Toasted Sesame Seed Cookies

1 cup sesame seeds
2/3 cup butter
1 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Spread sesame seeds on cookie sheet.  Toast in oven at 350 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown, stirring occasionally.  Cool completely.  Melt butter.  Add to brown sugar in mixing bowl; blend well.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Stir in vanilla.  Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.  Add flour, baking soda, and salt; mix well.  Stir in sesame seeds.  Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate at least one hour for easier handling.

Grease cookie sheets.  Shape dough into 1 inch balls.  Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets.  Flatten slightly with bottom of glass dipped in sugar.  (Put ice water in glass).  Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 12 minutes or until edges are light golden brown.  Immediately remove from cookie sheets to cool.  5 dozen cookies.

 
In the South, these used to be called Benne Wafers