Irresistible Tahini Thumbprints Cookies With Dulce de Leche

If you’re searching for a cookie that’s rich, nutty, and irresistibly chewy, look no further than Tahini Thumbprints Cookies With Dulce de Leche. These delightful treats combine the deep, earthy flavor of tahini with the sweet, caramel goodness of dulce de leche, creating a cookie experience that’s both unique and decadently comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to indulge a sweet craving, this recipe is an absolute keeper in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Fusion: The tahini adds a subtle nutty richness that perfectly complements the creamy sweetness of dulce de leche.
• Chewy & Soft Texture: These cookies have just the right balance of tenderness and chew, making every bite melt in your mouth.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create something truly spectacular and impressive.
• Perfect for Sharing: The elegant look and decadent taste make these cookies a hit at gatherings, gifts, or afternoon tea.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with different fillings or toppings based on what you have or prefer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines on simplicity, using straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in flavor, texture, and overall success. From the creamy tahini to the luscious dulce de leche, every item is essential to crafting these irresistible cookies.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the cookies.
• Tahini: Adds a rich, nutty flavor with a hint of creaminess.
• Butter: Offers moisture and richness, helping create a soft texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough, balancing out the savory notes from tahini.
• Egg yolk: Binds ingredients together and enriches the dough.
• Baking powder: Gives a gentle rise, ensuring the cookies stay light.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• Dulce de leche: The luscious caramel filling that crowns each thumbprint with gooey perfection.
• Flaky sea salt (optional): A sprinkle for finishing, amplifying both sweet and savory notes.

Variations for Tahini Thumbprints Cookies With Dulce de Leche

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. The base dough is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences without losing any of its charm.

• Nut-Free Version: Replace tahini with sunflower seed butter for a similar creamy, nutty flavor without nuts.
• Chocolate Filling: Swap dulce de leche for chocolate ganache or Nutella for a rich twist.
• Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for subtle warming notes.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg in place of the egg yolk.
• Texture Boost: Stir in chopped pistachios or toasted sesame seeds into the dough for crunch.

How to Make Tahini Thumbprints Cookies With Dulce de Leche

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the tahini, ensuring the mixture is well combined. Finally, sift in the flour and baking powder, gently folding them into the wet ingredients until you form a soft, cohesive dough.

Step 2: Chill and Shape

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle. Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced evenly apart.

Step 3: Create Thumbprints

Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, press a gentle indentation into the center of each dough ball, being careful not to press all the way through. These indentations will hold the decadent dulce de leche filling.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until their edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before adding the filling.

Step 5: Add Dulce de Leche Filling

Once the cookies are cool enough to handle, spoon a small amount of dulce de leche into each thumbprint indentation, spreading evenly but keeping it contained. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra flavor pop.

Pro Tips for Making Tahini Thumbprints Cookies With Dulce de Leche

• Use room temperature butter: This ensures easier mixing and a smoother dough texture.
• Don’t overfill the thumbprints: Too much dulce de leche can ooze out during serving.
• Chill the dough properly: It prevents spreading during baking, keeping the cookies perfectly round.
• Measure flour carefully: Too much can make the dough dry; spoon it into the cup and level it off rather than scooping directly.
• Experiment with toppings: Adding crushed pistachios or a dusting of cinnamon can elevate the flavor.

How to Serve Tahini Thumbprints Cookies With Dulce de Leche

Garnishes

Sprinkle flaky sea salt or finely chopped toasted nuts over the dulce de leche to add texture and enhance the cookie’s natural flavors. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a delicate touch for an elegant presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of spiced chai, rich coffee, or a creamy latte to complement the nutty and caramel notes. For an indulgent experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Tahini Thumbprints Cookies With Dulce de Leche on a decorative platter lined with parchment, adding edible flowers or sprigs of fresh mint for a festive look. For gifting, place them in a jar layered with parchment paper or in a beautiful tin with a personalized label.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store baked Tahini Thumbprints Cookies With Dulce de Leche in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep their soft, chewy texture intact.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a ziplock bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze fully baked and filled cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Warm cookies slightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh their softness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dulce de leche overly runny and the cookie texture gummy.

FAQs

Can I substitute tahini with another nut butter?

Absolutely! Sunflower seed butter or almond butter can be great alternatives, though they will alter the flavor slightly.

Is dulce de leche difficult to make from scratch?

Not at all. You can cook sweetened condensed milk slowly on the stove or in a slow cooker until it caramelizes, or you can buy ready-made dulce de leche to save time.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s suited for baking will work well without compromising texture.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they remain fresh for about 4 to 5 days but are best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal softness.

What’s the best way to prevent dulce de leche from leaking during baking?

Only add the dulce de leche filling after baking and cooling the cookies to avoid melting and spilling.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so captivating about the blend of nutty tahini and luscious dulce de leche that makes these Tahini Thumbprints Cookies With Dulce de Leche a must-try. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will quickly become a favorite in your cookie collection. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start baking these delightful treats today!

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