Jump to Recipe Print RecipeStrolling through the vibrant markets of Dubai, I stumbled upon a delightful treat that set my taste buds dancing—the charming fusion of chocolate and nutty flavors in the form of cookies. Having perfected my take, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies with Pistachio and Filo. These cookies come with a crispy exterior that cradles a chewy center, and the addition of creamy pistachio and a subtle hint of tahini elevates them to new heights. Not only are they a true crowd-pleaser, but they also make for a fantastic edible gift, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Aren’t you curious to discover just how simple it is to bring a taste of Dubai into your own kitchen? Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together! Why Are Dubai Chocolate Cookies Irresistible? Decadent Indulgence: These cookies are a celebration of rich chocolate blended with a nutty pistachio filling, making every bite a taste of luxury. Unique Texture: The combination of crispy filo and soft, chewy centers creates a delightful contrast that will leave your guests wanting more. Quick to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these treats in no time—perfect for busy bakers! Versatile Delight: Whether you’re pairing them with a cup of coffee or serving them at a gathering, these cookies are sure to impress. For more delightful chocolate recipes, check out my Homemade Samoas Cookies or Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists. Perfect for Sharing: Gift them to friends or enjoy them with family; these cookies are an indulgent treat everyone will love. Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies Ingredients • Here’s what you need to create these delightful cookies! For the Cookie Dough Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and acts as a binding agent; soften it for better mixing. Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor; can be substituted with dark brown sugar for a bolder taste. White Caster Sugar – Contributes sweetness and texture; helps achieve that perfect cookie crunch. Large Eggs – Binds the dough and adds moisture; consider using three medium eggs if needed. Self-Raising Flour – Gives lift and structure; can swap in all-purpose flour with extra baking powder if desired. All-Purpose Flour – Adds strength to the cookie; no direct substitutions necessary. Cocoa Powder – Infuses a rich chocolate flavor and depth; Dutch-processed cocoa works wonders for a deeper hue. Salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile; don’t skip this essential ingredient. For the Filling Milk Chocolate Chips – Offers a melty sweetness; you can use chopped chocolate bars if chips are unavailable. Pistachio Cream – Introduces a rich, nutty flavor; homemade varieties also work beautifully! Unsalted Butter (for filling) – Enhances the pistachio cream’s richness before mixing. For the Crispy Texture Filo Pastry – Creates the unique crunchy element within the cookie; substitute with phyllo dough sheets if necessary, but keep layers thin. Now that you’ve got the ingredients for these Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies, let the magic of baking begin! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies Step 1: Prepare the Filo Filling Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add torn pieces of filo pastry and stir continuously for about 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove the pan from heat and combine the filo with 4 tablespoons of heated pistachio cream, mixing until well combined. Set this mixture aside to cool as you prepare the cookie dough. Step 2: Make the Dough In a large mixing bowl, beat 150g of softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 100g of light brown sugar and 100g of white caster sugar, continuing to mix until the texture is fluffy and light. Incorporate 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring that each is fully blended before adding the next. Mix just until combined to keep your Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies tender. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients In another bowl, whisk together 150g of self-raising flour, 50g of all-purpose flour, 50g of cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until evenly mixed. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. As you combine, you’ll notice the dough beginning to thicken, creating a lush base for your cookies. Finally, gently fold in 100g of milk chocolate chips for that melty sweetness. Step 4: Form Cookies Using a heaped tablespoon of the thick dough, flatten it slightly in your palm. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled pistachio and filo mixture into the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it to create a smooth ball. Repeat this process, creating about 12 cookie balls, making sure the filling is completely sealed for your Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies. Step 5: Freeze Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place your cookie balls on it, ensuring they are spaced apart. Cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the freezer for 60-90 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure your cookies maintain their shape while baking, creating those perfect, chewy centers surrounded by lovely crisp exteriors. Step 6: Pre-Bake Preparation While the cookie dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 200°C for a fan oven or 220°C for a conventional oven. For an extra crispy finish, place an empty baking tray in the oven for 5 minutes to heat up. This heating method ensures your Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies have a delightful crunch as soon