Authentic Biscotti Regina: The Best Italian Sesame Seed Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamt of recreating the delightful sesame seed cookies you often encounter in authentic Italian delis and bakeries, you’re in for a treat. This recipe for Biscotti Regina, sometimes simply called “Italian Sesame Seed Cookies,” offers a genuine taste of Italy. Unlike the hard, twice-baked biscuits often associated with the term “biscotti” in English (which are technically ‘cantuccini’), in Italy, “biscotti” is simply the word for cookies in general. Biscotti Regina are a distinct and beloved variety, known for their unique texture and nutty flavor.

Our journey to these exquisite cookies is inspired by a remarkable cookbook: Biscotti: Recipes from the Kitchen of The American Academy in Rome, The Rome Sustainable Food Project. This culinary treasure not only provides incredible recipes but also shares the ethos of sustainable, local eating, a philosophy we wholeheartedly embrace. It’s from this esteemed source that we learn the proper name for these delightful treats: Biscotti Regina.

Discovering the Charm of Biscotti Regina

Biscotti Regina are not your average cookie. They boast a distinct personality: a satisfyingly crumbly texture, a charmingly stubby shape, and a not-too-sweet profile that makes them incredibly addictive. Their subtle sweetness allows the true star – the toasted sesame seeds – to shine through, creating a wonderfully nutty aroma and taste in every bite. They are the quintessential companion to a steaming cup of coffee, a warm mug of tea, or even a glass of vin santo, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or a delightful after-dinner treat.

Imagine a quiet moment, a warm beverage in hand, and a plate of these golden, sesame-crusted cookies. The way they delicately crumble in your mouth, releasing their earthy flavor, is pure bliss. It’s an experience that transports you straight to a sun-drenched Italian piazza, even if you’re just in your own kitchen. And let’s be honest, who could resist pairing them with a second type of cookie for a truly indulgent experience?

The Inspiration: The Rome Sustainable Food Project

Beyond the delicious recipes, the aforementioned book offers a fascinating glimpse into the culinary world of The American Academy in Rome. It features vivid photographs that capture the essence of daily life at the “ARR” and tells an inspiring story of transformation. The narrative centers on Mona Talbott, a visionary chef hand-picked by the legendary Alice Waters, known for her pioneering work in the farm-to-table movement. Talbott embarked on a mission to revitalize the Academy’s kitchen, transforming it from a neglected, dingy space into an exemplary culinary hub.

Under Talbott’s guidance, the kitchen began feeding the Academy’s community with a steadfast commitment to sustainable, local, and organic ingredients. This philosophy permeates every recipe in the book, emphasizing fresh, seasonal produce and traditional cooking methods that highlight natural flavors. The recipes are thoughtfully categorized into five sections: Milk and Wine, Nuts, Honey, Citrus and Spice, Meringue, and Chocolate, offering a comprehensive array of Italian and Italian-inspired treats. Interestingly, the book also includes recipes for beloved American cookies like Snickerdoodles, Peanut Butter Cookies, and Blondies, showcasing a delightful blend of culinary traditions.

This culinary philosophy directly impacts the quality and authenticity of the Biscotti Regina recipe. By understanding the emphasis on fresh ingredients and traditional techniques, we gain a deeper appreciation for the simplicity and elegance of these sesame seed cookies. It’s a testament to how quality ingredients, handled with care, can elevate even the most straightforward recipes to something truly extraordinary.

Essential Tips for Baking Perfect Biscotti Regina

While the recipe for Biscotti Regina is straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your baking experience and ensure truly exceptional results. These insights, some learned through experience and others inspired by the meticulous approach of the Rome Sustainable Food Project, will guide you to perfection.

Precision in Measurement: Weigh Your Flour

For optimal results, especially in baking, weighing your flour rather than using volume measurements is highly recommended. Flour can compact differently depending on how it’s scooped, leading to inconsistencies. Using a kitchen scale ensures accuracy, which is crucial for the delicate balance of ingredients in these cookies. The precise amount of flour contributes directly to the desired crumbly texture of Biscotti Regina, preventing them from being too dry or too dense.

