In Africa, sesame seeds, or benne, symbolize good luck. During African-American History Month, invite your kids to help make these crunchy sesame cookies.

2/3 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt

Toast the sesame seeds on a baking sheet in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the seeds from burning. Set them aside to cool.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Beat until well mixed. Fold in half of the sesame seeds. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll them in the remaining sesame seeds. Place on a greased cookie sheet and flatten with the palm of your hand. Bake until golden brown (about 10 minutes). Makes 2 dozen.

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• Other Cookies |
• Sesame Seeds

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• Cookie Classics