Yield: Makes 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, beating until blended.

Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sesame seeds. Add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating well.

Line baking sheets with nonstick foil, parchment paper, or silpat sheets. Drop dough by level tablespoonful onto prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart (cookies will spread). Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheet 1 minute; transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

TIP To toast sesame seeds: Spread sesame seeds in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely.