What makes Dubai Chocolate Cookies different from regular chocolate cookies?

Unlike traditional chocolate chip cookies, Dubai Chocolate Cookies are crafted with Middle Eastern-inspired elements like crispy kunafa dough, roasted pistachios, and sometimes a floral touch of rose or orange blossom water. The texture alone is a game-changer—crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, thanks to the use of toasted kunafa as a coating. While your average cookie relies on softness, Dubai Chocolate Cookies emphasize contrast—bold chocolate meets golden crunch. This makes them not just a dessert, but an experience of cultural and culinary fusion.

Are Dubai Chocolate Cookies available internationally?

While they may not yet be on shelves at every supermarket, Dubai Chocolate Cookies are gaining international popularity through online recipes, specialty dessert shops, and Middle Eastern bakeries. You can also easily make them at home using accessible ingredients and a bit of global flair. For bakers outside the UAE, sourcing kataifi (kunafa dough) might be the only challenge. However, alternatives like shredded phyllo can work with adjustments. The good news? This cookie recipe travels well and is perfect for gift boxes or holiday trays.

What ingredients are commonly used in Dubai Chocolate Cookies?

The beauty of Dubai Chocolate Cookies lies in their thoughtful blend of East and West. Key ingredients include kunafa dough (kataifi) for a golden, crispy texture; roasted pistachios for nutty crunch and color; semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate for richness; brown sugar and butter for chew and depth; and optional floral waters like rose or orange blossom for Middle Eastern aroma. Many bakers also add cardamom, tahini, or chopped dates for regional flair.

Do Dubai Chocolate Cookies contain dates or Middle Eastern spices?

They absolutely can—dates and spices are often included to highlight the dessert’s Middle Eastern roots. Adding chopped Medjool dates gives natural sweetness and chewiness, while a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon adds warmth and authenticity. Some variations also drizzle date syrup or honey on top instead of chocolate glaze for a more traditional finish. These ingredients enhance both flavor and aroma, making Dubai Chocolate Cookies even more distinctive.

Dubai Chocolate Cookies – The Best Fusion Cookie Recipe of 2025

Name: Dubai Chocolate Cookies: Why This Middle Eastern Fusion Dessert Is Changing the Game
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded kunafa (kataifi) dough; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup melted butter or ghee (for kunafa); ¾ cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp rose or orange blossom water (optional); 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup chopped roasted pistachios; 1 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chunks

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups shredded kunafa (kataifi) dough
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup melted butter or ghee (for kunafa)
¾ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp rose or orange blossom water (optional)
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup chopped roasted pistachios
1 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chunks

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Toss kunafa dough with ½ cup melted butter or ghee. Spread thin on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool.
In a large bowl, cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and floral water if using.
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until combined.
Fold in pistachios and chocolate chunks.
Scoop 2 tbsp dough into balls. Roll in toasted kunafa to coat.
Place on parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centers soft.
Cool on wire rack for maximum crispiness.
Optional: Drizzle with honey or melted chocolate, sprinkle sea salt and extra pistachios.

Notes

For gooey centers, freeze chocolate chunks and wrap inside dough before baking. Cool on wire rack to keep cookies crisp. Store airtight for up to 5 days or freeze.

Author: Clara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 210
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg