Susamielli are traditional Neapolitan cookies with roots dating back to ancient times, particularly associated with Christmas celebrations in Naples. Their name comes from sesamo, the Italian word for sesame, which coats the exterior of these S-shaped cookies. Originally made by nuns and often referred to as susamielli delle monache, they were created as a more refined version of earlier honey-based biscuits that were common in southern Italy. The dough typically includes flour, honey, almonds, cinnamon, and citrus zest, reflecting the influence of Arab and Mediterranean flavors that have long shaped Neapolitan cuisine. Over time, susamielli became a staple of the holiday season, with different variations emerging for nobles and commoners alike. Their symbolic shape and spiced, nutty flavor make them a beloved part of Naples’ rich pastry tradition.

Susamielli are charming traditional Neapolitan Christmas cookies that are molded into the shape of the letter S. Crafted from a blend of flour, sugar, almonds, honey, and a delicate assortment of spices, these cookies encapsulate the festive flavors of the holiday season.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups almond flour
  • 2½ cups Honey
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 60 whole Almonds
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp cloves
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp star anise
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 lemon zest
  • 2 eggs whites

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  2. Warm the honey, sugar, and lemon zest in a small saucepan, heating the mixture until it reaches a temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius).
  3. In a spacious bowl, combine almond flour and spices, followed by the addition of warm honey mix. Use your hands to blend all the elements, working the mixture until a consistent and uniform dough is attained.
  4. Use your hands to knead the dough for approximately 3 minutes. Divide the dough into balls measuring around 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Proceed to roll each ball into dowels about 4 inches in length. Shape each dowel into an "S" form and position them on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper.
  5. Whisk the egg white using a fork and use it to delicately brush over all the susamielli cookies. Enhance the cookies' appearance by adorning them with whole almonds.
  6. Place the cookies in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they attain a gentle, light golden-brown hue. Following baking, extract the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a cookie rack.