Black Sesame Paste

Ingredients:

• 30 g unsalted butter (This is the fat that makes your cookie soft and flavorful. It also helps blend all the ingredients together.)

• 20 g castor sugar (These small sugar crystals dissolve quickly, making the cookie sweet and smooth.)

• 10 g icing sugar (This very fine sugar adds extra smoothness and sweetness.)

• 20 g beaten egg (Eggs provide moisture and help bind all the ingredients together like glue.)

• 25 g finely ground almonds (These tiny almond bits add a nutty flavor and make the cookie rich.)

• 35 g finely ground black sesame seeds (These seeds give the cookie its unique black color and nutty, earthy flavor.)

Method with Explanations:

1. Step 1: Cream the butter and sugarUse an electric mixer to beat the butter and castor sugar together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy.Why? Beating traps air in the butter, which helps make your cookie light and soft.

2. Step 2: Add icing sugar and mix wellAdd the icing sugar and keep mixing until it's fully combined.Why? Icing sugar dissolves faster and helps smooth out the texture of the mixture.

3. Step 3: Add the egg slowlyPour the beaten egg in 2–3 parts, mixing well after each addition.Why? Adding the egg gradually prevents the mixture from curdling (separating). Eggs add moisture and protein, making the dough firm and stable.

4. Step 4: Add almonds and sesame seedsGently mix in the ground almonds and ground black sesame seeds until the dough is evenly combined.Why? These ground ingredients absorb moisture and add flavor and structure to the dough.

5. Step 5: Store the doughTransfer the dough to an airtight container and refrigerate if needed.Why? Chilling the dough makes it easier to shape and helps the flavors blend togeth