Say hello to your new favorite unique cookie: chocolate halva cookies AKA soft and chewy chocolate cookies swirled with ripples of nutty halva.
Chocolate Halva Cookies
Obviously, chocolate cookies are good. But when they’re swirled with thick pieces of nutty halva, they are AMAZING. These chocolate halva cookies have a chewy edge, gooey center, and are loaded up with halva for the ultimate chocolate treat. The sweet, sesame-y halva perfectly complements the chocolate to create a perfectly balanced, unique cookie that will knock everyone’s socks off.
What is halva?
For those of you who have never had halva, it’s SO GOOD. Halva is a Middle Eastern candy made from sesame paste mixed with hot sugar. It has a nutty vanilla taste, a unique creamy, yet crumbly texture, and generally comes packed in a one pound block that you can cut off nibbles of. You guys know how obsessed with tahini I am, and halva essentially tastes like sweetened tahini. A win in my book.
And we just discovered that not only is halva delicious on its own, it is UNREAL with chocolate. Match made in heaven. While I do deeply enjoy eating halva as is, if you have a large quantity on your hands it’s incredibly fun to bake with! It’s tasty swirled through quick breads, pair beautifully with brownies and is delightful in a homemade candy bar.
Ingredients for chocolate halva cookies
You’ll need mainly pantry staples to whip up these chocolate halva cookies, but I always like to put together your shopping list for you to make your life a little easier. You’ll need these 10 ingredients, 1 bowl, and about 20 minutes to make these fudgy chocolate cookies. Here’s your shopping list!
Butter
Brown Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla Extract
Cocoa Powder
Espresso Powder
Flour
Baking Soda
Salt
Halva
How to store chocolate halva cookies?
These cookies keep well for up to 5 days at room temperature as long as they are stored in an airtight container or plastic bag. Make sure to let the cookies cool completely before storing, otherwise they will create condensation in the container!
Can you freeze chocolate halva cookies?
Indeed, you can! These chocolate halva cookies freeze perfectly! Let the cookies come fully to room temperature before storing in a single layer in a freezer safe plastic bag or container. When ready to eat, let the cookies defrost on the counter for a few hours! I find these stay soft and tasty when frozen for up to 3 months!
Happy baking, my friends! Go halva a cookie…sorry that was very corny, but it had to be done.
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Place the softened butter and brown sugar in a stand mixer fit with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium high speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
Scrape down the bowl and add the cocoa powder, espresso powder, flour, baking soda and salt. Mix on low speed, gradually increasing to medium. Mix until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
Crumble the halva into your cookie dough and use a rubber spatula to fold the dough a few times to distribute the halva throughout.
Use a 2 ounce cookie scoop to drop the cookie dough onto your prepared cookie sheet 2 inches apart.
Bake at 350°F for 11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still gooey. Allow to cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet until set. Enjoy!
Oh my goodness I need to make these! I LOVE halva! Where is a good place to buy halva though? I live in an area without a lot of ethnic grocery options.
I’ve never tried halva before but I’m so glad I did. These cookies are fantastic! They’re sweet and chocolaty without being too much and they have a rich nutty undertone from the halva. I think I’ll use these for the dessert bar at my sister’s wedding next month.
Leave a comment and rate this recipe!
These are a top 5 cookie for me! Mine came out a little flat/thin though. Should I chill them next time before baking?
★★★★★
Can I make these without espresso powder or replace it?
You can just omit it!
Oh my goodness I need to make these! I LOVE halva! Where is a good place to buy halva though? I live in an area without a lot of ethnic grocery options.
You can buy it online!
Hi, Is there a substitute for halva? Halva is used here as a sweet dish! I don’t think it can be used in a cookie! Thanks
Neena
Hi neena! It is delicious in these cookies–you should try it 🙂
I’ve never tried halva before but I’m so glad I did. These cookies are fantastic! They’re sweet and chocolaty without being too much and they have a rich nutty undertone from the halva. I think I’ll use these for the dessert bar at my sister’s wedding next month.
★★★★★