Fast and Easy Israeli Tahini Cookies

4.6
(10)

A quick and simple Middle Eastern/Mediterranean hit. I've seen both little Jewish grandmothers in Jerusalem make these cookies and Bedouin women living in the middle of the desert. A great simple recipe that isn't too sweet, is very versatile and fast. Enjoy.

3
3
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
24
Yield:
24 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 24 servings

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup white sugar

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 cup tahini

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 355 degrees F (180 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.

  2. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder together in a large bowl; add butter and tahini and mix until dough is crumbly. Roll dough into small balls and press each ball into a flattened cookie shape using your palms. Arrange cookies in the prepared baking sheet and press with a fork.

  3. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake until cookies are golden, about 10 minutes. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cook's Notes:

Eggs are omitted in the traditional recipe for religious dietary reasons, but feel free to add them. One egg will make the cookies stronger while warm and two eggs will give them more bite and body.

Honey or brown sugar can be used in place of the white sugar.

Nuts, dried fruit, or vanilla extract can also be added to the batter.

It is very important to let the cookies cool all the way. They are very fragile when they come out of the oven.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

208 Calories
12g Fat
23g Carbs
3g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 24
Calories 208
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 16%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 18mg 6%
Sodium 53mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 23g 8%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 3g 7%
Calcium 69mg 5%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 60mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.