If you are looking for a luscious treat that perfectly balances nutty richness with the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies, this Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars take the beloved cookie experience and elevate it by incorporating tahini and butter, creating a texture that’s irresistibly chewy and full of depth. The honey adds a subtle floral sweetness while the chocolate chips provide those gooey pockets of delight, making these bars a standout dessert or snack that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet thoughtful ingredients is key to nailing this recipe. Each component has a special role, contributing to the flavor harmony, texture balance, or that rich color that makes the cookie bars so inviting.
- Salted butter (1 cup): Brings creaminess and richness, making the bars tender and flavorful.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup): Adds moisture and depth with its caramel notes.
- Honey (1/2 cup): Offers a natural sweetness and helps keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Tahini (2/3 cup): The star ingredient providing a nutty, toasted flavor and irresistible creaminess.
- Eggs (2, room temperature): Bind all the ingredients together while contributing to the moist texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Flour (2 1/2 cups): The structural base that gives these bars their perfect chew.
- Baking soda (2 teaspoons): Helps the cookie bars rise just enough to stay fluffy without being cakey.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and amplifies the nutty notes.
- Chocolate chips or chunks (2 cups): Provide gooey bursts of chocolate that melt into every bite.
How to Make Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup. This simple prep step sets the stage for baking perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, honey, and tahini until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creamy blend is the secret to those cookie bars’ moist and tender texture. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to build a cohesive batter full of rich flavor. Finish by mixing in the vanilla extract for that homemade warmth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Chocolate
Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently just until everything is incorporated; over-mixing can make the bars tough, so keep it light. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks, making sure they’re evenly distributed for delightful pockets of melty chocolate throughout.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the dough evenly into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes, depending on how gooey or set you want your cookie bars. If you prefer them a bit doughy, aim closer to 16 minutes, but if you enjoy a firmer edge with a chewy center, give it the full 20. Remember, the bars continue to cook slightly as they cool, so don’t overbake!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool for about 30 minutes to set fully before cutting into squares. This resting time not only helps the bars hold their shape but also lets the flavors meld beautifully. Now you’re ready to indulge in these heavenly bites.
How to Serve Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the sweet and nutty flavors. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some melted dark chocolate or tahini glaze over the bars. Freshly chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts also add a nice crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookie bars pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a creamy latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. If you’re serving them as part of a snack platter, fresh fruit such as sliced apples or berries brings a refreshing contrast and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the bars in a rustic wooden box or wrapping them individually in parchment and twine for gifts or picnics. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve them as part of a dessert buffet, allowing guests to nibble throughout the event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The bars maintain their softness and flavor beautifully during this time, making it easy to enjoy them whenever a craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to extend their life, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen bars keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, microwave bars for about 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. This will revive the soft, gooey texture and melt any chocolate chips deliciously.
FAQs
Can I substitute tahini with another nut butter?
While tahini’s unique sesame flavor is what makes these bars special, you can try using smooth almond or cashew butter. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change, and the texture might be slightly different.
Are these cookie bars gluten-free?
The recipe calls for regular flour, so it’s not gluten-free as-is. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but be prepared for some texture differences.
Why use both honey and brown sugar?
Combining honey with brown sugar creates a balance of sweetness and moisture, keeping the cookie bars tender without being overly sweet or dense.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark or semi-sweet chips?
Absolutely! Milk chocolate will make the bars sweeter and creamier. It’s all about your personal taste preferences.
How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and a set center that still feels slightly soft to the touch. Remember, the bars will firm up as they cool, so it’s best not to overbake.
Final Thoughts
This Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe quickly becomes a beloved classic once you try it. The combination of tahini’s nutty depth, buttery richness, and melty chocolate chips creates an addictive, comforting treat that’s perfect anytime. I highly encourage you to bake a batch soon and share the joy — these bars might just become your new favorite sweet indulgence.
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 these rich and chewy Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, combining the nutty flavor of tahini with classic chocolate chips for a unique twist on a beloved treat. Perfectly balanced with honey and brown sugar, these bars offer a moist, tender texture and a subtle depth of flavor.
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 the oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, honey, and tahini until fully combined and creamy. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add dry ingredients and chocolate: Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks evenly throughout the dough.
- Spread dough and bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 20 minutes for a soft, doughy cookie bar texture. Baking longer will yield firmer, more set bars.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and let cool for about 30 minutes to allow them to set. Once cooled, cut into 24 bars. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Room temperature butter and eggs ensure even mixing and better texture.
- Parchment paper lining helps in easy removal and cleanup.
- Baking time affects the texture: shorter for gooey bars, longer for firmer ones.
- Store bars at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Tahini adds a subtle nutty flavor and moisture; do not substitute with oil.
