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Vertical Pinterest image of a Dubai chocolate cookie with pistachio filling

Dubai Chocolate Cookies

Rich chocolate cookies stuffed with a pistachio-kataifi filling inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar. No dough chilling required, just a quick freeze for the filling before baking.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Pistachio-Kataifi Filling
  • 2/3 cup pistachio cream or pistachio butter
  • 2/3 cup kataifi shredded phyllo pastry, toasted
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted (for toasting the kataifi)
Chocolate Cookie Dough
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1/4 cup natural cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil avocado or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
  • 1/3 cup semisweet or couverture chocolate melted
  • 2 tablespoons roasted salted pistachios, chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • 1 Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • 1 Small skillet for toasting kataifi
  • 1 Kitchen scissors for cutting kataifi

Method
 

  1. Toast the kataifi and make the filling: Cut the kataifi into small pieces with kitchen scissors. Toss with melted butter and toast in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until deep golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool slightly, then stir it into the pistachio cream until fully combined.
  2. Freeze the filling into portions: Scoop the filling into 1-tablespoon portions onto a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, until firm enough to handle. This step is what keeps the filling from leaking out during baking, so don't skip it.
  3. Make the cookie dough: Whisk melted butter, cocoa powder, and oil together in a large bowl. Let cool until no longer warm to the touch. Stir in both sugars, the egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  5. Stuff the cookies: Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to form a well. Remove a frozen filling portion from the freezer and press it into the well, then fold the dough back around it to fully enclose the filling.
  6. Bake: Place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing at least 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 9-11 minutes, until the edges look set but the centers still look slightly underdone. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before moving.
  7. Finish: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over each cookie and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Let the chocolate set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Freeze the filling before assembling, this is the most important step and skipping it will cause leaking during baking.
Kataifi is usually found in the frozen international foods section or from Middle Eastern grocers.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze unbaked filled dough balls for up to 3 months.