Chocolate Tahini Cookies

Name: Chocolate Tahini Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup tahini; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Classic Food

I absolutely love experimenting with rich flavors, and these chocolate tahini cookies are a delightful result of that passion. Combining the nutty richness of tahini with luscious chocolate creates a uniquely delectable cookie that I can't resist. As I baked them, the aroma filled my kitchen, blending sweet and savory notes that hinted at the indulgent treat to come. With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies come together beautifully, making them a perfect choice for any occasion, or simply to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Created by

Yasmin Thornton

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:58:34.542Z

When I first combined tahini and chocolate, I was skeptical, but the results wowed me! The smoothness of tahini pairs beautifully with chocolate's sweetness, making every bite a rich indulgence. I learned that using quality chocolate elevates these cookies, giving them a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress.

After several trials, I found that chilling the dough before baking works wonders—resulting in a chewy center and slightly crispy edges. This simple step made all the difference in the texture, and now these cookies are a staple in my baking repertoire!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with nutty tahini
Soft and chewy texture with a hint of crispiness
Easy to make with accessible ingredients

      

The Role of Tahini

Tahini plays a crucial role in these chocolate tahini cookies, contributing not just a nutty flavor, but also moisture and richness. This sesame seed paste helps create the soft and chewy texture that balances beautifully with the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Its natural oils lend a lovely sheen to the cookies, making them visually appealing and enhancing the overall mouthfeel. If tahini is unfamiliar, consider using almond butter as a substitute, but note that it will alter the flavor profile slightly while still delivering delicious results.

In addition to flavor and texture, tahini is packed with nutrients, making these cookies a delightful treat that feels a bit heartier than your average dessert. It’s rich in healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. For those with specific dietary needs, tahini is often gluten-free, making these cookies a suitable option for many diets. Just be cautious to ensure that the other ingredients, like the chocolate chips, are also gluten-free if necessary.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

Getting the cookie consistency just right can be a bit tricky. After chilling the dough, it should be pliable yet firm enough to form balls. If your dough appears too sticky after mixing, consider adding a tablespoon or two of flour to help with shaping. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven; typically, look for golden edges and a slight puffiness in the centers as cues that they are perfectly baked. Remember, they will continue to set while cooling on the baking sheet.

Another key to success is making sure your chocolate chips are high-quality. The rich flavor of semi-sweet chocolate enhances the cookies significantly, providing that decadent bite with every chew. Should you be looking to customize, feel free to substitute chocolate chips with chunks, or even make it a bit adventurous with dark chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for an extra contrast in flavor.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup tahini
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine tahini, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until smooth.

Stir in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips to the mixture until evenly distributed.

Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for about 15 minutes to firm it up, which helps with shaping.

Bake the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking. It enhances the chocolate and tahini flavors beautifully.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These chocolate tahini cookies store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to prolong their freshness, consider freezing the baked cookies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that soft, chewy texture.

For serving, these cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or even a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. The contrast between the warm, gooey cookie and cold ice cream creates an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. You could also crumble them over yogurt for a delightful breakfast alternative or dessert, merging luxurious flavor with a nutritious twist.

Adapting the Recipe

If you're looking to make the recipe vegan-friendly, you can replace the egg with a flax egg. To create a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water, letting it thicken for a few minutes before incorporating it into the mixture. This alternative works excellently and maintains the cookie’s texture without sacrificing flavor.

You can also experiment with adding in spices like cinnamon or a hint of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor even more. A teaspoon of instant coffee can really elevate your cookie experience by intensifying the chocolate notes, creating a more complex flavor profile. Don't hesitate to play around with these adjustments to make this cookie truly your own!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use almond butter instead of tahini?

Yes, almond butter can be used as a substitute for tahini, but the flavor will differ slightly.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop it into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.

→ Will these cookies be gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour!