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Tahini is not only wonderful in savoury sauces and dips but absolutely divine in baking. There is something truly more-ish about a sweet, baked, sesame treat. It is chewy (due to the fluid stretchy nature of tahini) and crumbly (due to the almond meal) all at once. An almond and tahini cookie that requires only 5 ingredients and 15 minutes to make. And one you need to make weekly if you want to snack better at 3pm and reap the health benefits of tahini.
Tahini Cookies Are So Good For Your Health
Did you know that tahini (sesame paste) is super dense in essential vitamins and minerals? With a good dose of magnesium, potassium, iron, protein and healthy fats, it assists in providing you with a boost of energy, healthy skin and muscle tone. It also assists in liver detoxification (so don't go and have this cookie with your coffee or you will negate its goodness) and helps with weight loss.
For the past few weeks, I have been baking versions of these cookies every week. The biggest challenge was getting the flavours right and making it vegan. Tahini can have an overpowering taste if you don't complement it well with other ingredients. For my cookies, I have kept it simple. With almond meal as the base and tahini as the emulsifier, all I have added to it is maple syrup, vanilla and salt (which of course balances the bitterness of tahini and the sweetness of maple to perfection!). Because it has no dairy or eggs, it keeps well for up to a week at room temperature (I actually made a separate batch to test this out as all the batches I was making were gone in 3 days!).
Tips For Vegan Tahini Cookies
A. I tested this with honey, but prefer this version with maple syrup instead. The honey version is delicious too but I feel this one is better. (I have included honey variation in the Recipe Notes).
B. I made several batches where I rolled them in between the palm of my hands and flattened them on the baking tray and then several other versions where I dropped scoops of the dough on the tray with an ice cream/cookie scoop and then flattened it. I found that the hand-rolled versions had a smoother exterior (which you see in all the baked pictures) whereas the ice cream scoop method gave a rougher exterior to the cookie. Both versions had a perfectly chewy cookie on the inside.
Enjoy the cookies! I would love to hear your feedback in the comments below. Please do leave a rating if you make this and love it. It definitely helps others try out the recipes too! Thanks dearies! Sneh x
Recipe
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5 INGREDIENT VEGAN ALMOND AND TAHINI COOKIES
4.93 from 40 votes
Adapted from The Yoga Kitchen by Kimberley Parsons
Print Recipe Rate / Comment
Author: Sneh
Course // Lunchbox, Snacks
Cuisine // Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 14
Ingredients
- 2 cups (225 g) almond meal
- 3/4 cup (200 g) tahini
- 1/2 cup (130 ml) maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- crushed cacoa nibs, chopped pistachios - to garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 170°C (convention)/150°C (fan-forced/convection). Line a rimmed cookie sheet/tray with baking paper.
Place tahini, maple syrup, salt and vanilla in a medium heavy bottomed saucepan on medium heat. Heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly until smooth and blended. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Add almond meal to the tahini maple mixture and mix until a rough dough forms.
Roll 1-2 tablespoons worth of the dough in the palm of your hands into a ball. Place on the prepared tray and flatten slightly with your fingertips. Alternatively use an ice cream or cookie scoop to drop dollops of the dough on the prepared tray and flatten with your fingers.
If decorating, press the toppings (nuts, seeds etc) on top of the cookie discs in the centre. Bake in the pre-heated oven for approximately 10 minutes. Switch off the oven and let the cookies brown slightly in the hot oven for another 5 minutes before removing.
Cool on wire racks. Store in air tight containers at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- Non Vegan Version - Use 150g honey instead of the maple syrup. Add 1/2 teaspoon baking powder to the cookie dough. This version will give you a slightly darker cookie so remove the cookies from the oven straightaway after the 10 minute baking mark.
- Cookie Toppings - You can use a selection of chopped nuts (pistachios), whole nuts (almonds), crushed cacao nibs or seeds (sesame).
- Tahini Usage - I like to use a traditional brand of Tahini imported from Lebanon. It is really runny and smooth which it really easy to cook and bake with (cookies, sauces etc..). You can see a picture of the massive jar on this post.
