Tahini Butter Cookies: A Nutty Twist on a Classic Treat

Tahini Butter Cookies offer a delightful, nutty twist on a classic butter cookie. With the rich flavor of tahini (sesame seed paste), these cookies are both indulgent and unique, making them a perfect treat for those looking to try something new or add a bit of flair to their dessert repertoire. The combination of butter, tahini, brown sugar, and vanilla creates a deliciously rich dough that bakes up into soft, chewy, and slightly crisp cookies.

Whether you’re preparing these cookies for a special occasion or simply as a sweet snack, they’re sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe, along with some helpful tips and advanced techniques to elevate your cookie-making experience.

For more delicious baking inspiration, check out these links:

• How to Make Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
• A Beginner’s Guide to Baking Cookies

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

This Tahini Butter Cookie recipe is simple and comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need and the step-by-step instructions for creating these nutty, buttery cookies.

Tahini Butter Cookies Recipe: Rich and Nutty Sesame Treats

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These rich and nutty Tahini Butter Cookies are an irresistible twist on traditional butter cookies. The tahini brings a unique sesame flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar. With a soft and chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Optional sesame seeds on top add a delightful crunch and extra sesame flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and tahini using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
   • Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until everything is smooth.

3. Add Dry Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, and flour.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together.

4. Form the Cookies:

   • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
   • If using sesame seeds, lightly press each dough ball into the sesame seeds to coat the top before placing them on the baking sheet.

5. Bake:

   • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The center should still be soft.
   • Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Enjoy your cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes

You can adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar if you prefer a more subtle sweetness to complement the tahini’s flavor.

If you want to make the cookies even more sesame-flavored, try adding a bit of toasted sesame oil to the dough (about 1/2 teaspoon).

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150-170 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Tahini Butter Cookies

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Tahini: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and tahini until smooth and well combined. The tahini should give the dough a rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture.
2. Add the Brown Sugar and Vanilla: Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until everything is incorporated and the mixture is fluffy.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Shape the Cookies

1. Form Cookie Balls: Once the dough is ready, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls. If you want a slightly flatter cookie, gently press each ball down with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
2. Optional Sesame Seed Coating: If you like, roll each cookie ball in sesame seeds before baking to add extra crunch and flavor. This step is optional but gives the cookies a beautiful presentation and an extra sesame flavor.

Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Bake: Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
3. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Advanced Techniques

For those looking to perfect their Tahini Butter Cookies, here are some tips and techniques to take these treats to the next level.

Add Chocolate Chips or Chunks

For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the dough. Dark chocolate complements the nutty tahini flavor beautifully, making these cookies even more decadent.

Chill the Dough Before Baking

If you have time, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.

Use Roasted Tahini

For a more robust, deeper flavor, try using roasted tahini instead of the regular, unroasted variety. Roasted tahini brings a more intense sesame flavor, adding an extra layer of complexity to the cookies.

Top with Sea Salt

For a sophisticated touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before baking. The salt enhances the sweetness and nuttiness of the tahini, creating a delightful contrast in flavor.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Tahini Butter Cookies store very well, so you can make them in advance and enjoy them over time.

How to Store Leftover Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 5-7 days.

Freezing Cookies

These cookies freeze wonderfully. If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to bring them back to life.

How to Keep Cookies Fresh

To keep your cookies fresh for longer, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any moisture, preventing the cookies from becoming soft.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you’re following a specific diet, these cookies are easy to adapt. Here are a few substitutions to consider:

Vegan Option

To make these cookies vegan, simply replace the butter with a plant-based butter substitute and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the eggs. Ensure that the tahini you use is free from any non-vegan additives.

Gluten-Free Option

For a gluten-free version of these cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to get the right consistency for the dough.

Nut-Free Option

If you want to make these cookies nut-free, simply omit the sesame seeds and ensure that your tahini is free from any cross-contamination. You could also experiment with sunflower seed butter as a substitute for tahini, though the flavor will be different.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use peanut butter instead of tahini?

While tahini provides a unique, nutty flavor, peanut butter can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that it will give the cookies a distinct taste, but they will still be delicious.

What if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough is too sticky to handle, simply add more flour a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If you’re using fresh tahini, it may be slightly more runny, so you might need more flour to balance it out.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will help the flavors develop further and make the dough easier to handle.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Tahini Butter Cookies are a wonderful and unique twist on the classic cookie, bringing together the nutty richness of tahini with the buttery goodness of traditional cookies. With their simple ingredients and easy steps, they’re perfect for a quick batch of homemade cookies. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just for a cozy snack, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With the option to customize the recipe with chocolate chips, herbs, or other flavors, these cookies will never get boring. Plus, they store well and freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them over time. Give these Tahini Butter Cookies a try – they’re a perfect treat to share with family and friends!