Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) sesame seeds (toasted, for flavor and garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Optional: additional sesame seeds for topping

Instructions:

  1. Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
  5. Gradually add the dry mix to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in toasted sesame seeds.
  6. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  7. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions and roll into balls. Optionally, roll in sesame seeds.
  8. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set.
  10. Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.