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There’s a wonderful moment when you crack open a warm cookie fresh from the oven, and that gooey center oozes with chocolate goodness. But what if I told you there’s a way to elevate that classic experience with a nutty twist? Enter my Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies—a delightful fusion of flavors that’s bound to impress!

I discovered this recipe after a particularly engrossing conversation with a friend about unique baking substitutes. The idea of using tahini—widely known for its creamy texture and rich, nutty essence—was a game changer. Paired with semisweet chocolate chips and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these cookies strike an incredible balance of flavors.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these treats are easy to bake and highly versatile. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to delight not just your taste buds but everyone around your kitchen. Let’s dive into this exceptional recipe that proves gourmet desserts can be oh-so-simple!

Why are Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies special?

Elevated Flavor: The tahini introduces a unique, nutty depth that traditional cookies often lack, transforming a familiar favorite into something extraordinary.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether you’re baking for family or hosting a gathering, these cookies captivate everyone’s taste buds with their gooey centers and crispy edges.

Quick and Easy: With straightforward instructions, you’ll have decadent cookies ready to impress in no time, even if you’re a busy home cook.

Versatile Options: Substitute tahini with other butters or chocolate varieties to make these cookies your own, keeping things exciting for every occasion.

Nut-Free Delight: Perfect for those with nut allergies, these cookies maintain a rich flavor without compromising on taste, ensuring all can enjoy this sweet treat!

Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough

Salted Butter – 1 stick / 113g; ensures a rich texture, and remember to use it at room temperature for easy creaming.
Brown Sugar – 1/2 cup / 100g; adds moisture and caramel flavor, with coconut sugar as a healthy substitute option.
Granulated Sugar – 1/2 cup / 100g; enhances sweetness and the cookie structure for that perfect bite.
Tahini – 2/3 cup / 150g; introduces a creamy, nutty flavor, easily swapped for almond or sunflower seed butter.
Egg – 1; acts as a binding agent for moisture—try a flax egg if you need an egg-free option!
Vanilla Extract – 1 1/2 teaspoons; enhances the overall flavor profile, making every bite delightful.
All-Purpose Flour – 1 1/4 cups / 150g; provides structure—gluten-free flour can make these cookies accessible to more diets.
Salt – 1 teaspoon; balances sweetness, elevating the flavor of the cookies.
Baking Soda – 1 teaspoon; acts as a leavening agent to give your cookies the right texture.
Semisweet or Bittersweet Chocolate Chips – 9 oz / 250g; adds that sweet richness, and always opt for high-quality chocolate for best results.

For Topping

Flaky Sea Salt – Optional; sprinkle immediately after baking to provide an extra flavor kick without overpowering the sweetness.

Indulge in these Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies and experience a unique dessert that your taste buds will adore!

How to Make Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cream Together: Begin by creaming the room temperature butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and tahini using a hand mixer. Mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl halfway through.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing for an additional minute until well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients until just incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender texture.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step is crucial for achieving a perfect texture and flavor.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Scoop and Shape: Using a cookie scoop, portion out dough into golf ball-sized amounts (about 2-3 tablespoons). Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet and gently flatten each ball to about 1 inch thick.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 10–11 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft. Remember, slightly underbaked cookies will give you that gooey center!
Finish with Flaky Salt: Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavor. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before serving them warm.

Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days in advance, tightly wrapped to retain moisture. Alternatively, shape the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months—just bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. When you’re ready to enjoy these cookies, simply preheat your oven and bake them straight from the fridge or freezer for delightful, fresh-from-the-oven goodness. This way, you can indulge in their rich flavors with minimal effort whenever a craving strikes!

Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize these cookies and let your creativity shine through in every bite!

Nut-Free: Swap tahini for sunflower seed butter to keep it nut-free, while offering a nutty and creamy texture.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to cater to gluten-sensitive friends.
Dairy-Free: Replace salted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a vegan-friendly version.
Sweetener Swap: Substitute brown and granulated sugars with maple syrup or agave nectar for a natural sweetening alternative—just reduce the flour slightly to balance the moisture!
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic twist that elevates the cookies.
Fruity Touch: Toss in some dried cranberries or cherries for a pop of color and tartness that complements the rich chocolate.
Chunky Upgrade: For an added crunch, fold in chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or even a handful of toasted coconut flakes.
Chocolate Variation: Experiment with white chocolate chips or dark chocolate for a different level of sweetness and flavor, enhancing the sophistication of your cookie experience.

Expert Tips for Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies

Measure Accurately: Weigh your ingredients for the best results; even a slight variation can affect the dough’s texture.
Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to create a light, fluffy mix. This step is key for proper creaming.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors, preventing excessive spreading during baking.
Don’t Over-Bake: For that perfect gooey center, remove cookies when they’re just underdone. They will continue to cook as they cool.
High-Quality Chocolate: Using good-quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips will ensure richer flavors in your Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Storage Tips for Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy for enjoyable snacking.
Fridge: For prolonged freshness, keep the cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Allow for quick, easy treats anytime!
Dough Storage: The uncooked dough can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time. Enjoy your Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies any time you crave a sweet treat!

What to Serve with Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Imagine the delightful aroma of warm cookies wafting through your kitchen, beckoning you to create an unforgettable dessert experience.

Coffee: The rich flavors of dark or medium-roast coffee perfectly balance the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing your treat’s nuttiness.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a classic dessert experience, and its coolness contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey cookies.
Rich Hot Chocolate: A mug of rich, velvety hot chocolate brings out the chocolatey goodness, making this duo perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings.
Fresh Berries: Sweet and tart berries like raspberries or strawberries offer a fresh pop of flavor, cutting through the richness while adding a burst of color to your dessert spread.
Dessert Wine: A glass of dessert wine, such as a sweet Moscato, complements the cookies’ nutty richness while enhancing their overall flavor profile.
Chilled Almond Milk: For a nut-free option that aligns with the tahini base, chilled almond or oat milk provides a smooth, creamy pairing that everyone will love.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy, sweet treats resonate with the tahini flavors while adding a tropical twist, making for an exciting flavor adventure in every bite.

Dig into these delightful pairings, and elevate your dessert experience with Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies to new heights!

Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right tahini?
When selecting tahini for your Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies, look for sesame paste with a creamy, smooth texture. Ideally, it should be made solely from ground sesame seeds without added oils or preservatives. Check for a light beige color; darker tahini can have a more bitter taste and may not pair as well with the sweetness of your cookies.

How should I store my cookies?
Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness. If you want to keep them longer, they can be kept in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just ensure they’re sealed properly to prevent them from drying out!

Can I freeze the dough for future baking?
Absolutely! To freeze the cookie dough, shape it into individual cookie balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time without thawing.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find that your cookies spread excessively, it could be due to several reasons. Ensure your butter is properly softened—not melted—and that you’ve chilled your dough for at least 2 hours. If your dough is too warm when you scoop it, it will likely spread more. Additionally, try adding a little extra flour (1-2 tablespoons) to the mixture for added structure.

Are these cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, these Gooey Salted Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fantastic nut-free option! Tahini, made from sesame seeds, provides a delightful nutty flavor without the allergens found in traditional nut butters. Just be sure to check the packaging of your chocolate chips to confirm they’re nut-free as well.

Can I substitute tahini with other ingredients?
Certainly! If tahini isn’t your preference, you can easily swap it with almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Each will impart its unique flavor while still maintaining that creamy texture essential for the cookie. Just keep in mind that using a nut butter will change the flavor profile slightly, but it will still yield delicious results!