Dough Consistency is Key

The dough for Biscotti Regina should be soft and pliable. If, after mixing, you find your dough appears a bit dry or stiff, don’t hesitate to add a little extra milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. The original recipe specifies a certain amount, but environmental factors like humidity can affect flour absorption. A soft dough will be much easier to work with and will result in a more tender cookie.

The Subtlety of Salt

The original recipe from the book doesn’t explicitly call for salt. However, I’ve found that adding a mere ¼ teaspoon of salt significantly enhances the overall flavor profile of these cookies. Salt acts as a flavor enhancer, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the nutty notes of the sesame seeds and the brightness of the lemon zest. Feel free to omit it if you prefer, particularly if you are using salted butter, to avoid over-salting.

Size Matters for Maximum Flavor

The recipe calls for forming the cookies into 7-gram balls, yielding approximately 40 cookies. While this might seem tedious, and you might be tempted to make them larger for convenience, resist the urge! The smaller size of these cookies is intentional. It ensures that each bite delivers a more concentrated burst of sesame flavor, creating a truly satisfying experience. Plus, a smaller cookie means you can enjoy more than one without guilt!

The Zest of Lemon

Don’t underestimate the power of fresh lemon zest. It contributes a bright, aromatic lift that complements the nutty sesame and subtle sweetness of the cookie beautifully. Always use fresh zest, as bottled versions lack the vibrant essential oils that make such a difference.

Authentic Biscotti Regina – Sesame Seed Cookies Recipe

This recipe will guide you to create perfectly crumbly, wonderfully nutty, and subtly sweet sesame seed cookies, just like those found in Italian delis.

Ingredients:

• 165 grams / 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 58 grams / ¼ cup plus 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 3.5 grams / ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 50 grams / 3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, softened (if using salted, omit added salt)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (my addition, optional but recommended)
• 20 ml / 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon milk (you may need a little more)
• 1 large egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 50 grams / ⅓ cup raw sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and the optional salt (if using). Mix on low speed or whisk by hand until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and no lumps remain.
2. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the softened butter, milk, egg yolk, and grated lemon zest all at once to the dry mixture. Begin mixing on low speed. The dough will start to come together. Continue mixing until a soft, shaggy dough forms. If using a stand mixer, you might need to finish the process by hand.
3. Knead and Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and gently knead it for a minute or two until it forms a cohesive, smooth ball. If the dough feels too dry, add milk in ½ teaspoon increments until it reaches a soft, pliable consistency. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period helps the butter solidify, making the dough easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
4. Prepare for Shaping: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Pour the raw sesame seeds into a small, shallow mixing bowl or a pie plate – this will be used for coating the cookies.
5. Shape the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Divide the dough into 40 equal pieces, each weighing approximately 7 grams (about ¼ ounce). This precision ensures uniform baking and the optimal sesame flavor experience. Roll each piece into a small ball. Gently press each ball into the sesame seeds, ensuring it’s well coated on all sides. As you coat them, reshape each dough ball into a small, even rectangle or an oval shape, about 1 inch long.
6. Freeze Ahead (Optional): At this point, the unbaked, shaped, and sesame-coated cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. This is excellent for meal prep or having fresh cookies on demand! If baking from frozen, simply add a few minutes to the baking time.
7. Arrange and Bake: Evenly space the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between each cookie to allow for slight expansion. Allow the dough to come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking if it’s been in the fridge for an extended period, or if baking from frozen, let them sit a bit longer. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cookies are set. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and helps them crisp up slightly.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These exquisite Biscotti Regina are best enjoyed with your favorite hot beverage. Their not-too-sweet profile makes them a perfect complement to strong Italian coffee, a fragrant herbal tea, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine. They also make a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family, beautifully packaged in a decorative tin or box.

To maintain their freshness and delightful crumbly texture, store the cooled cookies in a sealed, airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for 2-3 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long once your family and friends discover them! This recipe makes approximately 40 delicious cookies, perfect for sharing or savoring over a few days.

Embrace the Italian Tradition

Baking these Biscotti Regina is more than just following a recipe; it’s an invitation to experience a piece of Italian culinary tradition. From the humble sesame seed to the bright zest of lemon, each ingredient plays its part in creating a cookie that is simple yet deeply satisfying. So, tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and prepare to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of authentic Italian sesame seed cookies. Buon appetito!