If you love the rich, nutty flavor of tahini combined with the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies, then you are absolutely going to adore this Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe. These bars strike the perfect balance between chewy and fudgy, with the tahini adding a subtle toasted sesame depth that elevates every bite. Whether you’re looking for a new twist on your cookie game or a dessert that feels both familiar and intriguingly unique, these cookie bars will quickly become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking a batch of cookie bars that are simply irresistible. Each ingredient in this list plays a pivotal role, from providing the buttery richness to the warm sweetness, all the way to that delightful texture and gooey chocolate pockets throughout.
- Salted butter (1 cup): Using room temperature butter ensures easier mixing and a smooth, tender crumb.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that complements the tahini perfectly.
- Honey (1/2 cup): Brings natural sweetness and helps keep the bars wonderfully chewy.
- Tahini (2/3 cup): This creamy sesame paste is the star ingredient, offering a nutty, slightly savory nuance that’s unforgettable.
- Eggs (2, room temperature): Provide structure and richness for the perfect cookie bar texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Flour (2 1/2 cups): The foundation that holds everything together and provides that classic cookie bite.
- Baking soda (2 teaspoons): Helps the bars rise just enough and contributes to the tender crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and boosts the tahini’s nuttiness.
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips/chunks (2 cups): Melts throughout the bars, creating luscious pockets of chocolate bliss.
How to Make Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F (175° C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your batter is mixed. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up. This step is simple but crucial to getting those perfect bars with no sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened salted butter, brown sugar, honey, and tahini until everything is fully combined and slightly creamy. Adding eggs one at a time keeps the mixture smooth, and stirring in vanilla extract gives the dough a lovely aromatic undertone. This mixture is what gives your bars that unbeatable moist and chewy texture.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute these rising agents and seasoning. Then gradually incorporate these into your wet mixture. Trust the process — this step guarantees the perfect balance of rise and structure without compromising softness.
Step 4: Add Chocolate and Bake
Stir in the chocolate chips or chunks, folding them gently through the dough so they scatter beautifully in every bite. Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan, then pop it into the oven. Bake for 16-20 minutes, depending on whether you prefer a slightly doughy center or a more set, cake-like bar. Remember, these bars continue to cook slightly as they cool.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Once out of the oven, let the bars cool for about 30 minutes to set properly before slicing. Cutting while warm might cause them to crumble, so patience here really pays off. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles and get ready to indulge!
How to Serve Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and pretty presentation. For extra flair, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top right after baking to highlight the tahini flavor even more.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars shine on their own but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes the dessert experience to another level. For a cozy twist, serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea to complement the nutty, sweet profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Try creating a dessert platter featuring these bars stacked alongside fresh berries or sliced fruit for a beautiful contrast of flavors and colors. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top just before serving to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe fresh and delicious, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This prevents them from drying out and keeps the chocolate gooey and melty.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When properly frozen, they will last for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Warm the bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes before serving. This helps revive that fresh-baked feel and melts the chocolate just right, making each bite extra comforting.
FAQs
Can I use natural (unsalted) butter instead of salted butter?
Absolutely! Just add a pinch more salt to the dry ingredients to balance the flavor if you switch to unsalted butter.
Is tahini flavor strong in these cookie bars?
The tahini adds a gentle, nutty undertone rather than an overpowering flavor, pairing beautifully with the sweetness of honey and chocolate.
Can I substitute honey with maple syrup or another sweetener?
You can substitute maple syrup for honey, though it will impart a slightly different taste and make the bars a bit denser, but still delicious.
What type of chocolate works best for these bars?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or chunks work fantastic, as their richness complements the nutty tahini. You can experiment with milk chocolate if you prefer sweeter bars.
How do I get the bars more cakey or more chewy?
Bake closer to 16 minutes for softer, chewier bars and toward 20 minutes for a firmer, cakey texture. Cooling time also affects the final texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about taking a classic chocolate chip cookie and transforming it into a Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe that feels both new and comfortingly familiar. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these bars are quick to make and impossible not to love. I’m excited for you to try them out and add this unique, delicious twist to your dessert lineup.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars combine the nutty richness of tahini with the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies in a convenient bar form. Soft, chewy, and slightly gooey when freshly baked, they offer a unique twist on a beloved treat that’s perfect for sharing or snacking.
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 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the cookie bars.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, honey, and tahini until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then, add in eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to add aroma and flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips or chunks evenly throughout the dough.
- Spread and Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 16-20 minutes for a soft, doughy texture. Note that baking longer will set the cookie bars more firmly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookie bars from the oven and let them cool for about 30 minutes in the pan to firm up. Once cooled, cut into 24 bars. Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the honey slightly.
- These bars keep well at room temperature but can also be refrigerated for longer freshness.
- You can substitute the chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit for variety.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
