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New Christmas Cookies
A simple one‑bowl cookie that combines nutty brown butter, creamy tahini, and a touch of sea salt. The cookies are baked until golden‑brown, then half‑dipped in bittersweet chocolate for an elegant holiday treat.
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Cost Breakdown
Critical Success Points
- • Brown the butter without burning it.
- • Cool the butter‑tahini mixture before adding sugar to prevent seizing.
- • Do not over‑mix the dough; visible clumps are desired.
- • Do not overbake; cookies should be just set.
- • Melt chocolate using a double‑boiler to avoid scorching.
Safety Warnings
- • Hot butter can cause severe burns; handle the skillet with oven mitts.
- • Steam from the double‑boiler can cause scalds; keep face away from the pot.
- • Chocolate can seize if any water contacts it; ensure the bowl and utensils are completely dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this recipe
What is the cultural significance and history of Brown Butter Tahini Chocolate‑Dipped Cookies in American holiday baking?
While not a traditional holiday cookie, the combination of brown butter and tahini reflects Milk Street’s philosophy of blending classic American baking techniques with global flavors, creating a modern, elevated treat that fits well into contemporary holiday cookie spreads.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for this Milk Street cookie versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe uses unsalted butter, smooth tahini, brown and white sugar, and bittersweet chocolate. Acceptable substitutes include European‑style butter, smooth peanut butter or almond butter for tahini, dark muscovado sugar for brown sugar, and any high‑cocoa dark chocolate.
What other Milk Street recipes pair well with these Brown Butter Tahini Chocolate‑Dipped Cookies?
They pair nicely with Milk Street’s spiced Polish gingerbread (Piraniki) for a contrast of chewy and crunchy, as well as the Austrian‑inspired Lindsor bars for a richer, jam‑filled dessert option.
What occasions or celebrations are these Brown Butter Tahini Chocolate‑Dipped Cookies traditionally associated with in Milk Street’s holiday repertoire?
Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street presents them as a holiday gifting cookie, perfect for cookie exchanges, office parties, and as a festive treat alongside coffee or tea during the winter season.
Why does this Milk Street recipe use brown butter instead of regular melted butter?
Brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that complements the earthy tahini and balances the sweetness of the sugars, creating a more complex taste profile than plain melted butter.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Brown Butter Tahini Chocolate‑Dipped Cookies?
Common errors include over‑browning the butter, over‑mixing the dough (which makes cookies tough), under‑baking (leaving a raw center), and allowing water to touch the chocolate during melting, which causes seizing.
How do I know when the Brown Butter Tahini Cookies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly golden and the centers set; the cookies will still look slightly soft but will firm up as they cool on the rack. A gentle press should leave a slight indentation that disappears as they rest.
Can I make the dough for these Milk Street cookies ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, shape the dough into 2‑tablespoon balls, place on a parchment sheet, freeze solid, then transfer to a zip‑top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2‑3 minutes to the bake time.
What does the YouTube channel Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street specialize in?
Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street focuses on bold, globally‑inspired recipes that are simple enough for home cooks, emphasizing technique, flavor layering, and accessible ingredients while often providing modern twists on classic dishes.
How does the YouTube channel Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street’s approach to American baking differ from other cooking channels?
Milk Street blends American comfort cooking with international flavors, using concise, step‑by‑step video instruction and a “no‑fuss” philosophy that favors one‑bowl methods and minimal equipment, unlike many channels that stick to traditional regional recipes.
What other Milk Street recipes are known for using tahini in sweet applications?
Milk Street has featured a tahini‑infused honey cake and a sesame‑caramel sauce for desserts, showcasing the versatility of tahini beyond savory dishes.