Did you make my recipe?I'd love to hear how you went! Tag me on Instagram @cookrepublic
92 Comments
Melissaon August 27, 2022 at 1:56 PM
Delicious! Easy to make and clean up. Great gf treat for us. Thank you!!!Reply
Emilyon March 27, 2022 at 5:01 AM
Just made these and they’re great. So easy to make. Chewy and soft like a peanut butter cookie. I topped mine with pink salt and poppy seeds. Yum!Reply
Vayouna Gungadinon March 16, 2022 at 1:44 AM
Hi Sneh! I am oh so glad to have found your blog around Divali last year. These cookies have been a success for my vegan clients. Love, from a Mauritian baker xx
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Janeon March 12, 2022 at 4:11 AM
I made these today but didn’t have enough ground almonds so used half and half ground almonds and polenta. I split the toppings and used cacao nibs, sesame seeds and black sesame seeds. They turned out really well but I think I overcooked them slightly as they are quite crunchy but still taste very good.
Thanks for yet another wonderful recipe.Reply
Rachelon February 24, 2022 at 4:41 PM
This recipe is proof that less really is more. I don’t think I’ve ever left a review in my life but after still making these several years after originally discovering the recipe I just feel the need to say that this *is* the best cookie I have ever made. Everything about it is perfect- it’s balance of salty, sweet, light and dense. And not to mention the ingredients are so clean! If I’m in a chocolate mood it’s easy to just add some sugar free dark chocolate chips, the recipe is so versatile. Thank you for such a flawless recipe!Reply
ashokon August 29, 2021 at 2:03 PM
Thanks For Sharing this amazing recipe. My family loved it. I will be sharing this recipe with my friends. Hope the will like it.Reply
Noraon July 29, 2021 at 11:58 AM
Hi there! I was wondering if i could substitute the maple syrup with natvia?
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Snehon July 29, 2021 at 6:03 PM
yes, you could definitely try. I haven't tried it myself so not sure about the taste. Cheers! x
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Gon January 12, 2021 at 6:12 PM
It was the only thing I baked in 2020 and will continue to do so. I call it the happy cookie. Thanks for the recipe Sneh!
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PMon November 8, 2020 at 2:27 AM
Hi
Any reason in heating up the ingredients before?
Does this make the cookies chewy?Place tahini, maple syrup, salt and vanilla in a medium heavy bottomed saucepan on medium heat. Heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly until smooth and blended. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
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Snehon November 9, 2020 at 12:44 PM
It is to soften the tahini enough to be able to mix it well with the other ingredients. If you don't heat it, it is like trying to mix something in peanut butter ... very hard 🙂
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Fionaon November 7, 2020 at 2:07 PM
I made this with half date syrup/ half maple syrup. It created a chocolatey flavour which was a nice surprise as I’m allergic to chocolate.I also threw some coconut in some of them which was also nice
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Jennifer Noemi Galvinon October 12, 2020 at 1:46 AM
Recipe worked out great. These are like perfect shortbread cookies. I was low on almond flour so used 1 cup almond flour and 1 cup casava flour. Also I cut the maple syrup down a good bit. Excellent.Reply
Don October 7, 2020 at 2:39 PM
I just made a batch of the dough and the tahini and maple mixture separated badly as soon as I started stirring. Has that ever happened to anyone? Effected the result?
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Snehon October 7, 2020 at 2:44 PM
Hi! It hasn't happened to me but I have heard that sometimes Tahini will have an odd reaction with water and separate. Maybe it is because the tahini is too oily or has a higher oil content in the spoonful you used (you know when oil and water separates? Kind of like that). I would try adding more of the tahini paste part and a tad more maple syrup and stir diligently till it comes together (I know it will, because when Tahini separates by itself .. blitzing it in the processor makes it creamy). Hope this helps.
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Snehon October 7, 2020 at 2:48 PM
Also might have overheated. Cool to room temp and stir again till creamy.
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Sonia Stankoon October 7, 2020 at 10:49 AM
These are cooling out of the oven now, and I have already polished off a decent amount of the raw mixture and some straight out of the oven. Thank you these are a winner. My husband is on a strict diet but loves tahini and can eat these. They are my new go-to!
