Sesame Seed Cookies (Ggae Gwa Ja)

Recipe from Angie, Louisiana.

makes 2 dozen

¾ cup sesame seeds
1 cup butter
¾ cup brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon hot water
1 teaspoon vanilla
2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt

Rinse sesame seeds and drain. Toast in frying pan or wok over medium-high heat stirring constantly. When seeds are slightly browned and puffed, remove from heat and cool. Cream butter with brown and granulated sugars Add eggs and beat well. Add baking soda, hot water and vanilla. Mix well. Stir in flour, salt and sesame seeds to make a stiff dough. Cover and refrigerate until dough is firm. Preheat oven to 325F. Roll heaping teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place on greased baking sheet. Flatten slightly. Bake 10 - 12 minutes.