Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 74 minutes (includes 30 min chill time) | Servings: 12 large cookies | Difficulty: Moderate
These Dubai Chocolate Cookies are taking the internet by storm, and once you bite into one, you’ll understand exactly why! Imagine soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies wrapped around a luxurious filling of toasted kunafa and creamy pistachio spread that oozes with every bite. The golden, crunchy kunafa adds an incredible texture, while the pistachio cream brings rich, nutty sweetness that perfectly complements the semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you loved the viral Dubai chocolate bar trend, you’re going to be absolutely obsessed with these cookies. They’re perfect for impressing guests at parties, celebrating special occasions, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dubai Chocolate Cookies Recipe
- Viral sensation perfected: Transform the famous Dubai chocolate trend into shareable, handheld cookies
- Stunning presentation: The golden kunafa filling creates a gorgeous surprise when you break them open
- Make-ahead friendly: Freeze the dough balls and bake fresh whenever you crave them
- Customizable flavor: Swap pistachio for Nutella or Biscoff for delicious variations
What You Need for Dubai Chocolate Cookies
Essential Ingredients for Dubai Chocolate Cookies
1/4 cup shredded kunafa pastry (also called kataifi) – found in the freezer section at Middle Eastern markets or on Amazon
Heaping 1/3 cup pistachio spread (100g) – also called pistachio cream or butter, available at most retailers
1 tablespoon unsalted butter – for toasting the kunafa to golden perfection
For the Perfect Cookie Dough
1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g, 1 stick) – softened to room temperature
3/4 cup tightly packed light brown sugar (150g) – or mix of light and dark for deeper flavor
3 tablespoons granulated sugar (37g) – for ideal texture
1 large egg – room temperature for better incorporation
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – use quality vanilla for best flavor
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (220g) – sifted for lighter cookies
3/4 teaspoon baking soda – ensures chewy texture
Heaped 1/4 teaspoon sea salt – enhances all flavors
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (170g) – or use chunks or chopped dark chocolate
Flaky sea salt – for finishing touch
Dubai Chocolate Cookies
Equipment
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer
- Large skillet
- Kitchen scissors
- Cookie scoop (3 tablespoon size)
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
Pistachio Kunafa Filling
- 1/4 cup shredded kunafa pastry (kataifi) 50g, found in freezer section at Middle Eastern markets
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for toasting the kunafa
- 1/3 cup pistachio spread heaping, 100g, also called pistachio cream or butter
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 113g, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar 150g, tightly packed, or mix of light and dark
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 37g
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure vanilla recommended
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 220g
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda for chewy texture
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt heaped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 170g, or use chunks or chopped chocolate
- flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Using kitchen scissors, cut the kunafa pastry into 1/2-inch pieces in a large bowl.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped kunafa and toast, stirring constantly, until deep golden brown (about 5 minutes). Watch carefully as it can burn quickly. Alternatively, air fry at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
- Transfer toasted kunafa to a bowl, add pistachio spread, and stir until well combined.
- Scoop 2-teaspoon sized portions of the pistachio kunafa mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 30 minutes until solid.
- In a stand mixer with paddle attachment or using a handheld mixer, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold in chocolate chips until just distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover bowl and refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to chill and develop flavor.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop heaped 3-tablespoon portions of chilled dough. Flatten each portion, place one frozen pistachio kunafa disk in the center, and wrap the dough around the filling, sealing completely. Add more dough if needed to fully enclose the filling.
- Place stuffed cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Top each with a few extra chocolate chips for visual appeal if desired.
- Bake for 13-14 minutes or until edges are light golden brown and centers are just set. Start checking at 12 minutes. If baking multiple sheets, swap their positions halfway through baking time.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preparing Your Pistachio Kunafa Filling
- Cut the kunafa (5 minutes): Using kitchen scissors, snip the kunafa pastry into 1/2-inch pieces in a large bowl for easier handling.
- Toast until golden (5 minutes): Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add kunafa and stir constantly until deep golden brown. (Watch carefully as it can burn quickly!)
- Mix with pistachio (2 minutes): Transfer toasted kunafa to a bowl, add pistachio spread, and stir until completely combined.
