As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet scent of melting chocolate mingled with the nutty aroma of tahini, instantly whisking me back to my grandmother’s cozy home. She always believed that the best flavors are born from simple ingredients, and that philosophy shines through in these delightful Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies.
With just a handful of items you likely already have on hand, you can whip up these soft, chewy cookies that are a perfect balance between indulgence and wholesomeness. Each bite offers a surprising twist of flavor, leaving your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, they come together in a mere 20 minutes—because who has time for complicated desserts?
Whether you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up or want to surprise friends with an unexpected culinary delight, these cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started and bring a touch of sweetness back to your day!
Why are Tahini Cookies a must-try?
Unique, Flavorful Twist: These tahini cookies bring a delightful nutty flavor that elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie.
Quick & Easy: With just 20 minutes from prep to bake, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in a flash.
Healthier Indulgence: Swapping traditional butter for tahini and avocado oil makes them a guilt-free treat!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings or casual snacking, these cookies will impress friends and family alike.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy warm or chilled, dunk in milk or paired with ice cream; the options are endless! Don’t forget to explore more delicious cookie recipes to keep your baking game strong!
Tahini Cookies Ingredients
• To create these delicious Tahini Cookies, gather these simple ingredients.
For the Dough
- Tahini – Adds a nutty richness that makes these cookies unique.
- Avocado oil – A healthy fat alternative that keeps the cookies moist.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies while helping them achieve that irresistible chewy texture.
- Almond milk – A dairy-free option that maintains the cookie’s soft and tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour – The foundation of your cookie dough; you can substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Dark chocolate chips or chunks – Introduces a rich, chocolatey experience to each bite; feel free to use semi-sweet if you prefer.
How to Make Tahini Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making clean-up a breeze!
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Combine tahini, avocado oil, granulated sugar, and almond milk in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well-mixed and creamy; this fusion creates a delightful base for your cookies!
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Mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just incorporated. The dough will be crumbly yet hold together nicely when squeezed, giving it the perfect texture for delicious cookies.
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Fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks gently. This added touch will melt perfectly during baking, creating those gooey pockets of chocolate you crave in each bite.
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Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough and place them on your lined baking sheets, leaving 2-3 inches between each. The dough is sticky, so a cookie scoop will make this step easier!
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Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just barely golden brown. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and tap the tray lightly to help them settle into a lovely shape.
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Cool for at least 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack. This allows the cookies to firm up while still warm, ensuring a perfect chewy texture.
Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for an extra flavor boost!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Tahini Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully while maintaining quality. To do so, mix all the ingredients as instructed, then scoop your dough balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake straight from the fridge (adding an extra minute or two to the baking time as needed) to achieve that fresh-baked goodness effortlessly. Enjoy warm cookies at a moment’s notice, with minimal fuss!
How to Store and Freeze Tahini Cookies
Room Temperature: Store tahini cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy!
Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: Freeze tahini cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a ziplock bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
What to Serve with Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Indulge in a delightful meal experience that perfectly complements the unique flavors of your rich, nutty tahini cookies.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A burst of vibrant colors and natural sweetness balances the richness of the cookies perfectly.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and smooth, its coldness makes for a heavenly match with warm tahini cookies fresh out of the oven.
- Espresso or Coffee: The boldness of coffee harmonizes with the chocolatey goodness, highlighting the deep flavors of tahini.
- Nutty Granola: A crunchy texture provides contrast to the chewy cookies, making for an interesting snacking adventure.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this brings a tropical twist that softens the cookie’s nuttiness and adds a fruity flair.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For the true chocolate lover, this offers an extra layer of indulgence with each bite.
- Almond Milk: This creamy beverage not only complements the flavors but is also a friendly nod to the recipe’s use of almond milk.
- Herbal Tea: A warm, calming cup can elevate the experience, inviting a delightful pause while enjoying your treat.
Invite your friends over and create a cozy moment!
Expert Tips for Tahini Cookies
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for the tahini and flour to ensure perfect cookie consistency. Too much flour can make them dry!
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky to scoop, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes. This will make shaping the tahini cookies much easier.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye while baking. Remove the cookies once the edges are golden for a soft, chewy center.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit for a twist on these tahini cookies; just be mindful of the overall texture!
• Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Tahini Cookies Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful twists on the traditional recipe!
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a celiac-safe treat. You won’t miss the gluten!
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Nut-Free: Substitute tahini with sunbutter for a nut-free version that’s equally creamy, perfect for school lunches.
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Red Velvet Twist: Mix in a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a touch of red food coloring to give your cookies a stunning hue and chocolatey flavor. They’ll be a feast for the eyes!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a unique heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of chocolate. Each bite presents an unexpected surprise!
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Chewy Oatmeal: Incorporate 1 cup of quick oats into the dough for a heartier, chewier cookie that adds interesting texture.
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Citrus Zing: Grate a bit of orange or lemon zest into the batter to infuse a refreshing, citrusy flavor, brightening up the sweetness.
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Chocolate Lovers: Go bold by adding an extra half cup of chocolate chips or try a mix of dark and white chocolate for a decadent combo.
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Herbal Infusion: Combine in some finely chopped fresh mint or basil for an aromatic brightness that takes the cookies to a whole new level!
Tahini Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of tahini should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using a creamy, well-blended tahini for the best texture. Look for a jar that has a smooth consistency without separation. You can use either light or dark tahini, but keep in mind the flavor may vary slightly.
How should I store leftover tahini cookies?
To keep your tahini cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they are well-wrapped, so they don’t dry out!
Can I freeze tahini cookies?
The more the merrier! To freeze tahini cookies, start by laying them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them directly from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, and they’ll be as good as fresh!
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If you find the dough is too sticky to work with, don’t worry! Chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This will firm up the tahini dough and make scooping much easier. Be sure to use a cookie scoop for neat cookie portions!
Are tahini cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Great question! While tahini is made from sesame seeds and not nuts, it’s best to keep in mind that some people may be sensitive or allergic to sesame. If you’re baking for someone with a nut allergy, I’d suggest checking with them first. You can also substitute almond milk with oat or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
How can I enhance the flavor of tahini cookies?
Certainly! For an extra flavor boost, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking or mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruits into the dough. This not only adds texture but also brings delightful alternative flavors to your tahini cookies. Enjoy experimenting!
Irresistibly Chewy Tahini Cookies You Need to Try Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine tahini, avocado oil, granulated sugar, and almond milk in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well-mixed and creamy.
- Mix in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just incorporated.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks gently.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of dough and place them on your lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are just barely golden brown.
- Cool for at least 10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.