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Namrataon September 1, 2020 at 9:57 PM
I’m very late to this tahini cookie game, but i just made half a batch and I’m over the moon with the results! I’m praising it out to my friends and family already. I added a little bit of cinnamon to mine and used half maple and half rice syrup.
Thank you thank you thank you.
Ps: i have to ration it out to the toddler or he’ll just want theseReply
Doriton August 8, 2020 at 3:56 AM
Hello Sneh! I just found your website, and I SO happy!! You are so creative, and I love how your recipes so simple to follow, and have only few ingredients. I already made three different cookies and they all came out delicious! Thank you! You got yourself another fan! :))Reply
Willon August 5, 2020 at 1:45 AM
These were f***kng amazing. I added a tablespoon of coconut oil for no reason (as if they needed more healthy oils).Thanks!
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Samon July 19, 2020 at 11:28 PM
Hello! Quick question: Do you add water to the tahini (to create more of a sauce) or do you just pour the 3/4 cup directly from the jar?
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Snehon July 20, 2020 at 5:41 PM
No water. Just good old tahini .. make sure it is nice and runny!
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Claudiaon May 26, 2020 at 9:58 PM
I used date syrup 3/4 cup as I think it goes well with the tahiniReply
Libbyon May 16, 2020 at 7:56 PM
SO delicious. I didn't think I'd find these to my taste but have really enjoyed so many of your recipes, so I decided to give your most popular one a go - and now I think it's my favourite from your blog!!Reply
Snehon May 19, 2020 at 9:30 AM
Amazing! thank you so much for your lovely feedback x
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Lucyon April 29, 2020 at 1:13 PM
These are so yummy!! I love how simple the ingredients are - ready in no time!Reply
nuralon April 15, 2020 at 3:25 PM
These cookies are perfect - so delicious and chewy. One of my favourites to make since I first saw the recipe/post on instagram. Can't recommend them highly enough.Reply
Anishkaon April 9, 2020 at 10:47 AM
OMG, just made them. They were so delicious!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!!!!Reply
Lizon February 27, 2020 at 12:50 AM
This recipe is delicious. Great texture- crisp on the outside and chewy inside. Very quick and easy to make. I modified the recipe by adding cardamom (seeds from 8 green pods) and minced rind of 1/2 a large orangeReply
Snehon March 9, 2020 at 5:56 PM
ooh orange rind sounds like a delicious addition! Thank you for your lovely feedback x
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Monicaon December 4, 2019 at 7:33 AM
Eating these now as I'm typing. These cookies are so yum! Thank you so much for this recipe-this is now my go-to recipe for cookies.Reply
Elizabethon November 19, 2019 at 6:55 AM
Have made these cookies twice now. Followed your directions. Perfect both times. Very fast to make and bake and they look and taste very good. Also that they are vegan and gluten free is an added plus. Decorated each cookie with either whole almonds, cashews, cacao nibs or pinenuts. Thank you.Reply
Snehon November 19, 2019 at 10:26 AM
So glad you love them! Thank you for your lovely feedback x
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Inéson November 12, 2019 at 6:33 AM
Lovely recipe! The result was delicious and beautiful in our kitchen. One question: Could it work with blueberries in the dough? I don’t Have much experience with baking!
Your blog is a joy to read with great photographyReply
Snehon November 13, 2019 at 12:24 PM
Thank you for your lovely feedback. I am not sure how the cookie would behave with a semi embedded juicy blueberry in it (might make the dough around the blueberry a bit soft??). If I were to try blueberries in this cookie recipe (and I suppose the end result would be lovely if done right!), I would first dry the blueberries or used dried blueberries/cranberries. Hope that helps x
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Doriton October 18, 2019 at 5:59 AM
My daughter loved it!! Thank you!Reply
Amyon August 8, 2019 at 5:42 PM
These are sooooo yum! I ran out of almond meal at 150g so substituted the rest for spelt flour and they're absolutely delish! Thank you 🙂Reply
Sashaon July 15, 2019 at 12:14 AM
Just made these to use up some tahini and I only had honey. They are so quick and easy to make and delicious (as long as you like the flavour of tahini, which I do). The raw mixture is like halva!Reply
Elise Dayeon June 26, 2019 at 11:01 AM
Oh my god these are amazing!!Have made the original recipe, then other batches with ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and orange zest. Next week I’ll make choc chip!
