Chocolate Tahini Cookies

Name: Chocolate Tahini Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup tahini; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chocolate chips; Sea salt for sprinkling

Highlighted under: Family Food

I recently whipped up a batch of Chocolate Tahini Cookies, and let me tell you, they are a game changer! The unique combination of rich chocolate and nutty tahini creates an irresistible flavor profile that is unlike any cookie I’ve had before. In just 30 minutes, I had these delectable treats ready to delight my friends and family. Plus, the dough is incredibly easy to work with, making this recipe perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

Created by

Dahlia Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-05T20:18:34.667Z

When I first thought about incorporating tahini into cookies, I was intrigued but also a little hesitant. However, after testing several recipes, I found that tahini not only complements chocolate perfectly but also brings an unexpected depth to the flavor. My favorite part? The slightly chewy texture that makes each bite feel indulgent.

To elevate the experience even further, I decided to sprinkle a little sea salt on top before baking. This small step really enhances the overall taste, balancing the sweetness beautifully. Trust me, these cookies will surprise and delight anyone who tries them!

Why You'll Love These Cookies
Rich chocolate flavor paired with a nutty undertone from tahini
Chewy texture with a satisfying crunch on the outside
Quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion

Understanding Ingredient Roles

Each ingredient in these Chocolate Tahini Cookies plays a pivotal role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. For instance, tahini not only adds a nutty depth but also contributes to the chewiness of the cookies. It acts as a binding agent, eliminating the need for eggs, making these cookies a great option for vegan diets. The combination of brown and granulated sugars adds both moisture and the right amount of sweetness, enhancing that rich chocolate flavor without being overly sugary.

Cocoa powder is essential for delivering that luscious chocolate essence. Ensure you use unsweetened cocoa powder to balance the sweetness from the sugars. The baking soda in the recipe provides the necessary lift, helping the cookies rise slightly while retaining a chewy core. Salt is equally important, as it enhances all the flavors, cutting through the sweetness while highlighting the richness of the chocolate and tahini.

Tips for the Perfect Bake

To achieve cookies with a satisfying crunch on the outside and a chewy interior, monitor the baking time closely. Begin checking for doneness at the 12-minute mark; the cookies should look set with slightly golden edges. If you prefer a softer cookie, remove them just as they begin to puff. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after removal from the oven. A general tip is to bake only one tray at a time to ensure even heat distribution.

If you're not ready to bake all the cookies at once, consider chilling the dough for up to 30 minutes before scooping. This helps solidify the fats, leading to a thicker cookie that spreads less as it bakes. Alternatively, you can freeze the shaped dough balls and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the baking time for a last-minute treat!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your cookies:

Ingredients

1 cup tahini
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Sea salt for sprinkling

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious cookies:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a bowl, combine tahini, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle sea salt on top and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these cookies warm or store them in an airtight container.

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment by adding nuts or dried fruit for an extra twist!

Make-Ahead and Storage

These Chocolate Tahini Cookies can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy bakers. Prepare the dough, scoop it onto the baking sheet, and instead of baking, place the tray in the freezer. Once frozen solid, transfer the dough balls to an airtight container or a zip-top bag, where they can be stored for up to three months. When you're ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

For optimal flavor and texture, store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week, but if you want them to last longer, consider refrigerating them. If you're a fan of softened cookies, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying for that fresh-baked feel.

Delicious Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! For those who want to enhance the chocolate experience, try adding a mix of nuts like walnuts or almonds, which complement the tahini beautifully. An extra splash of espresso powder in the dough can also amplify the chocolate flavor while remaining subtle. Alternatively, swap out the chocolate chips for dried fruit like cherries or apricots for a sweet and tart contrast.

If you're experimenting with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor and gluten-free option. Just be mindful that this may change the texture slightly, resulting in a denser cookie, but it will still be delicious!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute tahini with another nut butter?

Yes, you can use almond butter or peanut butter, but the flavor will be different.

→ How should I store the 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 the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake when you're ready.

→ What can I use instead of chocolate chips?

You can use chopped dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even chunks of your favorite candy!