Tahini, the creamy sesame seed butter, might be a staple in savory dishes like hummus, but it also brings a unique and irresistible flavor to cookies. These tahini cookies are a delightful departure from traditional recipes, offering a nutty depth and a subtly sweet flavor that will have you hooked from the first bite. This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating these deliciously chewy cookies with crispy edges, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Gather Your Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds, for rolling (optional)
Tools of the Trade:
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Let’s Bake Some Tahini Cookies!
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. “Creaming” incorporates air into the butter, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
Step 2: Incorporate the Tahini and Egg
Add the tahini to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)
For a richer flavor and chewier texture, cover the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle.
Step 5: Shape and Roll the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop out rounded tablespoons of cookie dough and roll them into balls. If desired, roll the dough balls in sesame seeds for added texture and a beautiful presentation.
Tahini cookie dough balls
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are just set.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Baked Tahini Cookies Cooling
Tips for Tahini Cookie Success:
- Tahini Variety: While light tahini is commonly used in baking, you can experiment with darker, more robust tahinis for a deeper flavor. Keep in mind that darker tahinis tend to be more bitter, so you may need to adjust the sugar content accordingly.
- Storage: Store your tahini cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
- Troubleshooting: If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for a longer time or adding a tablespoon or two of extra flour.
FAQs:
Can I make these cookies vegan?
While this recipe uses eggs and butter, you can find vegan alternatives like flax eggs and vegan butter.
What can I substitute for sesame seeds?
If you don’t have sesame seeds on hand, you can skip them altogether or get creative with other toppings like chopped nuts, flaky sea salt, or a sprinkle of sugar.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
There you have it – a simple yet delicious tahini cookie recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and bake up a batch of these nutty, subtly sweet treats!
Plated Tahini Cookie with Milk
Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us! Leave a comment below and tell us how your tahini cookies turned out. And for more delicious recipes and baking inspiration, be sure to explore the rest of our website. Happy baking!
