Tahini Swirl Chocolate Chunk Cookies

If you’re a fan of cookies that bring a unique twist to the classic chocolate chip, these Tahini Swirl Chocolate Chunk Cookies are about to become your new favorite. Imagine rich, nutty tahini intertwined with gooey dark chocolate chunks, creating a chewy, slightly crispy cookie that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies deliver a delightful balance of savory and sweet that you won’t find in your ordinary chocolate chip cookie. Plus, the tahini adds a subtle depth that elevates the cookie to gourmet status without any extra fuss.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Unique flavor profile: The tahini swirl adds a toasty, nutty dimension that complements the bittersweet chocolate chunks perfectly.
• Chewy and soft texture: These cookies have just the right balance of chew and slight crispness on the edges, making each bite satisfying.
• Simple ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry, making this recipe easy and accessible.
• Quick prep: No complicated steps or chilling times—perfect for spontaneous cookie cravings.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite nuts or chocolate types if you want to mix it up.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 1 cup tahini: This is the star ingredient that brings a creamy, nutty flavor and a bit of moisture to the dough.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Adds rich molasses notes and helps with the chewy texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and aroma.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the cookies a nice rise and tender crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
• 1 cup dark chocolate chunks: Melts into pockets of delight throughout the cookie, adding richness and texture.

Appliances & Accessories

• Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately before mixing.
• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes beating together butter, sugar, and eggs easier and faster.
• Baking sheet: Use a rimmed sheet for even baking.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurement.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and maintain their texture.

Tahini Swirl Chocolate Chunk Cookies Made Stepwise

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the tahini, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the mixture with a warm, aromatic flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet tahini mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until just combined—overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chunks

Fold in the dark chocolate chunks, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the dough for bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.

Step 6: Form and Swirl

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. To get the signature tahini swirl effect, lightly swirl a little extra tahini on top of each cookie dollop with the back of a spoon or a toothpick. This not only looks beautiful but intensifies the nutty flavor.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft. Avoid overbaking to maintain that perfect chewy texture.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Tahini Swirl Chocolate Chunk Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite tea!

International Equivalents

• All-purpose flour: Plain flour (UK, Australia, New Zealand)
• Brown sugar: Soft light brown sugar or demerara sugar (UK)
• Granulated sugar: Caster sugar in many countries
• Dark chocolate chunks: Use dark chocolate chips or chopped bittersweet chocolate
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla essence or vanilla flavoring (ensure pure for best taste)

What Could Go Wrong

• Overmixing the dough: This can develop too much gluten, making your cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Too hot, and the edges burn before the center cooks; too low, and cookies spread too much and become flat.
• Adding too much tahini on top: While the swirl is delicious, too much can cause cookies to be greasy or not set properly.
• Not spacing cookies properly: Cookies baked too close together will merge, losing their individual shape.

Best Ways to Store

To keep your Tahini Swirl Chocolate Chunk Cookies fresh and chewy:

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven for a freshly baked taste.

Quick Questions

Can I substitute tahini with another nut butter?

Yes, you can use almond or sunflower seed butter as alternatives, but keep in mind that the flavor will change. Tahini’s unique sesame flavor is key to the cookie’s signature taste.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour which contains gluten. To make gluten-free cookies, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used 1:1 in baking.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate chunks will make the cookies sweeter and creamier, so adjust your sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling isn’t necessary for this recipe. The dough can be baked immediately after mixing, making it a quick and convenient treat.

Before You Go

Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next baking session and share it with friends who love cookies with a twist. The combination of tahini and chocolate is a match made in dessert heaven, and once you try these Tahini Swirl Chocolate Chunk Cookies, you’ll understand why they’re so addictive. Happy baking!

Enjoy the perfect balance of nutty tahini and rich chocolate in every bite of these irresistible cookies. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for a batch of cookies that’s anything but ordinary!

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