Thankyou for sharing!
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Tara Menezeson May 26, 2019 at 5:57 PM
Hi, i tried the recipe today. When i was rolling out the cookies, the batter released oil... Any idea what i could have done wrong or is this normal.. the cookies were nice and chewy with a deep tahini taste.
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Snehon May 27, 2019 at 9:45 AM
Hi Tara, that is quite normal because of the nature of tahini. To minimize this, I would suggest stirring the tahini really well in the tahini pot to ensure that it is creamy and try to avoid picking up the oil that usually floats to the top. And then just mix the batter enough, not too much as overmixing will start the oil from separating again. Hope that makes sense.x
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Wenderellaon February 24, 2019 at 10:48 AM
Delicious raw too. They don't need cooking past the heat the tahini and sweetener stage. They are marvelous rolled as truffles/bliss balls and rolled in cocoa or finely chopped nuts. Oh and they are also great bakedReply
Snehon February 25, 2019 at 12:36 PM
Amazing! Thanks for your lovely feedback xx
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JMon February 19, 2019 at 4:44 PM
Ok, yum! I made these with 1/2 maple syrup, 1/2 rice malt syrup and topped them with fresh ground cardamon & local walnuts...could be my new cookie for 2019. Thank you Sneh - you are a treasure indeed.
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Snehon February 20, 2019 at 7:41 AM
sounds delicious! so glad you love this recipe. thank you 🙂 x
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Hemaon February 14, 2019 at 2:35 PM
I looooove these simple but oh so more-ish cookies! I recently played around with the recipe, adding the rind of an orange and teaspoon of freshly ground cardamom - divineReply
Snehon February 20, 2019 at 7:44 AM
sounds amazing Hema! Thank you for your lovely comment x
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Leilaon December 24, 2018 at 8:55 AM
Hi, wanna try this recipe for creative X-mas cookies 🙂 can I use agave instead of maple syrup? Also, can I use less of the syrup?
Thanks for the recipeReply
Jett Trittonon December 7, 2018 at 5:12 PM
This cookies recipe is nice ..Thanks for sharing this great cookies idea..
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Nadineon November 17, 2018 at 11:35 AM
The recipe for these cookies are just wow! So yummy and super easy! Just found your site and so excited to try all your recipes especially as they are all natural, healthy and gluten-free accommodating. Thank you!
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Jayaon September 27, 2018 at 10:35 AM
Sneh, I am crushing on your blog! I grew up in Bangalore but call Atlanta, Georgia my home now. I am an Ayurveda practitioner and work with clients and food.I tried your salsa verde yesterday with some modifications...its on my Facebook page if you want to take a peek - http://www.facebook.com/ayurvedajaya.
These cookies are so delicious. Easy and good enough to take to a party! We devoured the batch before it cooled!
Just had to say hi from another continent!
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helenon September 26, 2018 at 9:25 PM
Found these via My New Roots recommendation, as I was about to drive to the shop to buy up the whole biscuit aisle.
So easy and super delicious. I used honey and they are just fabulous.
Just to check, five biscuits with a cup of tea is TOTALLY acceptable, right?
Thank you for this yummy recipe.Reply
Aliciaon September 4, 2018 at 10:07 AM
Made these with a date paste I whipped up in the blender and some extra water for more syrup like consistency. Delicious. Super chewy and yummy. Thank you!
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Staceyon August 12, 2018 at 8:16 PM
Made a batch of these last week, which we inhaled! Delicious and so super easy to make!! Making another batch tonight ! Thanks for sharing!Reply
Sandra S.on August 12, 2018 at 12:03 PM
These were excellent and super easy to make. To toast the cookies a little I had to higher the over to 375F instead of 350F for another 4-5 min.
