Tahini and Date Cookies

Middle Eastern · Winter · 30 min · Serves 20 · By Lesapor Test Kitchen

These tahini and date cookies bring Middle Eastern flavors to your winter dessert table. The rich nuttiness of tahini pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of dates, creating a cookie that's both satisfying and unique. Perfect for beginner bakers, these cookies are quick to prepare and require just a handful of ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup tahini, well-stirred
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped dates

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the tahini, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped dates.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.