Name: Sesame Honey Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488092H2M19S
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1/3 cup honey; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 6 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (4 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp for rolling)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chewy centers with caramelized, crisp edges
Sweet and savory flavor balance from honey and sesame
Easy-to-make dough with basic pantry ingredients
Make-ahead friendly—dough chills well overnight
Perfect for sharing or gifting in a cookie jar
Nutrient boost from sesame seeds rich in protein, fiber, and minerals
Beautiful presentation with sesame-crusted tops

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup honey
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (4 tbsp for dough, 2 tbsp for rolling)

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in honey, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Stir in 4 tablespoons sesame seeds.
Cover and chill dough for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into 1.5-tablespoon portions. Roll tops in remaining sesame seeds and place on the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are slightly soft.
Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Prep time is 15 minutes, chill time is 2 hours, bake time is 10–12 minutes, with a total time of around 2 hours and 30 minutes (including chilling). Each cookie has about 180 calories.

Variations

Swap sesame seeds for black sesame seeds for deeper, earthier flavor
Use tahini (sesame paste) in the dough for extra nuttiness
Drizzle baked cookies with extra honey or melted chocolate for a decadent touch
Substitute maple syrup or agave for honey to vary the sweetness
Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for warmth
Roll in a mix of sesame and chopped nuts for added crunch

Storage/Reheating

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
In the freezer: Freeze baked cookies in layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months.
To serve warm: Microwave a cookie for 10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use raw sesame seeds instead of toasted?

Yes, but toasting enhances the nutty flavor—toast them lightly in a pan for best results.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling prevents spreading and gives the cookies a chewy texture.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free butter and make sure the honey alternative you choose fits your diet.

Can I replace honey with another sweetener?

Maple syrup or agave syrup can work, but the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

Look for golden edges and slightly soft centers—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I use black sesame seeds?

Absolutely. They add a striking appearance and a slightly earthier flavor.

Are these cookies very sweet?

They’re moderately sweet with a nutty balance from sesame and honey.

Can I add mix-ins?

Yes, white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit make great additions.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely—this recipe scales well and is great for gifting or sharing.

Conclusion

Sesame Honey Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic chewy cookie, blending nutty sesame seeds with the natural sweetness of honey. With their soft centers, golden edges, and irresistible flavor, they’re perfect for everything from cozy afternoons to festive gifting. Simple yet unique, these cookies will quickly become a go-to treat in your baking rotation.

Sesame Honey Cookies

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Sesame Honey Cookies are chewy, nutty, and perfectly sweet with caramelized golden edges. The rich flavor of honey pairs beautifully with toasted sesame seeds, creating a cookie that’s comforting, unique, and perfect for tea time, weekend baking, or gifting.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: undefined
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: International
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in honey, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Stir in 4 tablespoons sesame seeds.
Cover and chill dough for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into 1.5-tablespoon portions. Roll tops in remaining sesame seeds and place on baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are slightly soft.
Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.