Peanut Butter, Tahini, and Chocolate Chip Cookies
Overview:
Peanut Butter, Tahini, and Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies. These cookies combine the rich and nutty flavors of peanut butter and tahini with the sweetness of chocolate chips, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s both familiar and unique. Below, I’ll provide you with a detailed explanation of the history, components, preparation steps, and estimated time needed to make these delicious cookies.
History:
The history of cookies can be traced back to ancient civilizations, but the concept of chocolate chip cookies, in particular, is relatively modern. The invention of chocolate chip cookies is often credited to Ruth Wakefield, who owned the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. In the 1930s, she developed the first chocolate chip cookie by adding chopped chocolate to her cookie dough, leading to the creation of a beloved American classic. The addition of peanut butter and tahini to this classic cookie recipe is a creative twist that adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
Components:
To prepare Peanut Butter, Tahini, and Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preparation Steps:
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making Peanut Butter, Tahini, and Chocolate Chip Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Peanut Butter, and Tahini
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and tahini until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Sugars and Eggs
Add the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar to the butter and nut mixture. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a cookie dough forms.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Form Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown, but the centers are still soft. Be cautious not to overbake.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these cookies are ready to be enjoyed.
Estimated Time:
The estimated time to prepare Peanut Butter, Tahini, and Chocolate Chip Cookies is approximately 30 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking, totaling around 40-42 minutes. This time may vary slightly depending on your baking skills and the efficiency of your kitchen setup.
These unique cookies blend the familiar comfort of chocolate chip cookies with the nutty goodness of peanut butter and tahini. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or savoring them for yourself, they’re sure to be a hit!
Nutrition Facts for Peanut Butter, Tahini, and Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here are the approximate nutrition facts for one serving (one cookie) of Peanut Butter, Tahini, and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the size of your cookies and specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 150-180 calories per cookie
- Total Fat: 9-11 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4-5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 20-25 milligrams
- Sodium: 100-120 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 16-18 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 9-11 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
Health Information:
-
Moderate Calorie Content: Each cookie contains around 150-180 calories, making it a reasonable treat when consumed in moderation.
-
Healthy Fats: The cookies contain fats primarily from peanut butter and tahini, which are sources of unsaturated fats, known to be heart-healthy. However, they also contain some saturated fat from butter and chocolate chips, so it’s best to consume them in moderation.
-
Cholesterol: The cholesterol content is relatively low, thanks to the use of unsalted butter and minimal use of eggs.
-
Sodium: The sodium content is moderate and should be considered if you are on a low-sodium diet.
-
Carbohydrates: These cookies are a source of carbohydrates due to the sugar and flour content. Be mindful of your carbohydrate intake if you’re watching your blood sugar levels or carbohydrate consumption.
-
Protein: While not a significant source of protein, these cookies do provide a small amount, mainly from the peanut butter and tahini.
Note: It’s important to remember that these cookies are a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Depending on your dietary preferences and restrictions, you may choose to make ingredient substitutions to adjust the nutrition content, such as using lower-sugar chocolate chips or whole wheat flour.