When the sun sets over Dubai, the air fills with sweet aromas that beckon dessert lovers from every corner. That’s when I first encountered the captivating allure of Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies. These delightful creations fuse rich chocolate with the satisfying crunch of pistachios and a silky katifi filling that leaves your taste buds dancing with joy. After a long week of fast food and mundane snacks, these cookies transform baking into an indulgent experience that combines Middle Eastern flavors with a modern twist.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie, only to discover a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center bursting with a harmonious blend of sweetness and texture. This recipe isn’t just a treat; it’s an invitation to savor life’s little pleasures and impress your family and friends—all with the ease of one delightful cookie. Join me on this delicious journey to recreate this viral sensation, and let’s bring a taste of Dubai into our kitchens!
Why are Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies a must-try?
Uniquely Irresistible: These cookies offer a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and crunchy pistachios.
Gooey Center: The katifi filling creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that contrasts perfectly with the soft cookie.
Quick to Make: With straightforward instructions, anyone can create this sensational treat without advanced baking skills.
Versatile: Feel free to experiment with different nut butters or chocolate types to suit your taste.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these cookies will impress family and friends, making them a show-stopping dessert.
If you’re looking for more delicious cookie options, check out my post on cookie baking tips to elevate your baking game!
Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted Butter (Softened) – This is key for a creamy texture; replace with coconut oil for a dairy-free treat.
- Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and depth; swap with white sugar for a lighter flavor note.
- Granulated White Sugar – Enhances sweetness and browning; feel free to reduce slightly for a less sweet cookie.
- Egg & Egg Yolk – Provides structure and richness; substitute with flaxseed for a vegan version.
- Vanilla Extract – This elevates the flavor; pure extract makes all the difference.
- Salt – Balances the cookie’s sweetness; I recommend using sea salt for a pop of flavor.
- Baking Soda – Essential for leavening; baking powder can work in a pinch but may change texture.
- Plain Flour – Forms the base of your cookie; gluten-free flour is a great alternative if needed.
- Corn Flour – Contributes to a soft texture; arrowroot flour can be used as a substitution.
- Pistachios (Chopped) – Adds delightful crunch and flavor; almonds or walnuts are tasty alternatives.
For the Filling
- Kataifi Pastry – Brings a flaky, crunchy element; you can use phyllo pastry if kataifi is hard to find.
- Pistachio Spread – Adds a sweet, nutty layer; almond or hazelnut spread works well, too.
For the Topping
- Milk Chocolate (Chopped) – Introduces creamy sweetness to the mix; dark chocolate can provide less sweetness if preferred.
- Milk Chocolate (Melted) – Perfect for drizzling on top; skip this step if you prefer fewer sugars.
- Pistachios (Finely Chopped) – Great for a finishing touch; alternative toppings could include other nuts or colorful sprinkles.
These Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies are not just about taste; they’re an experience. Ready to indulge? Let’s get baking!
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (170°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cookie release. This initial step ensures the perfect baking environment for your cookies.
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Chop the kataifi pastry into small pieces and spread it evenly on the prepared tray. Drizzle melted butter over the pastry and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. This creates a delightful crunchy layer!
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Combine the baked kataifi with the pistachio spread in a bowl, mixing until creamy. Once combined, freeze this mixture in small portions for easy filling later.
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Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes, resulting in a lovely, airy texture.
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Add the egg and egg yolk to the mixture, blending well until the mixture returns to a creamy consistency. This step helps bind the ingredients for a luscious cookie dough.
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Fold in the plain flour, corn flour, salt, and baking soda gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll lose that soft and chewy texture we love.
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Stir in the chopped chocolate and pistachios, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for added crunch and richness.
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Refrigerate the cookie dough for 1 hour (or overnight) to firm it up. This step helps prevent spreading while baking and enhances flavor.
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Portion the chilled dough, flatten each piece, fill with the frozen pistachio mixture, and seal them closed. This ensures each cookie has that delightful surprise center!
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Optionally refrigerate the stuffed cookie balls for 30 minutes before baking. This extra cold step helps maintain their shape during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack.
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Melt the milk chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, then drizzle over the cooled cookies. Top them off with finely chopped pistachios for that extra flair.
Optional: Serve warm for the ultimate gooey experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these cookies and make them uniquely yours—let your imagination run wild!
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Nut-Free: Replace pistachio spread with sunbutter or pumpkin seed butter for a delicious nut-free filling. You’ll still enjoy a rich taste without the nuts!
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Vegan Delight: Swap dairy butter for coconut oil and use a flaxseed mixture instead of eggs for a friendly vegan version. These cookies will still pack all the flavor!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of plain flour. You can enjoy the same wonderful texture and taste without the gluten!
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the cookie dough for a warm, aromatic flavor that beautifully complements the chocolate and pistachios.
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Fruit Fusion: Toss in chopped dried fruits like cranberries or figs in the dough. They add a sweet contrast and a bit of chewiness that’s simply irresistible.
