Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie that you’ve come to love. These cookies incorporate tahini, a rich sesame seed paste, which not only enhances the flavor but also adds a creamy texture and unique nuttiness. When baked, you’ll be treated to a warm, chewy cookie that’s perfectly sweet with a hint of savory, thanks to the tahini. The blend of dark chocolate and toasted sesame flavors creates a balance that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why We Love This Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies Recipe
The combination of chocolate and tahini creates a flavor profile that appeals to both traditionalists and those looking for something different. The brown sugar coupled with the nutty tahini gives these cookies a depth of flavor that sets them apart from your average chocolate chip cookie. Additionally, they are easy to make, requiring simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. These cookies promise a chewy texture and a hint of crispiness at the edges, which makes each bite truly enjoyable. Plus, the addition of sesame seeds on top adds a delightful crunch. You’ll find yourself making these cookies time and again for friends, family, or even just for a cozy night in.
Ingredients about Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies
- 1 cup butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar (dark brown sugar recommended)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup tahini
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz dark chocolate (chopped)
- Sesame seeds (for topping)
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
How to Make Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies Directions
To embark on your cookie-making adventure, start by whisking together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients until they are smooth and luscious in texture. Next, crack in the egg and the additional egg yolk, adding the tablespoon of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until fully incorporated; you want a shiny, well-mixed base to work from.
Now it’s time to introduce the star of the show: tahini. Pour in the fragrant, creamy tahini and stir it in until you have a homogeneous mixture. This step is crucial as the tahini adds a beautiful richness to the dough. Following this, sift in your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Be careful while mixing; you should use a rubber spatula to gently fold in these dry ingredients. The aim here is to mix until you see no more dry spots of flour—be cautious not to overmix, as this could lead to tough cookies that lose their ideal chewy texture.
Once your dough is coming together, fold in the chopped dark chocolate, reserving a bit for sprinkling on the tops before baking. After all the chocolate is integrated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let your dough rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. If time allows, chilling the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours can intensify the flavors, making for a more delicious cookie.
While your dough is resting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, creating a perfect surface for your cookies to bake evenly. When you’re ready to bake, use a 3-ounce cookie scoop or your hands to form balls of dough. Space them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, around 5 to 6 per tray. Don’t forget to sprinkle the tops with the reserved chocolate chunks and a few sesame seeds for that finishing touch.
Bake these beauties in your preheated oven for about 13 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft and gooey. Keep an eye on them during those final minutes to prevent any overbaking. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This short cooling time will help them set before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies
When it comes to serving Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies, the possibilities are endless! You might consider pairing them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. Their rich flavor and chewy texture make them an excellent companion to your favorite hot drinks. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not create a cookie sundae? Place a warm cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delicious dessert that will impress everyone.
These cookies are also delightful on their own and can be served at various gatherings, whether it’s a casual get-together with friends, a family reunion, or even as a part of a festive cookie platter during holidays. Don’t forget to showcase their unique appeal by highlighting tahini’s health benefits, as it offers a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals. This makes them not only tasty but also a slightly more nutritious option compared to other treat choices.
Expert Tips: Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies
To elevate your baking game with these Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies, here are some expert tips:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, egg, and egg yolk are at room temperature. This helps the ingredients blend together smoothly, resulting in a better cookie dough.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Step: Allowing the dough to rest helps the flavors meld together and can significantly enhance the cookie’s final taste. Don’t rush this step.
- Play with Chocolate Types: While dark chocolate works beautifully, feel free to mix and match; semi-sweet or even milk chocolate can add a different sweetness level that is equally enjoyable.
- Size Matters: For perfectly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop. This ensures uniformity in size and baking time, resulting in evenly baked cookies.
- Top with Flaky Sea Salt: For an added flavor boost, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking. It creates a sweet-salty balance that can elevate the experience.
How to Store Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies
Storing your Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies properly will help maintain their freshness and deliciousness. Once your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to one week.
If you’d like to keep cookies for a longer period, consider freezing them. For the best results, freeze the cookies before baking. You can scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can remain in the freezer for up to three months. When you crave a cookie, just pull a few dough balls out and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Variation of Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies
There are numerous ways to personalize your Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies to make them more suited to your taste or dietary needs. Here are some variations to consider:
- Nut Additions: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and rich flavor.
- Different Seeds: Instead of sesame seeds, you can experiment with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as toppings for different textures and tastes.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies. Just ensure that the flour you use has a good binding quality.
- Add Some Spice: A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder can complement the chocolate and tahini, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Choco-Lot: For the chocolate lovers, add in chocolate chips or chunks in addition to the chopped dark chocolate for a gooey texture throughout the cookie.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies
Can I use natural tahini for this recipe?
Yes, natural tahini works well in this recipe. Just ensure it’s well-stirred to incorporate any separated oil.
How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
Your cookies are perfect when the edges are golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is not mandatory but highly recommended. It enhances flavor and makes the cookies easier to shape.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve a more manageable consistency.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate or even white chocolate, depending on your preference.
These Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies blend a classic favorite with a hint of nuttiness and flavor. They are versatile, easy to make, and sure to become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire! Enjoy creating these delightful treats and savor every bite.
Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (melted) Ensure butter is melted
- 1.5 cups brown sugar (dark brown sugar recommended)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup tahini Use well-stirred natural tahini
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Chocolate and Toppings
- 8 oz dark chocolate (chopped) Reserve some for topping
- to taste Sesame seeds (for topping)
- to taste Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and egg yolk, followed by vanilla extract. Whisk until fully integrated.
- Stir in the tahini until the mixture is homogenous.
- Sift in all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients with a rubber spatula until no dry flour remains.
- Fold in the chopped dark chocolate, reserving some for the top.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes, or chill it for up to 24 hours.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a cookie scoop or hands to form 3-ounce balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Sprinkle reserved chocolate chunks and sesame seeds on top of the cookie balls.
- Bake for about 13 to 15 minutes until edges are golden brown and centers are soft.
- Remove cookies from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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