Print

Easy Black Sesame Spider Cookies with Royal Icing

black sesame spider cookies - featured image
Print Recipe

These nutty, buttery cookies are rolled in toasted black sesame seeds and topped with a simple royal icing spider design. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for Halloween bake sales or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup black sesame seeds, toasted
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or cream of tartar
  • 1–2 tablespoons water
  • Black or white gel food coloring (optional)
  • Small candy eyes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  4. Add egg yolk and vanilla; beat until just combined.
  5. Whisk flour and salt together; gradually add to wet mixture, mixing on low until a soft dough forms.
  6. Fold in cooled toasted sesame seeds until evenly distributed.
  7. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each), roll into balls, and place 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Flatten slightly to 1/4-inch thick.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are just golden. Cool on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For royal icing: Beat egg white with lemon juice or cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until 15-second consistency is reached. Add food coloring if desired.
  10. Transfer icing to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped. Pipe eight small lines radiating from the center of each cookie to form spider legs. Add a dot for the body and place candy eyes if using.
  11. Let icing set completely (1-2 hours) before serving or stacking.

Notes

Toasting the black sesame seeds is crucial for flavor. Do not overmix the dough. For royal icing, aim for a 15-second consistency. Cookies taste even better the next day. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: black sesame, spider cookies, Halloween cookies, royal icing, easy cookies, butter cookies

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-black-sesame-spider-cookies-with-royal-icing/