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Chunky Style: Instead of spreading, chop chocolate into larger chunks for a more decadent cookie experience. The melted chocolate pockets will create a gooey texture!
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Double Chocolate: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a double-chocolate treat. This intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives your cookies a rich, dark color.
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Coconut Twist: Fold in shredded coconut along with the chocolate and pistachios for a tropical flair that adds both taste and texture!
These variations invite you to personalize your cookie creation while keeping that delightful essence of the Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies alive. Happy baking!
Storage Tips for Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their delightful taste and texture.
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Fridge: If you want to keep them fresher longer, place the cookies in the fridge, where they can last for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped to avoid drying out.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To enjoy the gooey goodness, simply reheat the cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes before serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough and pistachio filling up to 24 hours in advance, saving you time during busy weeknights. Simply mix up the dough and freeze the pistachio mixture in small portions. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the filling while preheating your oven, assemble the cookies, and refrigerate them for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape. This method not only keeps your cookies just as delicious but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. With these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy warm, gooey Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least an hour prevents spreading during baking, leading to perfectly shaped cookies.
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Avoid Overmixing: Gentle mixing in step six is essential. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft, chewy texture.
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Freeze the Filling: Freezing the pistachio filling before adding it to the cookies makes for easier assembly and reduces mess during filling.
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Use Parchment Paper: For easy cookie removal, always line your baking tray with parchment paper before baking the Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies.
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Check for Doneness: Bake just until they’re golden around the edges; they will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a soft center.
What to Serve with Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies?
Pair these delectable cookies with complementary flavors and textures that enhance your homemade dessert experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the rich chocolate and nutty flavors of the cookies.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with each chewy bite, making it a satisfying pairing.
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Coffee: Serving these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee enhances the chocolate and nutty notes, creating a comforting, cafe-style experience at home.
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Mint Tea: The refreshing notes of mint tea provide a soothing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, making it a delightful accompaniment for a cozy evening.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce on top before serving for an extra indulgence. It amplifies the chocolate flavor, making every bite even more luscious.
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Pistachio Milkshake: Blend up a creamy pistachio milkshake to bring out the nutty flavor found in the cookies, creating a fun and indulgent treat for dessert lovers.
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Berries: Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a burst of tartness that cuts through the richness of the cookies, offering a refreshing contrast.
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Almond Milk: A glass of chilled almond milk enhances the nutty profile of the cookies without overpowering the dessert’s flavors, making it a lighter beverage option.
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Dessert Wine: Pair these cookies with a sweet dessert wine for an elegant touch. The wine’s flavor notes will complement the pistachios beautifully, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
These pairings not only elevate your cookie experience but also create a full spread that delights all the senses.
Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right kataifi pastry?
When choosing kataifi pastry, look for a package that is soft and pliable without dark spots or dryness. It should not be frozen solid but rather slightly thawed for easier handling. If unavailable, you can substitute with phyllo pastry, cutting it into thin strips before use.
How should I store Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week. If you want them to last a bit longer, keeping them in the fridge can extend their life to about 2 weeks. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid any unwanted dryness.
Can I freeze Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, first, place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Afterwards, transfer them into an airtight container or freezer bag where they can last for up to 3 months. For best results, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
What can I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, it may be due to warm dough or not chilling it long enough. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to ensure it firms up, reducing unwanted spreading. If this happens again, you can also try adding a bit more flour to the dough next time, which can help absorb some moisture.
Are these cookies suitable for those with nut allergies?
These Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies contain nuts, specifically pistachios, which can trigger allergic reactions. For an alternative, consider using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of nuts, ensuring they are safe for anyone with allergies. Always check with guests for dietary restrictions before serving.
What is the best way to ensure a gooey center?
To achieve that perfectly gooey center, be sure to freeze the pistachio filling before filling and sealing the cookie dough. This step not only makes assembly cleaner but ensures the filling doesn’t melt away entirely while baking. Bake just until ever so slightly underdone; they will firm up while cooling, locking in that delightful gooeyness!
Irresistible Dubai Chocolate Bar Cookies with Pistachio Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (170°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Chop the kataifi pastry into small pieces and spread it evenly on the prepared tray. Drizzle melted butter over the pastry and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Combine the baked kataifi with the pistachio spread in a bowl, mixing until creamy. Freeze the mixture in small portions for filling later.
- Cream the softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and egg yolk to the mixture, blending well until creamy.
- Fold in the plain flour, corn flour, salt, and baking soda until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped chocolate and pistachios, ensuring they're evenly distributed.
- Refrigerate the cookie dough for 1 hour (or overnight) to firm it up.
- Portion the chilled dough, flatten each piece, fill with the frozen pistachio mixture, and seal them closed.
- Optionally refrigerate the stuffed cookie balls for 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden, then cool on the tray before transferring to a wire rack.
- Melt the milk chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, drizzle over cooled cookies, and top with finely chopped pistachios.