Love the crunchy and chewy texture of these cookies. Made it with maple syrup.
Toasted some sesame seeds for the top of the cookies.Thank you for this great recipe! Will be making again and definitely good with a good cup of coffee and vegan!!
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Sandraon August 1, 2018 at 11:56 AM
Is almond meal the same as almond flour?? Can I use that instead?
Thanks,
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Valliaon July 30, 2018 at 8:32 AM
Hi, this sounds yummy! But just wondering if I wanted to keep it low carb is there a replacement for the maple syrup? Maybe a liquid sweetener? Or would it change the structure of the cookie? Thanks
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nuralon April 15, 2020 at 3:30 PM
I tried a low carb version with sugar free maple flavoured syrup - it had no sweetness at all and the tahini flavour was overpowering. Having made the original with maple sugar, I wouldn't recommend using sugar-free maple.
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Alisonon July 25, 2018 at 8:35 PM
Hi Sneh, I'm just wondering if it matters whether the tahini is hulled or unhulled...?
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Georgeon June 26, 2018 at 11:20 PM
Its Lovely recipe. Thanks for sharing this Delicious recipe.Reply
Vicon June 24, 2018 at 9:58 PM
These cookies were totally delicious! I reduced the maple syrup to 100ml and found them to be plenty sweet enough still ; also added some uncrystalised ginger SO good! Thanks for recipie, will be making again for sure!
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Joon June 20, 2018 at 10:38 PM
Perfection. They didn’t last a day in my house! I used the honey version and rolled them in sesame seeds. I wonder what they would taste like with half pistachio base, a little rose water and maybe a pinch of cardamom...
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Snigdhaon June 19, 2018 at 10:40 PM
Hi Sneh, this is a winner recipe. I followed it to the T, just had to bake for about 25 mins. I added cardamom powder and topped my cookies with chopped walnuts and pistachios. Its not overtly sweet, just right! Though I'm not much of a cookie person, I can see myself remaking them and soon 🙂Reply
Meltemon June 19, 2018 at 7:45 PM
I made this recipe and my husband and I are inlove with eating them!They are delicious!!!!
I wish I could post a photo of mine!
Thank you for making a recipe like this, I will be making it weekly for sure
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Noorckaon June 6, 2018 at 12:37 PM
Easy, quickly and delicious ! Thank you so much.Reply
Snehon June 6, 2018 at 12:41 PM
Thanks for your feedback 🙂Reply
Ireneon June 3, 2018 at 10:14 AM
These were so delicious and easy- thanks for the great recipe! We’ve already eaten hAlf of them and I don’t give the rest of them much time! Thanks very much!!!
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Snehon June 6, 2018 at 12:42 PM
That is wonderful Irene! Thanks for your lovely feedback. x
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Aon May 15, 2018 at 1:37 AM
Hi, was wondering if I could use stevia here instead of the maple... I can’t have any honey or maple syrup...
would you know how to sub stevia here? Or any other unprocessed sweetenerReply
Snehon May 15, 2018 at 9:32 AM
The maple syrup/honey is not only for the sweet caramel taste that balances the bitterness of the tahini, but also for the consistency of the cookie dough. It makes it bind together. If you were to use stevia, you wouldn't get that slightly salty/caramel flavour that comes from other sweeteners. How about using rapadura sugar? It is unrefined and has a rich caramel taste. I would mix 1/4 cup rapadura sugar in 1/4 cup water and add that instead of maple syrup. If it isn't sweet enough or runny enough, I'd add another 1/4 cup sugar in 1/4 cup water to get the right consistency. You could also try this with Stevia and an extra sprinkling of salt to get a similar taste. Let me know how you go! x
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Laraon May 13, 2018 at 3:25 PM
MMMMMMHHHH toooooo tasty!!!!!!
I made these for Mother's Day today, for my mum, though half of them are already in my own belly...
I added mixed spice to the batch but kept everything else the same.
Absolutely dangerously delicious. Thank you very much!
