Easy Tahini Cookies Recipe

Easy Vegan Tahini Cookies {vegan, gluten free}

If you’re a tahini lover, you’re going to adore these Easy Vegan Tahini Cookies. They’re a super easy bake and take no time at all! Curl up with a cup of tea, a good book, and one of these delicious cookies. Oh, and they’re great for dunking!

I absolutely adore tahini, whether it’s smothered onto a piece of dark chocolate, stuffed into the gooiest dates, drizzled on lunch bowls or spread on toast, I don’t think I’ll ever tire of it! With only 8 simple and accessible ingredients, 15 minutes baking time and a delicious smelling kitchen, these cookies are sure to be your new favourite bake.

These Vegan Tahini Cookies are golden and crunchy on the outside, but soft and chewy on the inside – and to me, that’s the perfect kind of cookie. They’re especially delicious when still warm from the oven – you definitely won’t be able to stop at just one. I highly recommend dunking into a mug of cardamom tea with oat or soy milk – the BEST combination!

I’ve recently tested these cookies using oat flour for a gluten free option, and it works perfectly! Oat flour is super easy to make (just blend up rolled oats in a blender until a flour forms) and makes a great substitution for flour in this recipe. Just make sure to use gluten free oats to avoid contamination.

I highly recommend adding dark chocolate chunks to these cookies. The flavours work amazingly well together and it just makes them that bit more delicious.

If you make these Vegan Tahini Cookies then please make sure to comment below or tag me in your recreations over on Instagram using @ginabnutrition or #ginabnutrition – I love to see them! Happy baking friends!

tahini cookies

For more delicious vegan bakes, take a look at my Trail Mix Cookies, Protein Blondies or my Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Muffins.

What Does Tahini Taste Like?

Tahini has a distinct and rich flavor characterized by its nutty, slightly earthy, and mildly bitter undertones. It often carries a subtle hint of sweetness, though this sweetness is generally milder compared to other nut butters. The flavor profile of tahini can vary based on factors such as the type of sesame seeds used and the processing methods.

The taste of tahini is somewhat akin to sesame seeds themselves, but the grinding process intensifies and enhances their inherent flavors. It’s this unique blend of nuttiness, earthiness, and a touch of bitterness that contributes to tahini’s distinctive taste. When used in recipes, the flavor of tahini can add depth and complexity to both sweet and savory dishes, making it a versatile ingredient in various cuisines.

Why is Tahini So Healthy?

Tahini is considered by many nutritionists and dieticians as a healthy ingredient due to its nutrient-rich composition and potential health benefits. Here are some reasons why tahini is often regarded as a nutritious option:

  1. Rich in Healthy Fats: Tahini is primarily composed of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are known to support heart health by reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and promoting a favorable lipid profile.
  2. Good Source of Protein: Tahini contains a decent amount of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass.
  3. Dietary Fiber: Tahini contains dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety (feeling full), and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Fiber is also beneficial for maintaining a healthy gut.
  4. Vitamins and Minerals: Tahini is rich in several vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (such as thiamin and niacin), vitamin E (a potent antioxidant), and minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and calcium.
  5. Antioxidants: Sesame seeds, the main ingredient in tahini, contain various antioxidants, including lignans and phytosterols. Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  6. Plant Compounds: Sesame seeds contain unique plant compounds like sesamin and sesamolin, which have been linked to potential health benefits, such as supporting liver health and reducing inflammation.
  7. Heart Health: The healthy fats in tahini, along with its antioxidant content, may contribute to heart health by reducing inflammation, improving cholesterol levels, and supporting overall cardiovascular function.
  8. Bone Health: Tahini is a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also contains magnesium, phosphorus, and other minerals important for bone health.
  9. Blood Sugar Control: The fiber and healthy fats in tahini can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for individuals looking to manage their blood sugar.
  10. Vegan and Allergen-Friendly: Tahini is a valuable ingredient for those following vegan or plant-based diets, and it’s a suitable alternative for individuals with nut allergies.
tahini cookies

The Ingredients – Tahini Cookies

If you’re planning on making these tahini cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients..

