
Making black sesame paste cookies from scratch is a game-changer. You can make them with just a few ingredients, including black sesame paste, which is made from roasted black sesame seeds.
Black sesame paste has a rich, nutty flavor that's a perfect match for sweet cookies. It's also packed with nutrients, including calcium, vitamin E, and fiber.
To make these cookies, you'll need to mix black sesame paste with butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. The ratio of black sesame paste to sugar is key, as it affects the cookies' flavor and texture.
The ideal ratio is 1 part black sesame paste to 2 parts sugar, which gives the cookies a nice balance of flavors. This ratio is also important for achieving the right consistency.
For more insights, see: Buy Sesame Seeds
Ingredients
You'll need to gather a few key ingredients to make these delicious black sesame paste cookies. The main ingredients include black sesame seeds, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, egg, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. You can find black sesame seeds in Asian markets, international grocery stores, or online.
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For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients like toasted sesame oil and dark chocolate chunks. Dark chocolate chunks are optional, but they add a wonderful depth of flavor to the cookies. If you want to make a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour.
Here are the essential ingredients you'll need, listed in a concise format:
Food
Black sesame seeds have been used in Asian cooking for centuries, adding depth and nutty flavor to a variety of dishes.
They're frequently incorporated into both savory and sweet recipes, making them a versatile ingredient to have in your pantry.
In desserts, black sesame seeds are commonly used in sweet breads, cakes, and ice cream, adding a subtle nutty flavor and a pop of color.
Black sesame seeds are a great addition to your baked goods, and can be used to make delicious sweet treats like black sesame ice cream or black sesame cake.
Substitutions
If you don't have sesame oil on hand, you can omit it and increase the total amount of unsalted butter to 113 grams (4 oz; 8 Tablespoons). This will still result in a delicious cookie, although it may have a slightly less intense sesame flavor.
You can also substitute white chocolate chunks for dark chocolate for a sweet and creamy pairing with the black sesame dough. This will add a nice color contrast to your cookies as well.
If you want to convert this recipe to gluten-free, you can substitute a cup-for-cup style gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour. This will help you make a gluten-free version of this delicious cookie recipe.
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Instructions
To make black sesame paste cookies, you'll need to start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177° Celsius, Gas mark 4). This is a crucial step, as it will ensure your cookies bake evenly.
You'll also need to combine white chocolate and black sesame paste in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts on 50% power, stirring between each interval, until the white chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
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To prepare the sesame mixture, combine 60 grams (½ cup) of black sesame seeds and 150 grams (¾ cup) of granulated sugar in a food processor. Process until the sesame seeds are finely ground and the sugar mixture has turned a deep grey color.
You'll need to cream butter and the sesame seed/sugar mixture together until light and fluffy. For this, you'll need 85 grams (6 Tablespoons) of unsalted butter.
To incorporate the egg and vanilla, mix until fully incorporated. You'll need 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for this step.
If you're adding chocolate chips or chunks, fold them in with a spatula. This will add a delicious touch to your cookies.
Here's a summary of the ingredients you'll need for the dough:
To shape your cookies, use a 1.5 Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls. Roll in granulated sugar and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can also add a pinch of black sesame seeds and a chunk of chocolate on top, if desired.
Bake one sheet at a time for 8-9 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. This will help the cookies retain their chewy texture.
Cookie Basics
Cookies are a classic treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They're a staple in many cultures, and their versatility makes them a great canvas for experimenting with different flavors and ingredients.
The basic components of a cookie are flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and leavening agents like baking soda. These ingredients are commonly found in most cookie recipes.
A good cookie should have a delicate balance of crunch and chew, which can be achieved by controlling the ratio of sugar to butter and the baking time.
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White Seeds
White seeds are hulled, their coarse outer layer removed, giving them a striking appearance compared to black sesame seeds.
Their flavor is generally milder and less bitter than black sesame seeds, making them a good choice for some recipes.
You can technically use white sesame seeds in place of black sesame seeds in some recipes, but the flavor will be quite different.
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White sesame seeds are often used in savory dishes, and are a common ingredient in many cuisines.
They're a great choice for those who prefer a milder flavor in their baked goods, such as cookies or cakes.
White sesame seeds can be toasted to bring out their nutty flavor, but be careful not to overdo it, as they can quickly become bitter.
In some cases, white sesame seeds may not be the best choice, especially if you're looking for a strong, nutty flavor.
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Cookies
Cookies are a classic treat that can be both simple and complex to make. A good cookie starts with the right ingredients, like butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
To cream together butter and sugars, an electric mixer with a paddle attachment is a must. This will help you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture.