P.S. and theyre SO EASY AND QUICK TO MAKE!Reply
Snehon May 15, 2018 at 9:27 AM
Thanks for your wonderful feedback Lara! So glad you loved the cookies. x
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Raenaon May 1, 2018 at 5:33 AM
Delicious! I usually find that cutting the sweetener in half suits my tastes, but the sweetener in these is just right as written. Thank you for not needing too much sugar despite the bitterness of the tahini!
I made these very small, so that the recipe made about 24 cookies, and added a touch of cinnamon. I also used honey and topped each with a few cocoa nibs. These freeze really well, airtight.
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Snehon May 1, 2018 at 7:18 AM
Thanks for your wonderful feedback Raena. So glad you loved the cookies! x
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Lizon April 26, 2018 at 9:42 PM
I’m really looking forward to back them but I’ve got one question. What exactly is almond meal? Is it grounded almonds or almond flour? I’m from Germany so we don’t have a lot of baking things you do
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Snehon May 1, 2018 at 7:18 AM
Hi Liz! It is fine ground almonds. In fact, I just grind my almonds in the food processor for most of my recipes. Cheers!
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Alisonon April 5, 2018 at 2:24 PM
I just popped a modified batch of these in the oven : )
I used almond and coconut pulp left over from making milk, brown sugar instead of maple syrup (because that's what I had) and added cardamon and a touch of rose water!
I doubt these will last very long! So simple it's genius!Reply
Leaon May 11, 2018 at 8:47 AM
Hi Alison
Just wondering ......as I, too, have leftover nut milk pulp....when you made these, was your coconut milk pulp dry or still wet? If it was wet, how much longer did you have to bake the cookies? Or do you think that the using brown sugar instead of maple syrup balanced it out by absorbing the extra moisture???........
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Amritaon March 23, 2018 at 12:41 AM
I made them following recommendations from a dear friend. It didn't disappoint. Particularly for a non baker and reluctant cook. ThankyouReply
Snehon March 27, 2018 at 10:48 AM
that is wonderful to hear Amrita. So happy you loved them and that you found them quite straightforward to bake. x
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Amandeep Kauron March 7, 2018 at 12:19 PM
This recipe sounded so easy that it urged me to cook my first batch of cookies ever! They turned out fantastic, just the perfect snack with your tea or coffee. I’ll definitely bake these again and probably try it with some crushed cardamom in the dough next time. Thank you!
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Snehon March 8, 2018 at 7:29 AM
first batch of cookies! that is so awesome. Thank you for your lovely feedback. Glad you enjoyed them. x
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Belindaon March 4, 2018 at 1:44 PM
I just made these...so delicious. Then I made a second batch and added crystalised ginger to them......also just as good.Reply
Snehon March 8, 2018 at 7:30 AM
Wonderful! Ginger sounds like a delicious addition. x
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Maudeon March 1, 2018 at 2:30 AM
Just made these and they are PERFECT. Made them with homemade tahini and they still turned out wonderfully. Love the maple syrup as sweetener. Thanks for the great recipe!Reply
Snehon March 8, 2018 at 7:30 AM
Thanks for your fab feedback Maude. So glad you loved the cookies! x
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Renuon February 24, 2018 at 5:30 PM
Baked a batch of these cookies today and made it with honey. Yumm, kids loved it. Thank you for sharing the recipe
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Snehon March 8, 2018 at 7:53 AM
So happy you loved them. Thanks for your feedback. x
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Brinaon February 23, 2018 at 10:23 AM
Hi Sneh, what brand of tahini do you use? I use Al Arz but I’d love to try out yours. Excited to make these!
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Snehon February 23, 2018 at 10:30 AM
Brina, I use the Al Kanater brand. I get it from my local fresh deli/grocer. It is available in huge plastic tubs with handles. It is honestly the best Tahini I have used for cooking/baking with. x
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Patriciaon February 22, 2018 at 6:47 PM
I’ve just baked a batch and it is delicious. Love the chewiness of the cookie.
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Snehon February 22, 2018 at 7:18 PM
yay! Thanks for your feedback Patricia. Glad you loved it! x
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