Chocolate

Sephardic Sesame Oatmeal Cookies

May 13, 2020
5
3 Ratings
Photo by www.ariellemizrahidesign.com
  • Prep time 20 minutes
  • Cook time 12 minutes
  • Makes 24
Author Notes

Ode to sesame seeds! Each one weighs in at just 0.0044 grams and is packed with vitamins, minerals, natural oils, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, zinc, fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate, protein, and tryptophan.

Organic sesame seeds can aid in cancer prevention, bone health, improved digestion and skin, oral health, are anti-inflammatory, and the list goes on. Perhaps I don't need to spell this out for you, but chocolate chip cookie + sesame seeds = a recipe that you can feel good about eating any time of day, all the time, because, you know, health reasons.

When I'm baking with a traditional recipe that calls for butter, I generally don't substitute for a lighter ingredient. My feeling is that it's not the cookie recipe's fault if I eat more than one in a sitting, and said cookie shouldn't have to lose its cookie integrity just because I have no will power. Recent studies have shown that even butter, in moderation, does not pose the threat to cholesterol previously thought. Give me single ingredient butter any day over chemically compounded margarine, and give me half as much.

This recipe has been in my husband's family for over fifty years, and I'm particularly fond of it as a interesting alternative to the every-day chocolate chip cookie. Try experimenting with coconut oil in place of the butter/margarine, or substitute a vegan flax seed alternative for eggs. You can also swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat or almond, and carob chips for chocolate. The possibilities are endless- make it your own and share how it went in the comments! —Arielle Mizrahi Design

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Dry Ingredients
  • 1 cup Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Rolled Oats
  • 1 cup Chocolate Chips
  • 1 cup Sesame Seeds
  • Wet (ish) Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup Softened, Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350*F and place parchment paper on two baking sheets.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, stir the (gently melted) butter and brown sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla, beating until well blended.
  3. Gradually add the flour mixture and continue stirring until well blended. Fold in the sesame seeds, chocolate chips, and oats.
  4. Drop by tablespoon onto parchment paper 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 minutes or until golden. Let stand for a few minutes on the baking sheet before plating.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Arielle Mizrahi Design
    Arielle Mizrahi Design
  • Anita
    Anita

2 Reviews

Anita September 1, 2020
These are fantastic! A wholesome, filling cookie with refreshing and satisfying flavours. I'll be making extra batches for lunch boxes for sure. Thanks so much for sharing this family recipe !
 
Arielle M. September 1, 2020
I'm so glad you enjoyed them and thank you for sharing your story! We are all tickled that the recipe is making rounds!