Sesame and Vanilla Shortbread Sticks: A Deliciously Simple Treat

When it comes to comfort desserts, few treats can compare to the simple elegance of shortbread. Known for its buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, shortbread has been a beloved biscuit for centuries. But while traditional shortbread is wonderful on its own, adding a twist of flavor can elevate it to something truly special.

In this recipe, we combine the rich, nutty flavor of sesame paste with the sweet and warm aroma of vanilla to create shortbread sticks that are both unique and irresistible. The combination of sesame and vanilla may sound unconventional, but it results in a flavor profile that is perfectly balanced — not too sweet, yet delightfully indulgent.

These sesame and vanilla shortbread sticks are ideal for tea time, a casual dessert, or even as a special gift for friends and family. With their crispy texture, delicate sweetness, and rich, nutty flavor, these shortbread sticks are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Why Sesame and Vanilla?

You might be wondering why we chose sesame paste and vanilla to complement classic shortbread. The answer lies in the perfect marriage of flavors. Here’s why each of these ingredients shines:

Sesame Paste:

Sesame paste, often referred to as tahini, is a rich and nutty paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s a versatile ingredient found in both savory and sweet dishes, and its deep, earthy flavor adds a satisfying richness to cookies and pastries. In this recipe, sesame paste not only enhances the texture of the shortbread but also brings a warm, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the vanilla and sugar.

Vanilla:

Vanilla is the quintessential sweet flavor, known for its warm, aromatic qualities. In shortbread, vanilla pairs beautifully with the richness of butter, and in this recipe, it elevates the overall sweetness without overpowering the sesame paste. The natural sweetness and floral notes of vanilla perfectly balance the savory depth of sesame, resulting in a delightful harmony of flavors.

Together, these ingredients create a shortbread stick that’s slightly sweet, mildly nutty, and utterly addictive. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this delicious treat at home.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sesame paste (tahini)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg yolk (for binding)
• 1 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)
• Extra sesame paste for drizzling (optional)

These ingredients are simple to find and work in harmony to create a rich and flavorful dough. The sesame paste adds depth, while the vanilla rounds out the sweetness, making these shortbread sticks a true treat for the senses.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sesame and Vanilla Shortbread Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes. The air incorporated into the butter will help create that signature light, crumbly texture that shortbread is known for.

Next, add the sesame paste, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined. You’ll notice that the sesame paste will give the dough a slightly thick texture, but don’t worry — this is exactly what we want.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing slowly until a dough forms. Be sure not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough texture. The dough should come together into a ball that’s slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to help bring it together.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. If the dough is too sticky to roll, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Once you’ve rolled out the dough, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the dough into sticks. These can be as thin or as thick as you like, but aim for about 1/2-inch wide sticks. Place the sticks onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Shortbread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the shortbread sticks for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown and the center is firm. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as shortbread can quickly go from perfectly golden to overly crisp.

Step 5: Drizzle with Sesame Paste (Optional)

Once the shortbread sticks have cooled slightly, drizzle some extra sesame paste over the top of each stick for added flavor and a beautiful, glossy finish. This step is optional but highly recommended for an extra boost of sesame flavor.

Step 6: Let Cool and Enjoy

Allow the shortbread sticks to cool completely on a wire rack. Once they’re cool, they’re ready to be enjoyed! The result is a batch of perfectly crispy, golden sticks that are rich in flavor with a satisfying crunch.

Serving Suggestions

While these sesame and vanilla shortbread sticks are delicious on their own, here are a few ways to elevate the experience:

• Pair with Tea or Coffee: These shortbread sticks make a wonderful accompaniment to a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. Their mild sweetness and rich flavor pair beautifully with hot beverages.
• Garnish with Sesame Seeds: For an extra touch of sesame flavor, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top of the sticks before baking.
• Serve as a Gift: Package these shortbread sticks in a lovely gift box to share with friends and family. They make a thoughtful and unique homemade gift.

Why You'll Love These Sesame and Vanilla Shortbread Sticks

These shortbread sticks are the perfect balance of simple and sophisticated. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dessert that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. The nutty richness of sesame paste combines effortlessly with the sweetness of vanilla, creating a flavor that is sure to please. Whether you're baking for yourself or sharing with others, these shortbread sticks are guaranteed to be a hit.

Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting taste of homemade sesame and vanilla shortbread sticks. Whether you're enjoying them with a warm drink or as a sweet snack, they are sure to become a new favorite!