Salted Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Salted Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are a rich, nutty twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. With the deep, roasted flavor of tahini, the creaminess of butter, gooey chocolate chips, and a finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and indulgent. They’re chewy, flavorful, and uniquely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies elevate the everyday chocolate chip cookie with a grown-up twist. Tahini adds a subtle sesame nuttiness that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate and butter. The dough is simple to make—no mixer needed—and the cookies bake up with crisp edges and soft, chewy centers. A final touch of flaky salt makes every bite pop.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Tahini (well-stirred)
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
  • Flaky sea salt (for topping)

directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, tahini, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and smooth.
  3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
  6. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
  7. Scoop the dough into balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
  8. Sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt.
  9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and centers are just set.
  10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Serves: 18–20 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: approx. 30 minutes

Variations

  • Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast.
  • Add chopped pistachios or walnuts for extra texture.
  • Mix in sesame seeds for an added nutty boost.
  • Substitute part of the flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
  • Swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty blend.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back their gooey center.

FAQs

What does tahini taste like in cookies?

Tahini adds a nutty, slightly earthy flavor similar to peanut butter, but more subtle and savory.

Do these cookies taste salty?

They have a light salted finish from the flaky sea salt, which enhances the chocolate and tahini flavors without overpowering them.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the dough to compensate.

What kind of chocolate is best?

Use dark chocolate chunks or chips for contrast with the tahini, though semi-sweet works well too.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Not required, but chilling for 30 minutes helps develop deeper flavor and reduces spreading.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes, use plant-based butter, a flax egg, and dairy-free chocolate.

Do I need to stir the tahini first?

Yes. Tahini often separates, so be sure it’s well-mixed before using for even texture.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

Make sure the butter isn’t too warm and consider chilling the dough if your kitchen is hot.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just bake in batches and keep dough chilled between rounds if needed.

What’s the texture like?

These cookies are crisp on the edges, soft and chewy in the middle, with melty chocolate and a tender bite.

Conclusion

Salted Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are an irresistible twist on the beloved classic, adding depth, texture, and a savory edge to a sweet favorite. Whether you’re looking to impress at a cookie exchange or simply want something new in your rotation, these cookies bring bold flavor and buttery richness in every bite. Try them once, and you’ll be hooked.

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Salted Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Salted Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy, nutty, and rich with deep flavor thanks to the combination of tahini and browned butter. Finished with flaky sea salt, these cookies are an elevated twist on the classic chocolate chip treat.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 18 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup tahini (well-stirred)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chunks (dark or semisweet)
  • Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and cook until golden brown and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine browned butter, tahini, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir until smooth.
  3. Mix in egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually stir into the wet ingredients.
  5. Fold in chocolate chips. Chill dough for 30 minutes for best results.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  7. Scoop dough into heaping tablespoon-sized balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
  8. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are just set.
  9. Cool on pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Use runny tahini for best texture and smooth mixing.
  • Browning the butter adds a nutty, rich depth to the cookies.
  • These cookies freeze well both raw and baked.
  • Let the dough chill longer for thicker cookies and intensified flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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