This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These delectable treats offer a perfect balance of nutty sesame and the subtle touch of fleur de sel. With their crisp on the outside and short-bread like texture and sweet and salty taste profile, these cookies are bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
What is sesame cookies with fleur de sel ?
These sesame cookies are butter-based, giving them a nice buttery aroma with its crisp on the edge texture and crumbly on the inside. The taste is enhanced by a gourmet salt called fleur de sel, giving the cookies their delicious sweet and salty taste.
What is so special about fleur de sel?
Fleur de sel, which translates to “flower of salt” in English, is a type of sea salt that is highly regarded for its delicate flavor and unique texture. What sets fleur de sel apart is its exceptional flavor. It has a mild, delicate taste that is less salty and briny compared to regular table salt. Fleur de sel is prized for its ability to enhance the natural flavors of food without overpowering them. Its subtle hint of minerals adds depth and complexity to dishes.
Substitutes for fleur de sel
Due to its artisanal production process and limited availability, fleur de sel is often more expensive than regular table salt. If you don’t have fleur de sel on hand or find it difficult to source, there are several suitable substitutes that can provide similar flavor profiles and textures:
1. Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is a popular substitute for fleur de sel due to its coarse texture and mild flavor. It dissolves easily and is less salty compared to table salt. When using kosher salt as a substitute, use it in the same quantity as fleur de sel, but keep in mind that it may have a slightly different taste.
2. Sea Salt: Look for high-quality sea salt with larger crystals. While it may not have the same delicate texture as fleur de sel, sea salt can provide a similar taste profile and add a subtle crunch to your dishes.
3. Himalayan Pink Salt: Known for its unique pink hue and slightly sweet flavor, Himalayan pink salt can be a good alternative to fleur de sel. It has larger crystals and a subtle mineral taste that can elevate your dishes.
4. Flakey Sea Salt: Flakey sea salt, such as Maldon salt, is another excellent substitute for fleur de sel. It has a light, delicate texture with thin, pyramid-shaped flakes. The flakes provide a satisfying crunch and can be sprinkled on top of dishes just like fleur de sel.
Sesame Cookies with Fleur De Sel
Ingredients
- 113 g butter unsalted and cold
- 136 g all-purpose flour
- 75 g almond flour
- 67 g sugar
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp fleur de sel plus more for topping
- 50 g egg 1 large egg
- 40 g sesame seeds mixture of white and black sesame seeds, plus more for topping
Egg wash:
- 1 large egg beaten
Instructions
Prepare the cookie dough:
- Put cold butter, all-purpose flour, almond flour, garlic powder, black pepper, sugar, and salt in a food processor and pulse a few times to get pea-size crumbs
- Add the egg and sesame seeds. Gently knead into a dough and then shape into a log. Wrap in a cling wrap and put in the freezer for 1 hour
Shape:
- Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C) for conventional oven. For convection oven, lower the temperature by 20 F or 15 C.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper
- The cookie dough should be firm and easy to cut by now. Use a sharp knife to cut into about 1/4-inch thick slices. Place them on a baking pan, about 1 inch apart
- Brush them with egg wash and sprinkle with some sesame seeds and a bit of fleur de sel
Bake:
- Place the baking pan in the middle rack and bake for 17 minutes or until the edge is lightly brown. Rotate the pan halfway through baking
Cool down:
- Let the cookies cool on the pan for 3 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack to let them cool down completely
Storing:
- Once they have cooled down completely, store them in an air-tight container for about one week
- They can also be kept frozen for up to one month. Simply thaw at room temperature for few hours before serving
*Nutrition facts are just estimates and calculated using online tools*
How to bake sesame cookies with fleur de sel
1. Put cold butter, all-purpose flour, almond flour, garlic powder, black pepper, sugar, and salt in a food processor and pulse a few times to get pea-size crumbs
2. Add the egg and sesame seeds. Gently knead into a dough
3. Then shape into a log. Wrap in a cling wrap and put in the freezer for 1 hour
4. Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C) for conventional oven. For convection oven, lower the temperature by 20 F or 15 C. Line the baking pan with parchment paper
5. The cookie dough should be firm and easy to cut by now. Use a sharp knife to cut into about 1/4-inch thick slices. 
6. Place them on a baking pan, about 1 inch apart
7. Brush them with egg wash and sprinkle with some sesame seeds and a bit of fleur de sel
8. Place the baking pan in the middle rack and bake for 17 minutes or until the edge is lightly brown. Rotate the pan halfway through baking. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 3 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack to let them cool down completely
From their crispy exterior to their soft, buttery centers, these cookies are sure to please your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Did you make these sesame cookies with fleur de sel recipe?
I love it when you guys snap a photo and tag it to show me what you’ve made. Simply tag me @WhatToCookToday #WhatToCookToday on Instagram and I’ll be sure to stop by and take a peek for real!
2 comments
Do you pulse when you do the second step (adding egg and sesame)?
2. Add the egg and sesame seeds. Gently knead into a dough
Hello Christine, No, I didn’t pulse when I add the egg and sesame seeds. I just knead them with the mixture into a dough. You could if you want to.