as they enter the oven. Step 7: Bake Cookies Once preheated, carefully arrange the frozen dough balls on the hot tray, leaving enough space for them to spread while baking. Bake for 12-15 minutes, observing the edges which should set while the centers remain soft and slightly gooey. Remove the tray from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the tray for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Step 8: Decorate To finish off your Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies, warm any remaining pistachio cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it reaches a drizzleable consistency. Once your cookies are completely cooled, drizzle the warm cream over them, adding a delightful finishing touch that enhances both their flavor and visual appeal. How to Store and Freeze Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Fridge: If the weather is warm, you can refrigerate the cookies to keep them fresh for up to a week; just ensure they’re in an airtight container to maintain their texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookie balls for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm, simply pop them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until heated through, bringing back that delightful fresh-baked flavor! Keep in mind that these tips will help preserve your Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies’ delectable taste and texture. Expert Tips for Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies Softened Butter Matters: Ensure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature; this helps your ingredients blend smoothly, avoiding lumpy dough for your Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies. Handle Filo Gently: When working with filo, be careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can compromise its crispy texture, so stir just until golden brown. Chill the Dough: Allow the formed cookie balls to chill in the freezer; this is essential for maintaining their shape during baking, resulting in perfectly round cookies. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies; overbaking can lead to dry centers. Remember, they will continue to firm up while cooling on the tray. Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment! Using almond or hazelnut spread instead of pistachio cream can yield delightful twists on the classic Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies. Make Ahead Options These Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance, simply refrigerate it tightly wrapped to maintain freshness and prevent drying. Additionally, the filling mixture of filo and pistachio cream can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just make sure it cools completely before storing to avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to bake, roll the chilled dough into balls, freeze them for 60-90 minutes, and bake as directed. This method ensures you’ll have fresh, delightful cookies with minimal effort on busy days! What to Serve with Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies Indulging in the heavenly taste of these cookies is merely the beginning—let’s explore delightful pairings that create a memorable experience. Chilled Milk: Perfectly refreshing, cold milk enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweet richness of the cookies. Espresso: A bold espresso cuts through the sweetness, making it an ideal companion for those coffee lovers who cherish a comforting warmth alongside their treat. Fresh Berries: Bright, juicy strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast, awakening the palette and offering a beautiful color splash on your dessert plate. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream drizzled with warm pistachio cream brings together temperature and texture for pure bliss. Creamy Hot Chocolate: For those colder days, pairing with a rich hot chocolate makes every bite feel like a warm hug, perfect for sharing. Mint Tea: A cup of soothing mint tea provides a light finish to the sweet cookies, offering a refreshing note that cleanses the palate. Chocolate Milkshake: For the ultimate indulgence, serve your cookies with a thick chocolate milkshake for a nostalgic dessert experience that’s fun for everyone. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some homemade caramel sauce over your cookies takes them to new heights, adding a buttery sweetness that complements their texture beautifully. Whether enjoyed at a gathering or as a cozy nightcap, each of these pairings will elevate your experience with these Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies, ensuring a delightful culinary adventure. Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies Variations Feel free to explore the delightful twists on these cookies, enhancing flavors and textures to suit your tastes! Nut-Free: Substitute pistachio cream with sunbutter or a similar nut-free spread to enjoy a safe and equally delicious treat. Just let the creamy goodness shine through! Dairy-Free: Opt for dairy-free butter and chocolate chips, and you’ll still achieve a rich, indulgent flavor that everyone can enjoy. There’s no need to sacrifice taste! Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter and chocolate. The result? A chocolatey delight that’s compassionate and tasty! Flavor Boost: Add a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of espresso powder to the dough for a delightful depth of flavor. Just a hint can take your cookies from great to extraordinary! Extra Crunch: Fold in roasted and roughly chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for a lively texture that adds a satisfying crunch in every bite. It’s like finding treasure in your cookie! Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising heat that beautifully complements the sweetness of chocolate. It’s a bold twist that adventurous palates will love! Chocolate-Covered: After baking, dip your cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a decadent coating. This extra layer of chocolate elevates the cookie into a rich indulgence! For a free-spirited take, these cookies are perfect for pairing with a hot cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert alongside my Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake. Enjoy your baking adventures! Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies Recipe FAQs How should I select ripe ingredients for my cookies? Absolutely! For the best results, use fresh ingredients; ensure your butter is softened at room temperature, not melted, for easy mixing. When choosing eggs, pick large ones as they bind and add moisture to the dough. Also, use unsweetened cocoa powder for a purer chocolate flavor. How should I store my Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies? You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you live in a warmer climate, consider refrigerating them for up to a week, but again, ensure they’re in an airtight container to maintain that soft texture. Can I freeze my chocolate cookie dough? Yes! To freeze your cookie dough, scoop it into balls and arrange them on a lined baking sheet. Freeze the dough balls for about 60-90 minutes until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply add an extra minute or two to the baking time. What if my cookies spread too much while baking? If your cookies spread excessively, it might be due to a few factors. First, check if your butter was too soft—use room temperature but not melted butter. Second, ensure you’ve chilled the dough for at least 60 minutes before baking. Finally, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature; using an oven thermometer can help verify its accuracy. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Very! For a nut-free version, you may need to substitute the pistachio cream with a nut-free spread, like sunflower seed butter. Always check labels for allergens, especially if serving to friends or family with dietary restrictions. If in doubt, inquire about allergies before sharing your Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies to ensure everyone can safely enjoy this indulgence. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Certainly! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge. If you freeze the cookie balls, make sure to keep them covered with plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime without the last-minute fuss! Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies with a Pistachio Twist Enjoy these Delicious Dubai Chocolate Cookies featuring a crispy exterior and chewy center paired with creamy pistachio. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsFreezing Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertsCuisine: Middle EasternCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough150 g Unsalted Butter softened100 g Light Brown Sugar can substitute with dark brown sugar100 g White Caster Sugar2 large Eggs or use three medium eggs150 g Self-Raising Flour or all-purpose flour with baking powder50 g All-Purpose Flour50 g Cocoa Powder Dutch-processed for a deeper hue¼ teaspoon Salt essential ingredientFor the Filling100 g Milk Chocolate Chips or chopped chocolate bars4 tablespoons Pistachio Cream can be homemade2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter for filling, enhances richnessFor the Crispy Texture1 sheet Filo Pastry substitute with phyllo dough sheets Equipment Medium saucepanlarge mixing bowlBaking trayParchment paperSpatula Method PreparationMelt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add torn pieces of filo pastry and stir for about 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Combine the filo with 4 tablespoons of heated pistachio cream, mixing well. Set aside to cool.In a large mixing bowl, beat 150g of softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 100g of light brown sugar and 100g of white caster sugar, mixing until fluffy. Incorporate 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is blended before adding the next.In another bowl, whisk together 150g of self-raising flour, 50g of all-purpose flour, 50g of cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture without overmixing. Fold in 100g of milk chocolate chips.Using a heaped tablespoon of thick dough, flatten it slightly in your palm. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled pistachio and filo mixture into the center and wrap the dough around it to create a ball. Repeat the process to make about 12 cookie balls.Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place cookie balls on it, spaced apart. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for 60-90 minutes.Preheat your oven to 200°C for a fan oven or 220°C for conventional. For an extra crispy finish, place an empty baking tray in the oven for 5 minutes to heat.Arrange the frozen dough balls on the hot tray, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges set while centers remain soft. Cool on the tray for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.Warm any remaining pistachio cream over low heat until drizzleable. Drizzle over cooled cookies for a delightful finish. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure butter is softened to room temperature for better blending. Handle filo gently to keep its crispy texture. Chill dough balls before baking for perfect shape. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
