Dessert · Snack · Middle Eastern ·

Egyptian Honey-Sesame Cookies with Orange Zest

Name: Egyptian Honey-Sesame Cookies with Orange Zest
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup honey; 1 large egg; Zest of 1 orange; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 cup honey, warmed

These Egyptian honey-sesame cookies, infused with the refreshing flavor of orange zest, make for a delightful sweet treat perfect for any occasion.

4.9(159 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 17, 2025

Egyptian Honey-Sesame Cookies with Orange Zest — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Cookie Dough

For the Sesame Coating

For the Honey Drizzle

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 132 kcal
Protein: 1.9 g
Carbs: 19.1 g
Fat: 5.6 g
Fiber: 0.7 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3176 kcal
Protein: 45 g
Carbs: 458 g
Fat: 134 g
Fiber: 16 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups all-purpose flour	960	26	200	2	8
1 teaspoon baking powder	2	0	1	0	0
1/2 teaspoon baking soda	0	0	0	0	0
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened	810	0	0	92	0
1/2 cup granulated sugar	387	0	100	0	0
1/4 cup honey	257	0	70	0	0
1 large egg	72	6	1	5	0
Zest of 1 orange	6	0	1	0	0
1 teaspoon vanilla extract	12	0	1	0	0
1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds	413	13	14	35	8
1/4 cup honey, warmed	257	0	70	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Making the Cookie Dough

1
Combine dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
2
Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Beat in wet ingredients
Beat in the honey, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Shaping and Coating the Cookies

1
Form dough balls
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
2
Shape the cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
3
Coat with sesame seeds
Roll each ball in the toasted sesame seeds until fully coated.
Tip: Ensure the sesame seeds are thoroughly toasted to bring out their nutty flavor. Chill the dough for 15 minutes for easier handling and better rolling.

How to Make Egyptian Honey-Sesame Cookies with Orange Zest

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the sesame-coated balls onto the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press each gently to flatten slightly. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
2
Cooling
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
3
Drizzling
Once completely cool, drizzle the warm honey over the cookies in a zigzag pattern.