Chocolate Sesame Tahini Cookies

These unique and easy chocolate sesame tahini cookies have a subtly sweet taste and only a few ingredients. They can be called pantry clean-out cookies because most of the ingredients are items you likely already have in your pantry.

Feeling like you need a sweet treat but don’t want to run out to the store? This cookie is calling your name. 

Ingredients You Need

It’s amazing how a relatively short list of ingredients can make a delicious cookie. Here’s what you’ll need. A full recipe card is at the bottom of this post.

• Tahini: the base of the cookies, which provides a lot of flavor and is where you get most of the nutrition benefits. 
• Cocoa Powder: What makes the chocolate part of the chocolate sesame tahini cookies.
• Maple Syrup: An alternative to honey to save the bees! Maple syrup adds a rich flavor and a subtle sweetness to this recipe. 
• All Purpose Flour: Now, adding ½ whole wheat flour is something you’ll see me do most times. However, this recipe does not respond well to adding whole grains. You’ve been warned! 
• Non-Dairy Milk: Adds a slight creaminess to the recipe and keeps the cookies from being dry. 

Not only are there only a few ingredients, but these bake in only 8 minutes! 

What is Tahini? 

Tahini is similar to nut butter but is made with roasted ground sesame seeds instead of nuts. It is traditionally used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking. 

It comes in a jar and is light brown in color and can be used like to peanut butter in cooking, but the taste differs.

Sesame Seeds Benefits

Most health benefits come from sesame seeds, the main ingredient in tahini. While these seeds are small, they are mighty and packed with nutrients like protein, healthy fat, and vitamins and minerals.

One of the largest benefits of sesame seeds is their high calcium content. Calcium is important for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. One tablespoon of sesame seeds contains 88 mg of calcium.

Iron is another nutrient that sesame seeds contain in small amounts, with 1 mg per tablespoon. Iron helps carry oxygen throughout our bodies.

FAQ

What are Sesame Seeds?

Sesame seeds are tiny, oval seeds that come in various colors, such as white, black, and brown. They are used in cooking worldwide. You might even recognize them from the tops of burger buns. Sesame seeds add a crunchy texture to meals, and their taste is nutty and earthy.

Are Sesame Seeds Nuts?

Nope! Sesame seeds are seeds and are not classified as nuts. Most people with tree nut allergies can use seeds as an alternative. However, it is possible to be allergic to both, and people with nut allergies are more likely to have allergies to foods like sesame seeds (1). It’s best not to experiment without consulting your doctor or allergy specialist. 

Do Sesame Seeds Go Bad?

Yes, sesame seeds are high in healthy fats and can go rancid. The best way to store sesame seeds is in an airtight container in the pantry for 3 months or in the refrigerator for 6 months. 

You should not consume them if they smell “off,” look clumped together, or have any moisture. 

Tahini can have a shelf life of up to two years unopened, and depending on the brand, some can last up to a year after opening. It’s always best to check the best-by-date on the packaging to know when it might go bad.

You might also like: Do Peanuts Go Bad?

How to Store Your Chocolate Sesame Tahini Cookies

You can store your cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To extend the shelf life, place them in the refrigerator. To warm them back up, pop them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. 

Sesame Allergies

Sesame was added to the list of most common food allergies in 2023. Food Allergy Research and Education reports that the number of people with sesame allergies has increased over the past few decades. However, only a few are affected, with only 0.23% of children and adults having allergies. 

Do not make this recipe or consume sesame products if you have a sesame allergy or have previously had symptoms of an allergic reaction to sesame.

Next Steps

Make these cookies and enjoy! If you make them, tag me on Instagram so I can see your wonderful creations.

Recipe