Traditional Italian Sesame Cookies

Ingredients:

• 4 cups flour
• 1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• Milk
• 2 cups sesame seeds, white preferred

Directions

1. Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Using mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and blend. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg (batter may look curdled). At low speed, gradually mix in flour mixture just until smooth. Chill for 1 hour or overnight.
3. Have ready 1 inch milk in a small bowl and some sesame seeds spread on a plate. On a lightly floured surface, shape about 1/4 cup dough into a ten inch rope, 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut ropes into 1 inch pieces. Dip into milk and coat with sesame seeds.
4. Bake at 350℉ for 18 minutes. 

Submitted by Anna Restivo, courtesy of Aunt Rose Mirasola