  1. All-Purpose Flour (1 Cup): Flour provides structure to baked goods. In this case, all-purpose flour gives the cookies a tender texture. Its neutral flavor doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, allowing the tahini flavor to shine.
  2. Baking Soda (1/2 tsp): Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become light and airy as they bake. It reacts with the acidic ingredients (such as tahini and maple syrup) to create carbon dioxide gas, which expands the dough.
  3. Granulated Sugar (1/4 Cup): Sugar contributes sweetness and helps with browning and caramelization during baking. It also plays a role in the cookie’s texture, keeping it moist and tender.
  4. Salt (1 Pinch): Salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, balancing out the sweetness and bringing out the richness of the tahini. It also contributes to the overall depth of taste.
  5. Tahini (1/2 Cup): Tahini is the star ingredient here. It’s a paste made from ground sesame seeds, providing a unique nutty flavor and a creamy texture. It’s also rich in healthy fats, adding moisture to the cookies and a delightful savory undertone.
  6. Non-Dairy Milk (4 tbsp): Non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, adds moisture to the dough, making the cookies tender. It’s also used to bind the ingredients together and create a cohesive dough in the absence of eggs.
  7. Maple Syrup (2 tbsp): Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor. Its liquid consistency contributes to the dough’s moisture and texture. It also complements the nuttiness of tahini.
  8. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies, adding warmth and depth. It works particularly well with the nutty and sweet elements in the recipe.
  9. Sesame Seeds (5 tbsp): Sesame seeds provide an extra layer of nutty flavor and a pleasing crunch to the cookies. They also reinforce the tahini flavor, creating a harmonious taste throughout.
  10. Dark Chocolate Chips (optional): If added, dark chocolate chips would bring a luxurious element to the cookies. Their slightly bitter and rich flavor contrasts with the sweetness of the dough and complements the nutty tahini taste. Chocolate chips also add texture and visual appeal.
vegan tahini cookies

Easy Vegan Tahini Cookies (Vegan and Gluten Free)

Georgina Burgess
If you're a tahini lover, you're going to adore these Easy Vegan Tahini Cookies. They're a super easy bake and take no time at all! Curl up with a cup of tea, a good book, and one of these delicious cookies. Oh, and they're great for dunking!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Servings 10 Cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cup All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Pinch Salt
  • 1/2 Cup Tahini
  • 4 tbsp Non Dairy Milk
  • 2 tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 5 tbsp Sesame Seeds
  • Dark Chocolate Chips (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 180C and line a baking sheet with baking paper
  • Sieve the flour and baking soda into a medium sized mixing bowl, then stir in the sugar and the pinch of salt
  • Add in the tahini, soy milk, vanilla extract and maple syrup and mix together until a doughy mixture forms
  • If using chocolate chips, stir these in now so that they're evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough
  • Pour the sesame seeds into a small plate or bowl
  • Take out a tablespoonful of the dough, roll into a ball with your hands, then roll the ball into the sesame seeds until covered. Repeat until all the dough has been used
  • Place the balls on the baking sheet and press down to flatten to about 1/2-3/4cm thickness (you can do this with the bottom of a glass)
  • Place the tray in the oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until starting to brown

Notes

Leave to cool for 5 minutes before removing from baking tray.
Store in an airtight container.
Keyword vegan dessert, vegan snacks

Why Use Tahini in Baking?

Tahini is a surprisingly versatile ingredient that has many qualities that make it useful to bake with. Although it’s usually known for its role in savory dishes like hummus and dressings, tahini’s inclusion in baking offers distinct benefits.

Its nutty flavor introduces layers of depth and complexity to baked goods, enhancing their overall taste profile. Additionally, tahini’s inherent richness in healthy fats contributes vital moisture to recipes, proving particularly advantageous in vegan baking where traditional binding agents like eggs and dairy might be absent. This richness also imparts a creamy texture, countering potential density in baked treats.

Functioning as a binding agent itself, tahini ensures ingredient cohesion, a challenge often encountered in vegan baking. Additionally, tahini’s subtle natural sweetness can complement other sweeteners, potentially reducing the need for excessive sugar.

Tahini also brings valuable nutritional attributes to baked goods due to sesame seeds’ protein, healthy fats, and mineral content such as calcium and iron.

Notably, tahini’s allergen-friendly nature, devoid of nuts, accommodates individuals with nut allergies.

Want More Cookie Ideas?

If you’ve exhausted these tahini cookies, or simply want something a little different, here are some of my favourites….

Soft Cinnamon Raisin Cookie

Soft Cinnamon Raisin Cookies (Vegan & Gluten Free)
These cookies are DIVINE. Cinnamon and raisin is one of the best combinations, especially when paired together in a moist, chewy cookie. These are gluten free and vegan, made with the simplest wholesome ingredients; oats, ground almonds, coconut oil, raisins. Give them a go, you know you want to!
Check out this recipe
Soft Cinnamon Raisin Cookies (Vegan & Gluten Free)

Why Not Try These?

8 Comments

  1. These are so good!! Just the perfect amount of sweet and a hint of tahini!

    1. ginaburgess96 says:

      Aww I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks so much for the feedback xx

  2. Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda?

    1. ginaburgess96 says:

      Yes just use more of it – about 1 tsp should work x

  3. These are the absolute favorite cookies in my house. Perfect cookies that are not too sweet. I just made another double batch for Valentine’s Day

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