Name: Chewy Honey Sesame Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 egg, room temperature; ⅓ cup honey; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 1 ⅔ cup all purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup light brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup sesame seeds

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Get ready to fall in love with these irresistible Chewy Honey Sesame Cookies Recipe that bring together the warm sweetness of honey and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds in every tender bite. Inspired by classic sesame peanut candy, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweet and smoky flavors that make them perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a cozy treat. Their chewy texture and golden sesame coating make them as fun to eat as they are to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up top view of a metal mixing bowl filled with a light beige dough mixture that has a slightly crumbly and sticky texture. The dough is gathered mostly in the center, with some bits stuck around the sides of the bowl, which shows soft reflections and marks from mixing. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chewy Honey Sesame Cookies Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component, from the browned butter to the sesame seeds, plays a key role in delivering that perfect flavor and chewy texture you’ll adore.

½ cup unsalted butter: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty depth that elevates the whole cookie.
1 ⅔ cup all purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds all those delicious flavors together.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfect chewiness.
¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
½ cup light brown sugar: Adds moistness and a subtle caramel note for extra chew.
½ cup granulated sugar: Brings a bright sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
1 egg, room temperature: Binds everything together and contributes to the tender crumb.
⅓ cup honey: The heart of the recipe that offers natural sweetness and chewy richness.
½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to round out the flavors beautifully.
½ cup sesame seeds: Coats the cookies with a delightful crunch and toasty aroma.

How to Make Chewy Honey Sesame Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting ½ cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, lower the heat to medium-low and let it cook gently until you see brown bits forming and a nutty aroma fills your kitchen. This browned butter is the secret to the deep, rich flavor in these cookies. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ⅔ cups all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. This dry mix is essential for the cookie’s structure and ensures an even distribution of rising agents and seasoning throughout the dough.

Step 3: Combine Sugars and Butter

Pour the warm browned butter into your mixing bowl or the stand mixer bowl. Add ½ cup light brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Beat them together until thoroughly combined and smooth. This blend provides both moisture and sweetness that contribute to the cookies’ chewiness.

Step 4: Add Egg, Honey, and Vanilla

Next, crack in the egg and mix until the batter looks light and fluffy, turning a lovely light brown color. Stir in ⅓ cup honey and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients bring wonderful flavor layers and chew to the cookie dough.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix here—combine just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies rather than the tender, chewy texture you want.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and pop it into the fridge for 45 minutes. This rest time helps solidify the butter and enhance the dough’s flavor while preventing too much spread during baking.

Step 7: Prepare Sesame Coating and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Pour ½ cup sesame seeds into a small bowl. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out dough balls, roll them between your palms, then thoroughly coat each ball in sesame seeds. Place them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheets to allow room for spreading. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges just start to brown. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Chewy Honey Sesame Cookies Recipe

A single round cookie sits on a white marbled surface. The cookie is light golden brown with a slightly darker edge, giving it a baked look. It is topped with scattered white sesame seeds that add texture and a bit of contrast. The cookie surface appears crispy and slightly cracked, showing its crunchy texture. There are no other items or layers in the image, only the cookie centered on the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of freshly baked cookies to deepen the flavor contrast. You can also drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate or add a few extra sesame seeds right out of the oven for a beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

These chewy cookies are wonderful alongside a hot cup of tea or a frothy cappuccino. If you want to turn snack time into a gathering, serve them with a platter of fresh fruit like sliced pears or citrus segments that balance their sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking a few honey sesame cookies with a spread of cream cheese frosting or honey butter between them for a delightful sandwich treat. You can also serve them with a drizzle of warm honey or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top for a festive party platter highlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Chewy Honey Sesame Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Layer them between parchment paper to keep their texture perfectly chewy without sticking together.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat that tastes freshly baked.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked warmth and softness, pop a cookie or two in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for about 5 minutes. This will bring back their chewy, melty honey goodness beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute maple syrup for honey in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap honey for maple syrup, but it will slightly change the flavor profile. Maple syrup adds a different sweetness and a less sticky texture, so expect your cookies to be a bit less chewy but still delicious.

Why do the cookies need to rest before baking?

Allowing the dough to chill helps solidify the butter and gives the flour time to hydrate. This resting process results in cookies that spread less and maintain their chewy texture, making the final product much better.

Can I use toasted sesame seeds instead of raw?

Absolutely! Toasted sesame seeds will enhance the nutty flavor even more and give the cookies a deeper aroma, but be sure they aren’t burnt, as that could add bitterness.

How do I prevent my cookies from becoming too hard?

The key to keeping these cookies soft and chewy is not overbaking them. Pull them out as soon as the edges start to brown, and don’t skip the rest time after baking to let them set properly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can experiment with a gluten-free all purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to help with texture and structure.

Final Thoughts

Making the Chewy Honey Sesame Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little bit of warmth and joy into your kitchen and onto your plate. Each cookie tells a story through its chewy honey sweetness and toasty sesame crunch, making it a beloved treat to share or keep all to yourself. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!