Sesame Cookies with Chocolate: A Crunchy Delight for Festive Snacking

Chapchar Kut is a glamorous spring festival of the Mizo people in Mizoram, India. It’s the time when the jungle is cleared for jhum cultivation, and we get to rest and have a festival before the sowing season begins. Traditionally it’s in early March, Chapchar Kut 2025 will be on Friday, March 7.

Communities come together to enjoy traditional dances, music and feasts to thank and celebrate the upcoming agricultural season. Sesame Cookies with Chocolate is a great addition to the festivity, the nutty flavor of sesame blended with chocolate is perfect with a cup of tea or coffee during the celebration.

Sesame has been a staple in kitchens for ages, from til ladoos to chikkis and here it gets a modern twist with the addition of chocolate. The natural nuttiness of sesame pairs beautifully with the deep, rich flavors of chocolate and these cookies are a treat for both traditional and modern taste buds. And the best part is they’re super easy to make with just a few ingredients you already have at home.

So, as you get ready to dance, music and food for Chapchar Kut, make sure you have a batch of these cookies ready to devour.

How To Bake Sesame Cookies with Chocolate

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (120g) wheat flour, atta
• ½ cup (60g) til
• ½ cup (100g) jaggery powder or brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) ghee or unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed)

For the Chocolate Coating:

• ½ cup (100g) dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter

Method

1. Heat a dry pan and add til. Stir for 2-3 minutes until golden and aromatic. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, sieve wheat flour, baking powder and salt. Add til and jaggery powder.
3. Add melted ghee and vanilla extract and mix well with spatula.
4. Add one tablespoon of milk at a time and knead into a soft dough.
5. Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
6. Take small portions of dough and shape into balls. Flatten them slightly and place on the tray with some space in between.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
9. Melt dark chocolate with coconut oil using double boiler or microwave. Stir until smooth and glossy.
10. Dip half of each cooled cookie into the chocolate.
11. Place on a parchment paper and sprinkle some extra til on top. Let it set at room temperature or refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Simple Tips To Make The Perfect Sesame Cookies with Chocolate For Chapchar Kut

Roast Sesame Seeds to Get More Flavor

Sesame seeds have a natural nutty taste but roasting them takes it to the next level. Heat a thick-bottomed pan on low flame, add the sesame seeds and stir for 2-3 minutes. They’re done when they turn golden and give out a deep nutty aroma. Don’t leave them sit in the hot pan, transfer to a plate and let them cool. If you leave them in the pan, they’ll burn and give the cookies a bitter taste. Once cooled, crush them lightly with a rolling pin to release more flavor before adding to the dough.

Use Whole Wheat Flour for a Hearty Bite

Instead of maida, use atta (whole wheat flour), it gives the cookies a slightly dense and richer taste, making them more wholesome. Whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture than refined flour so, make sure to sift it before mixing to get a lump free, even dough. If you want an even nuttier taste, you can add a tablespoon of besan (gram flour) for extra flavor.

Jaggery Powder for a Deep Caramel-like Sweetness

While sugar works, jaggery powder adds a deep earthy sweetness that goes well with both sesame and chocolate. If using jaggery blocks, crush them finely and sieve them to remove any large chunks before adding to the dough. Jaggery retains moisture so your cookies will be softer than sugar-based ones. To get more flavor out of jaggery, you can warm it slightly with a teaspoon of water or milk before adding it to the dough.

Ghee for a Buttery, Aromatic Cookie

Instead of butter, melted ghee gives the cookies a rich, traditional taste that goes well with sesame and jaggery. Make sure the ghee is warm but not hot when mixing into the dough, this helps in binding the ingredients better. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use coconut oil, which pairs well with sesame.