1 pound unsalted butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup whipping cream
3 eggs
2 tsp. vegatable oil
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla
Zest of one orange or 2 tsp. orange extract
4 to 5 cups of all purpose flour
Small can of sesame seeds
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs. Mix well. Add in cream, vanilla, oil and zest. In a separate bowl, mix the rest of the dry ingredients. Slowly add dry ingredients to form a firm but pliable dough. Using about a tsp of dough, roll with hands on counter surface in long ropes, then fold in half and twist into a braid like cookie.
Place on cookie sheet. Brush tops of cookies with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
This one is my Mother’s recipe. I have made these cookies by hand with and without a mixer. I always give them out at Christmas.