Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
If you love the comforting chew of classic chocolate chip cookies but crave something with a bit more depth and surprise, these Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies are going to steal your heart. By swapping out olive oil with creamy tahini, these cookies develop a unique nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate chunks, creating a flavor that’s both familiar and wonderfully new. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a special treat to impress friends, these cookies bring warmth, texture, and a subtle Middle Eastern flair that keeps everyone coming back for just one more bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in making these Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies sing. From the nutty tahini offering creaminess to the brown sugar adding moist richness, every component is essential for that perfect chewy texture and deep flavor.
- 1 ¾ cup flour: The backbone of our cookies, providing structure and chewiness.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and become tender.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the tahini’s nutty notes.
- ½ cup tahini: Creamy and toasted, it replaces oil for a richer, earthier taste.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor that enhances the tahini.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Provides that quick burst of sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
- 1 egg + 1 yolk: Give the cookies their chewy texture and hold everything together.
- 1 tsp vanilla: Adds warmth and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chunks: Pockets of melty richness that contrast perfectly with the nutty base.
How to Make Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, which is key for balanced flavor and the cookies’ perfect rise.
Step 2: Cream Tahini and Sugars
In a separate bowl, whisk the tahini with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for developing that luscious texture and to break down the sugars, which will help the cookies achieve their chewy, tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk the egg and extra yolk into your tahini-sugar blend, followed by vanilla extract. The extra yolk enriches the dough, making these cookies delightfully soft inside with a slight chew on the outside.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet tahini mixture. Doing this gently helps keep the cookies tender rather than tough, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth rather than feeling dense.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chunks
Gently mix in the dark chocolate chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. These generous chunks give you those irresistible gooey bursts of dark chocolate in every chew.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spoon dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 9 to 11 minutes. Baking just until edges set but centers remain soft is the key to chewy goodness. Once out, feel free to sprinkle some sesame seeds and flaky sea salt on top for an extra layer of flavor that complements the tahini beautifully.
How to Serve Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkling the cookies with toasted sesame seeds and a pinch of flaky sea salt right after baking is my absolute favorite way to enhance the nutty and sweet contrast. You can also add chopped pistachios or a drizzle of melted tahini for a more decadent presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of black tea, or even a frothy coffee for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside really brings out the tahini’s creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, stack Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies artfully on a platter with edible flowers or nuts around them. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with a layer of tahini-infused buttercream or dark chocolate ganache to take this treat a step further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The cookies maintain their chewiness and flavor beautifully, so you can come back to that delicious nutty chocolate combo anytime you like.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or zipper bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy or warm slightly for that freshly baked feel.
Reheating
For freshly baked warmth, pop the cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. Reheating brings out the softness and the tahini’s toasty aroma, making each bite just as delightful as the first.
FAQs
What makes tahini a good substitute for oil in these cookies?
Tahini adds healthy fats like oil but also brings a rich, toasted sesame flavor that plain oil can’t match. It makes the cookies tender and chewy while adding a unique nutty depth.
Can I use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! While dark chocolate contrasts beautifully with tahini’s earthiness, white or milk chocolate will create a sweeter, creamier cookie. Just choose high-quality chocolate for the best melt and flavor.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is not necessary for this recipe. The dough comes together smoothly and bakes perfectly from room temperature, which means you can enjoy fresh cookies sooner!
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can substitute the egg and yolk with flax eggs or another vegan alternative, but be aware that the texture may vary slightly. Tahini itself is vegan, so with these swaps, you can make a delicious plant-based version.
Why add sea salt and sesame seeds on top after baking?
Adding sea salt enhances the cookie’s sweetness and brings out the tahini’s nutty flavor, while sesame seeds provide a subtle crunch and extra sesame aroma, elevating the overall taste experience.
Final Thoughts
These Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a wonderful twist on a beloved classic, blending the comforting flavors of chewy chocolate chips with the alluring depth of tahini. Once you try them, I promise they’ll earn a permanent spot in your baking repertoire. So grab your ingredients, warm up your oven, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a batch of these honestly unforgettable cookies. You won’t regret it!
