Tahini Shortbread Cookies
Contributors
Cookbook
Soframiz: Vibrant Middle Eastern Recipes from Sofra Bakery and Cafe
Published by Ten Speed Press

Very simple to make, these cookies are everything in one bite: buttery and crunchy yet tender. These shortbreads work well when you need cookie crumbs for a crust or something to layer with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. They are also the perfect afternoon pick-me-up with coffee, tea, or our Tahini Hot Chocolate.
Makes2 dozen
CostInexpensive
Total TimeUnder One Hour
Make Ahead RecipeYes
Kid FriendlyYes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 stick (5 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1 cup tahini (see Note below)
Instructions
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Lightly flour a work surface.
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Combine the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and tahini in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until smooth, 4 to 5 minutes. Scrape the bowl. Add the flour and salt and mix on low speed until the dough is smooth.
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Transfer the dough to the prepared work surface. Divide the dough in half and knead until smooth. Roll each piece of dough into a log approximately 1 inch in diameter.
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Spread 1⁄4 cup sesame seeds onto a small plate. Roll each log in the sesame seeds, coating the log completely. Wrap each log tightly in parchment paper, twisting each end. Refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
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Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Slice the logs into 1⁄4-inch-thick coins and place on the prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart.
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Bake until firm around the edges and not colored, 12 to 15 minutes. Cool completely on the baking sheet. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Note
Sometimes tahini has a layer of oil that separates, so be sure to incorporate all the oil into the paste before measuring to prevent this dough from being too crumbly. If there is a visible layer of oil on top, it is easier to combine by pouring the contents of the jar out and stirring to combine. It is especially important in this recipe that the oil is fully incorporated or your cookie will not come together.
Read NextGreek Pita Pocket
Reprinted with permission from Soframiz by Ana Sortun and Maura Kilpatrick, 2016. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. Photographs copyright 2016 Kristin Teig.
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cuddlefish
Feb 13, 2017
I don't actually see a measurement for how much Tahini to use in the ingredients list here... that's going to be an important thing to know..
Cookstr
Feb 14, 2017
Hi there! Thanks for the catch - we've updated the ingredients with the correct amount. I hope that helps!

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