Eggs are also a crucial ingredient in many cookie recipes, and they're added one at a time to ensure even mixing.
Some cookies, like Black Sesame Cookies, require a dry flour mixture to be combined separately from the wet ingredients. This helps prevent overmixing.
Chilling the dough is a great way to help the cookies retain their shape while baking. For Black Sesame Cookies, this step is especially important, as the dough needs to chill for 15-30 minutes before assembly.
To assemble Black Sesame Cookies, you'll need to take 2 tablespoons of chilled cookie dough and roll it into a ball, flatten it out, and make a dent in the middle. This is where the mochi ball comes in.
Here's a quick rundown of the assembly process:
- Take 2 tablespoons of chilled cookie dough.
- Roll into a ball, flatten it out, and make a dent in the middle.
- Top with a mochi ball.
- Seal the dough edges around the mochi until it's completely covered.
- Add some black sesame seeds on top if desired.
Finally, baking cookies requires some basic knowledge of temperature and time. For Black Sesame Cookies, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 12-13 minutes, or until the edges are set.
Matcha Milanos
Matcha Milanos are a unique cookie that combines the brightness of matcha with the nutty flavor of black sesame.
These cookies have 8 ingredients and a beautiful ripple effect.
The black sesame paste used in this recipe can be made at home with black sesame seeds.
You can also use leftover black sesame paste to make lattes or black sesame tong sui.
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Preparation
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients within arm's reach.
You'll need black sesame seeds, which can be found in most health food stores or online.
To ensure the cookies turn out the right color, use a high-quality black sesame seed that's rich in pigment.
Black sesame seeds contain a high amount of oil, which can make them difficult to grind into a paste.
Equipment
To make the most out of your cookie-baking experience, you'll want to have the right equipment on hand. A medium cookie scoop is a must-have, as it measures out 1 ½ Tablespoons of dough per scoop.
Using a medium cookie scoop can help you achieve uniform-sized cookies, which is essential for even baking. The size 40 scoop is a good choice for this recipe.
A round cookie cutter or the rim of an upside down glass is also necessary to shape your cookies back into a round shape after they've cooled slightly.
Making Dough Ahead

You can make the dough ahead of time, and it's actually recommended. Letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least 12 hours leads to chewier cookies.
The cookie on the left in the photo was baked right after the dough was made, while the cookie on the right was baked after the dough was refrigerated overnight. The cookie on the right had a better texture.
Refrigerating the dough overnight will give you a cookie that spreads out less and has crisper edges. If you refrigerate the dough, make sure to bake it within 2 days for the best results.
Cookie Details
These cookies are a great combination of textures, with a crunchy exterior and a chewy interior.
The dough needs to be chilled in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before assembling the cookies.
To assemble the cookies, you'll need to take 2 tablespoons of chilled cookie dough, roll it into a ball, flatten it out, and make a dent in the middle.
A mochi ball is placed in the dent, and then the dough edges are sealed around it until it's completely covered.
The cookies yield about 18 pieces, and it's a good idea to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie on the baking sheet.
Here's a quick rundown of the baking process:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or grease with cooking spray.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are set.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.
Filling and Assembly
To make the Black Sesame Filling, you'll need ¼ cup of roasted black sesame paste and 2 oz of chopped good quality white chocolate.
The combination of black sesame paste and white chocolate creates a unique and delicious flavor profile. You can adjust the amount of black sesame paste to your taste, but keep in mind that it's a strong flavor.
For the cookies themselves, you'll need 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, which is the most common type of flour used in baking.
To ensure the cookies turn out light and fluffy, it's essential to sift the matcha green tea powder before adding it to the dry ingredients. This helps to evenly distribute the powder and prevent lumps.
You'll also need 1 teaspoon of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of baking soda to help the cookies rise. The combination of these two leavening agents is crucial for achieving the right texture.
The recipe calls for ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, which adds a touch of flavor and helps to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
To make the cookies moist and tender, you'll need ¼ cup of cream cheese, softened to room temperature.
The granulated sugar is an essential ingredient in this recipe, and you'll need 1 ½ cups of it, plus more for coating the cookies before baking.
The recipe also calls for 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted, which adds flavor and moisture to the cookies.
You can also use light olive oil or vegetable oil, whichever you prefer, and you'll need ⅓ cup of it for this recipe.
Finally, you'll need 1 large egg, at room temperature, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to add moisture and flavor to the cookies.
Here's a summary of the ingredients you'll need for the cookies:
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