Prepare the dough:
- In a large bowl stir together all-purpose flour; sugar; ammonium carbonate (or baking powder) and salt.
- Add cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
- Make a well in the center and add an egg, freshly grated orange zest and 3 tbsp. of milk. Stir together to form a dough. If the mixture is dry add an extra tbsp. of milk, as needed, to form a slightly tacky dough.
- Shape into a round dough, flatten into a disc and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
To shape the Biscotti Regina:
- Prepare 2 baking sheets and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a small bowl filled with water; place sesame seeds in a second bowl.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Work with one piece of dough at a time keeping the rest wrapped. Roll into a long rope about the width of your thumb. Cut into 5 cm lengths.
- Moisten each cut piece of dough lightly with water with your fingers and roll in the sesame seeds to coat all sides.
- Place an inch apart on the prepared baking sheets as they will expand during baking. Continue with the remaining dough.
To bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Notes
Substitutions and possible add-ins:
- Biscotti Regina were originally made with strutto or lard which is often replaced with butter.
- Replace the orange zest with lemon zest.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
- Replace the ammonia with an equal amount of baking powder.
- For extra nutty flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until fragrant.
How to store Biscotti Regina:
Since they are dry, they keep well stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. They may also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.Can the dough for Biscotti Regina be prepared in advance?
Prepare the dough and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to preparing the cookies. Please note that the nutritional information offered is approximate and may vary according to exact ingredients used and portion size.Nutrition
Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 46IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg