Sesame Honey Cookies

Sesame Honey Cookies are a sweet, chewy, and irresistibly nutty treat that captures the nostalgic charm of honey-roasted sesame snacks in cookie form. With a soft, buttery center, golden edges, and a generous coating of toasted sesame seeds, these cookies strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory—ideal for afternoon tea, cozy evenings, or sharing from the cookie jar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies offer layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Honey brings natural sweetness and a slight floral note, while brown sugar and butter contribute a rich, caramelized depth. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and a subtle savoriness that perfectly offsets the sweetness. The dough benefits from chilling, which enhances both the flavor and the chewy texture. Easy to make and even easier to love, these cookies are perfect for home bakers seeking a unique, satisfying treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
kosher salt
light brown sugar, lightly packed
granulated sugar
unsalted butter, softened
honey
large egg
vanilla extract
toasted sesame seeds

Directions

Mix Dry Ingredients:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter & Sugars:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the honey, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Combine & Chill Dough:

1. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
2. Stir in 4 tablespoons of the toasted sesame seeds.
3. Cover and chill the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight for enhanced flavor and structure.

Shape & Bake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop the dough into 1.5-tablespoon portions. Roll the tops of each ball in the remaining sesame seeds.
3. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are slightly soft.

Cool & Serve:

1. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes to firm up.
2. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Calories per serving: 180 kcal

Variations

• Spiced Sesame Cookies: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warming spice note.
• Seed Mix: Blend in poppy seeds or black sesame for visual contrast and a complex nutty profile.
• Tahini Twist: Replace part of the butter with tahini for a richer sesame flavor.
• Citrus Hint: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for brightness.
• Chocolate Chip Add-In: Stir in mini dark chocolate chips for a sweet-savory upgrade.

storage/reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. To maintain their chewy texture, place a piece of parchment paper between layers. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 1 month or freeze the raw dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I use raw sesame seeds instead of toasted?

Yes, but toasting enhances their flavor significantly. If using raw seeds, lightly toast them in a dry skillet until golden before baking.

Why chill the dough?

Chilling allows the flour to hydrate and the flavors to develop. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

Can I substitute honey?

Maple syrup or agave can be used, though they will alter the flavor slightly.

Do these cookies stay soft?

Yes, they have a chewy center with lightly crisped edges, especially if not overbaked.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen in scooped portions.

Are these cookies very sweet?

They are moderately sweet, with honey providing a distinct natural sweetness balanced by the salt and sesame.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend formulated for baking as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

How do I know when they’re done?

The edges should be golden while the centers remain soft. They will continue to set as they cool.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales well. Chill the dough in portions if making a large batch.

What pairs well with these cookies?

Serve with black tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a classic, comforting pairing.

Conclusion

Sesame Honey Cookies are a delightful combination of chewy texture, nutty richness, and sweet depth. With their golden color, caramelized edges, and irresistible aroma, they’re sure to become a favorite for cozy bakes or thoughtful gifts. Whether you’re reminiscing about classic sesame snacks or simply craving something unique, these cookies offer a sophisticated twist on home-baked comfort.

Sesame Honey Cookies

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Sesame Honey Cookies are irresistibly chewy with golden caramelized edges, nutty toasted sesame seeds, and a rich honey-butter flavor. Inspired by nostalgic honey-roasted sesame snacks, they’re perfect for sweet snacking, cozy afternoons, or gifting in a cookie jar.

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 12 cookies
• Category: Cookies, Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American-Inspired, Nostalgic
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 1/3 cup honey

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 6 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream Butter & Sugars:

• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

• Beat in the honey, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

3. Combine & Chill Dough:

• Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.

• Stir in 4 tablespoons of the toasted sesame seeds.

• Chill the dough for at least 2 hours, or overnight, for best flavor and texture.

4. Shape & Bake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Scoop dough into 1.5-tablespoon portions. Roll the tops in the remaining sesame seeds.

• Place on the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.

• Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden and centers are still slightly soft.

5. Cool & Serve:

• Cool cookies on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

• Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

• For extra crunch, sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt before baking.

• Substitute half the sesame seeds with black sesame for a visual twist.

• These cookies freeze beautifully—just thaw at room temp when ready to enjoy.