- Freeze the filling (30 minutes): Scoop 2-teaspoon sized portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Step 2: Making the Dubai Cookie Dough
- Cream butter and sugars (5 minutes): In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients (1 minute): Mix in egg and vanilla extract until just combined. (Don’t overmix!)
- Combine dry ingredients (2 minutes): In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix dough (2 minutes): Add dry ingredients to butter mixture on low speed, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate (1 minute): Using a spatula, gently fold in chocolate chips or chunks.
- Chill the dough (30 minutes): Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor and firm up dough.
Step 3: Stuffing and Baking Your Dubai Chocolate Cookies
- Preheat oven (10 minutes): Heat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Stuff the cookies (10 minutes): Scoop heaped 3-tablespoon portions of dough, flatten each, place one frozen kunafa disk in center, and wrap dough around filling, sealing completely. (Add more dough if needed to fully enclose filling.)
- Arrange on sheets (2 minutes): Place stuffed cookies at least 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Top with extra chocolate chips for visual appeal.
- Bake to perfection (13-14 minutes): Bake until edges are golden and centers are just set. Start checking at 12 minutes. (Don’t overbake!)
- Finish with salt (1 minute): Remove from oven, immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and let cool on pan for 5 minutes before transferring.
Expert Tips for the Best Dubai Chocolate Cookies
Freezing the pistachio kunafa filling is crucial for successful stuffing. The frozen disks stay intact while you wrap the dough around them. Similarly, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes develops deeper flavor and prevents excessive spreading during baking. Cut your kunafa into small pieces to maximize the crunchy texture in every bite. Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly. If baking multiple trays, swap their positions halfway through for even browning. Most importantly, don’t overbake! Remove cookies when edges are golden and centers are just set, as they’ll continue cooking on the hot pan.
How to Store and Serve Dubai Chocolate Cookies
Baked cookies stay delicious for 2-3 days in an airtight container at room temperature, though they’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven. For optimal freshness, I recommend storing the unbaked stuffed cookie dough instead. Refrigerate dough balls tightly covered for up to 5 days, or freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding just 1-2 minutes to the baking time. Serve these show-stopping cookies with cold milk for the ultimate treat, or pair with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or pistachio sauce for an extraordinary dessert experience.
Dubai Chocolate Cookies Recipe Variations You’ll Love
Transform these cookies by swapping the pistachio spread for Nutella or Biscoff for completely different flavor profiles. Mix either spread with the toasted kunafa or freeze dollops of spread alone for simpler variations. If you love these cookies, you might also enjoy our Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies for another chocolate-packed treat, or try our Chocolate Cherry Cookies for a fruity twist on chocolate cookies.
FAQ About Dubai Chocolate Cookies
Can I make Dubai Chocolate Cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cookie dough lasts up to 5 days tightly covered in the refrigerator, so making it the night before speeds up your prep considerably and actually improves the flavor.
Why is my pistachio kunafa filling leaking out?
Make sure you use enough cookie dough to completely encase the frozen filling and seal the dough thoroughly around the pistachio kunafa center. The filling must be frozen solid before stuffing.
How do I prevent my Dubai Chocolate Cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking, ensure your oven is fully preheated, and if cookies spread slightly while baking, use a butter knife to gently push the edges toward the center immediately after removing from the oven.
Where can I find pistachio spread for this recipe?
Most larger retailers like Whole Foods and Target carry pistachio spread (also called pistachio butter or cream) in their specialty sections, or you can easily order it from Amazon or find it at Middle Eastern grocery stores.
Final Thoughts on This Dubai Chocolate Cookies Recipe
These Dubai Chocolate Cookies bring together the best of both worlds: classic chocolate chip cookies and the viral Dubai chocolate sensation. The combination of soft, buttery cookie dough, crunchy golden kunafa, and rich pistachio cream creates an unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Store unbaked dough balls in your freezer so you can bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes. The wow factor when you break open these cookies to reveal the luxurious filling is absolutely worth the extra effort! Love this recipe? Save it to your Pinterest boards and follow us on Pinterest for more amazing recipes!