Tahini Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dark chocolate chips

Special Equipment Needed:
- 2 baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Medium bowl
- Electric mixer
- Small bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork
- Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and tahini and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the walnuts, pistachios, cranberries, and chocolate chips.
7. Scoop out 1-inch balls of dough and place on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 cookies

Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: 150
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Protein: 2 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter: You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Tahini: You can substitute almond butter or peanut butter.
- Walnuts: You can substitute any type of nut, such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.
- Pistachios: You can substitute any type of nut, such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.
- Dried cranberries: You can substitute raisins or any other type of dried fruit.
- Dark chocolate chips: You can substitute semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a hint of spice.
- Substitute the walnuts, pistachios, cranberries, and chocolate chips with 1 cup of your favorite mix-ins.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugars.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for a firmer cookie.
- Use a spoon to make the indentation in the center of the cookie if you don't have a thumb.

Storage Instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cookies in a 350 degree F oven for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Place the cookies on a platter and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts and dried cranberries.
- Serve the cookies in a basket lined with parchment paper.

Garnishes:
- Chopped nuts
- Dried cranberries
- Chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Milk
- Hot chocolate

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Smoothie
- Ice cream

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cookies spread too much while baking, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the dough.

Food Safety Advice:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Do not leave the cookies out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Food History:
Tahini is a traditional Middle Eastern ingredient that is made from ground sesame seeds. It has been used in various dishes for centuries and is a popular ingredient in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Flavor Profiles:
These cookies have a nutty flavor from the tahini, walnuts, and pistachios, and a sweet and tart flavor from the dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions:
These cookies are perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. They can also be served with coffee or tea for a more formal occasion.

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Region: Middle Eastern

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Buttery, Creamy, Savory