Name: Brown Butter Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter; 1/2 cup (120g) tahini (well-stirred, non-bitter); 3/4 cup (150g) dark brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 4 oz (115g) dark chocolate, chopped; 1/3 cup (50g) chopped toasted pecans; Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 89 reviews

If you’re craving a cookie that’s bursting with warm, nutty flavor and has that perfect chewy texture, the Brown Butter Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines the rich depth of browned butter with the unique, creamy nuttiness of tahini, creating a cookie that’s both comforting and intriguingly complex. With melty dark chocolate chunks and crunchy toasted pecans folded in, plus a finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these cookies effortlessly elevate the classic chocolate chip cookie into something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a tahini fan or new to this magical ingredient, this recipe promises cookies that will quickly disappear from your cookie jar and become a permanent staple in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white round plate in the center with a solid block of pale yellow butter. Around the plate, there are eight spaced clear glass bowls, each with different ingredients. Starting from the top and moving clockwise: a bowl with small chunks of dark brown chocolate, a bowl filled with rich brown sugar, a bowl with white flour, a bowl with two bright orange eggs in clear liquid, a bowl with a smooth light brown paste, a bowl with beige granulated sugar, a bowl containing various light brown chopped nuts with pecans on top, and a small bowl with white granules, salt and baking powder. The setup is on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to building the layered flavors and textures that make this Brown Butter Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe stand out. Each one plays a critical role, from the flour providing structure to the cinnamon adding a subtle warmth that rounds out the nutty richness.

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter: The soul of the cookie, browned to bring luscious, toasty notes that deepen every bite.
1/2 cup (120g) tahini (well-stirred): Adds a creamy, nutty base that gives these cookies their signature richness and moist texture.
3/4 cup (150g) dark brown sugar, packed: Sweetness with a hint of molasses, locking in chewiness and flavor complexity.
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar and helps create just the right crispness on the edges.
1 large egg + 1 yolk: Extra richness and softness, making the cookie tender and thick.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the other ingredients, adding that warm, familiar aroma.
1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation of the cookie dough’s structure.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps cookies spread moderately for a soft, chewy bite with a little lift.
1/2 tsp baking powder: Adds a subtle fluffiness without sacrificing density.
1/2 tsp salt: Crucial to balance sweetness and amplify other flavors.
1/2 tsp cinnamon: Offers a gentle, warm spice that highlights the nutty tahini and burnt butter notes beautifully.
4 oz (115g) dark chocolate, chopped: Pockets of rich, melty chocolate indulgence in every bite.
1/3 cup (50g) chopped toasted pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and an earthy nuttiness that contrasts perfectly with the soft cookie.
Flaky sea salt, for finishing: The finishing flourish that lifts the entire cookie experience with bursts of savory accent.

How to Make Brown Butter Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

This step makes all the difference — melt the butter over medium heat and keep stirring until it transforms into a golden, nutty elixir with a rich aroma. This brown butter infuses the cookies with a deep, caramel-like flavor you simply can’t get otherwise. Take care not to burn it and let it cool for about 5 minutes before using.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Whisk together your browned butter, well-stirred tahini, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Then add the egg, extra yolk, and vanilla extract, giving it another whisk until everything is luxuriously combined. This silky mixture is where the magic starts to build.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This dry mix creates just the right balance of lift and spice to complement the wet ingredients perfectly, ensuring the cookies bake up fluffy yet chewy.

Step 4: Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter, taking care not to overmix so you keep the cookies light and tender. Then stir in chunks of dark chocolate and toasted pecans, spreading those luscious pockets of texture and flavor throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Drop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls onto a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling is key to helping these cookies hold their shape and maintain that desirable chewy thickness after baking. Plus, it makes the dough easier to work with.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Space your dough balls about 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet, then bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want the edges to be golden while the centers stay soft and inviting—just the way a perfect chocolate chip cookie should be.

Step 7: Finish and Cool

Right out of the oven, sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt. This step adds a fabulous salty-sweet pop that elevates every bite. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they set properly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm.

How to Serve Brown Butter Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Eight round cookies with a golden-brown color and chunks of dark chocolate and pecans are spread across a crinkled piece of white parchment paper. The cookies have a slightly cracked surface showing their soft texture inside, and a few pieces of coarse salt are sprinkled on top. Whole and broken pecans as well as some chocolate chips are scattered around on the dark gray textured surface beneath the parchment paper, which is replaced with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are delicious on their own but a light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can add a lovely touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top adds visual appeal and extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, almond milk, or even a creamy chai latte to complement the warming cinnamon and nutty tahini flavors. They’re also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a delightful contrast between warm cookie and cool creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gift, arrange the cookies on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of toasted nuts and chocolate chunks to highlight the ingredients. You can sandwich two cookies with a layer of tahini-infused frosting or chocolate ganache for an impressive twist. Plated next to fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream, they turn into a simple yet sophisticated dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy. They usually last about 3 to 4 days, though if you’re anything like me, they’ll be gone much sooner because they’re just that irresistible.

Freezing

The dough freezes beautifully—simply scoop it into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip-top bag. When cravings strike, bake them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Cookies will keep well frozen for up to 3 months without losing any of their fresh-baked magic.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of that fresh-baked softness, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave will revive the melty chocolate and warm the tahini essence, making them just like they just came out of the oven again. Perfect for satisfying those last-minute cookie cravings!

FAQs

What does tahini do in these cookies?

Tahini adds a beautiful nutty flavor and helps keep the dough moist. It creates a wonderfully rich and creamy texture that perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate chips, making the cookies uniquely delicious.

Can I substitute tahini with something else?

While tahini is the star here, you could try using smooth almond butter or peanut butter, but keep in mind that the flavor will change. Tahini provides a subtle, toasted sesame note that’s hard to replicate precisely with other nut butters.

Why do we brown the butter?

Browned butter adds a deep, caramel-like nuttiness that regular melted butter doesn’t have. This extra flavor depth pairs beautifully with tahini and gives the cookies a warm, inviting aroma and taste.

How thick should the cookie dough balls be when baking?

Using 2-tablespoon-sized scoops and chilling them before baking helps maintain thickness and chewiness. This size yields cookies that are substantial without spreading too thin and losing their soft texture.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Layering cookies with parchment paper prevents sticking and helps maintain their texture. They’re best enjoyed within a few days for optimal softness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Brown Butter Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe enough—each bite feels like a little celebration of cozy flavors and perfect textures. The combination of browned butter’s richness and tahini’s unique nuttiness elevates this cookie from ordinary to extraordinary. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and prepare to fall in love with a cookie that’s destined to become a beloved classic in your home. Trust me, once you try it, these will be your new go-to for sharing smiles (and sweets) with everyone you love!