Salted Tahini Honey Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Salted Tahini Honey Chocolate Chunk Cookies are a chewy, nutty, and sophisticated twist on a classic chocolate chip cookie. With rich chocolate chunks, earthy tahini, sweet floral honey, and a final flourish of flaky sea salt, each bite strikes a perfect balance of savory and sweet. These cookies are indulgent yet wholesome, and they’re guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies offer a unique flavor profile that sets them apart from traditional cookie recipes. The tahini adds a toasty sesame richness that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of honey and the depth of dark chocolate. They’re easy to make, naturally refined sugar-free (if you skip chocolate chips with added sugar), and deliver crispy edges with soft, chewy centers. Plus, they’re great for anyone looking to explore new flavors in a familiar format.

ingredients

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

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Tahini (well-stirred)
• Honey
• Brown sugar (or coconut sugar, optional for deeper flavor)
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Dark chocolate chunks or chopped chocolate bar
• Flaky sea salt, for topping

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, tahini, honey, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chunks, saving a few to press on top of each cookie.
7. Scoop the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
8. Lightly press chocolate chunks onto each dough ball and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and centers are set but soft.
10. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and timing

Serves: 18–20 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 10–12 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: approx. 35 minutes

Variations

• Make them gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios for extra texture.
• Swap honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Use white chocolate chunks for a sweeter, contrasting flavor.

storage/reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months. To enjoy warm, reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes.

FAQs

What does tahini taste like in cookies?

Tahini has a nutty, slightly bitter flavor that gives the cookies a rich, earthy depth—similar to peanut butter but more subtle and sesame-forward.

Can I use sweetened tahini?

It’s best to use unsweetened, runny tahini. Sweetened versions may alter the flavor and texture.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chunks?

Yes, but chunks or chopped chocolate bars provide larger, gooier pockets of melted chocolate.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

No. The honey offers natural sweetness, which is nicely balanced by the tahini and sea salt.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Chill the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. This can deepen the flavor and improve texture.

Why is there flaky salt on top?

Flaky sea salt enhances the flavor contrast and adds a gourmet touch. Don’t skip it!

Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?

Maple syrup or agave can be used, but honey gives the cookies a distinct floral note.

Are these cookies chewy or crispy?

They have crispy edges with soft, chewy centers when baked correctly.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough?

Not required, but chilling for 30 minutes can help the cookies spread less and develop a richer flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

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

Conclusion

Salted Tahini Honey Chocolate Chunk Cookies are an elegant yet comforting take on a classic dessert. With their chewy centers, rich chocolate chunks, and sesame-honey flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—from casual baking to a refined dessert platter. They’re easy to make, deeply satisfying, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try one.

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