Imagine the perfect blend of nutty richness and classic chocolate chip delight brought together in one irresistible treat. The Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe combines creamy tahini and butter with sweet honey and brown sugar, resulting in cookie bars that are chewy on the inside with just the right crisp on the edges. These bars are a delicious twist on a traditional favorite, guaranteed to become a beloved snack or dessert for your friends and family. Once you try this recipe, the unique flavor and satisfying texture will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly essentials that come together to create the moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured cookie bars you’ll love. Each one plays a key role, from the nutty tahini adding depth to the combination of butter and honey that gives you that perfect chewy sweetness.
- Salted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Using room temperature butter helps achieve a creamy batter that bakes evenly with a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Gives moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that complements the tahini beautifully.
- Honey (1/2 cup): Adds natural sweetness and softness to keep the bars chewy and delicious.
- Tahini (2/3 cup): This sesame seed paste is the star ingredient, lending a nutty, slightly toasty undertone that makes these cookie bars so special.
- Eggs (2, at room temperature): Help bind ingredients together and add richness to the bars.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors, adding warmth and sweetness.
- Flour (2 1/2 cups): The structure of the bars; all-purpose flour works perfectly for that chewiness.
- Baking soda (2 teaspoons): Helps the bars rise slightly and maintain a soft texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and enhances the sweetness and nutty flavors.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (2 cups): Semi-sweet or dark chocolate adds melty pockets of indulgent chocolate throughout the bars.
How to Make Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your pan and preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to ensure your cookie bars lift out smoothly once baked.
Step 2: Cream the butter, sugars, honey, and tahini
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, honey, and tahini until everything is combined and creamy. This step is key to getting a luscious base that will make your cookie bars tender and rich.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the mixture smooth and well-incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of aromatic sweetness that complements the tahini perfectly.
Step 4: Mix dry ingredients and combine with wet mixture
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until you no longer see flour. The dough will start to come together but remain slightly soft, which is exactly what you want.
Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks
Gently fold in the chocolate, distributing it evenly through the dough. The chocolate will melt slightly during baking to create irresistible pockets of sweetness.
Step 6: Bake the cookie bars
Spread your cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes depending on how doughy or set you like your bars. They will continue to set as they cool, so be careful not to overbake if you prefer a softer texture.
Step 7: Cool and cut into bars
Allow your cookie bars to cool completely in the pan—about 30 minutes—before slicing into 24 squares. This resting time is essential for the bars to firm up and be easy to cut without crumbling.
How to Serve Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking to enhance the contrast between sweet and savory notes. You can also drizzle a little melted tahini mixed with honey if you want an extra nutty gloss.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an easy dessert upgrade. For a cozy snack, enjoy them with a mug of your favorite coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into bite-sized squares for parties and serve on a pretty platter with fresh fruit like berries or figs. For a fun twist, sandwich soft cookie bar squares with chilled cream cheese frosting for a luscious, crowd-pleasing treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will keep them fresh and chewy while preserving their wonderful flavors.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and are perfect to have on hand for unexpected sweet cravings.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookie bars warm, simply microwave individual portions for 10-15 seconds or reheat briefly in a low oven. The chocolate will be melty and the tahini-infused richness will be even more comforting.
FAQs
Can I use natural tahini or does it need to be the creamy variety?
Both natural and creamy tahini work well, but creamy tahini blends more smoothly into the batter, giving a more uniform texture. Natural tahini might add a slightly more pronounced nutty kick if you prefer that.
Is it possible to make these cookie bars vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use flax or chia eggs instead of chicken eggs. Also, ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
How chewy are the cookie bars exactly?
These bars are soft and chewy with just a slight crisp on the edges—perfect for those who love a tender bite rather than a crispy cookie.
Can I swap the chocolate chips for something else?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, dried fruit, or white chocolate chunks all make delicious variations. Feel free to personalize the bars to your taste.
Do I need to refrigerate these cookie bars?
Because of the butter and eggs, storing at room temperature in an airtight container works well for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is very warm, refrigerate and bring back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you bake this Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without its unique, comforting flavor combination. It’s a lovely twist on a classic dessert that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping all to yourself. So grab those ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to some truly unforgettable cookie bars today!
Print
Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookie bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in rich and chewy Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, blending the nutty depth of tahini with the classic sweetness of chocolate chips. These cookie bars offer a soft, slightly gooey texture that bakes perfectly in a convenient 9×13 inch pan, making them an ideal treat for sharing or snacking throughout the week.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2/3 cup tahini
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookie bars after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature butter, brown sugar, honey, and tahini until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie bars tender.
- Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks evenly through the dough, ensuring each bite has some chocolate goodness.
- Spread Dough and Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 20 minutes, aiming for a slightly doughy center; they will firm up as they cool. For firmer bars, bake a few minutes longer but avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 24 bars. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Using room temperature ingredients helps achieve a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
- Adjust baking time slightly based on your oven and preferred cookie bar texture.
- Parchment paper lining makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- For a nuttier flavor, use dark tahini and dark chocolate chips.
- Store cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
