Dubai Chocolate Cookies with Pistachio Filling and Tobiko Drizzle Recipe
If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a little luxury packed into every bite, this Dubai Chocolate Cookies with Pistachio Filling and Tobiko Drizzle Recipe is exactly what you need. The rich cocoa dough wrapped around luscious pistachio cream, with the crunch of toasted kataifi, makes it a uniquely decadent treat that always surprises and delights. I personally love making these for special occasions because they feel exotic yet comforting—plus, they’re a real conversation starter when friends stop by!
What makes this Dubai Chocolate Cookies with Pistachio Filling and Tobiko Drizzle Recipe stand out is the balance of textures and flavors: the soft, fudgy cookie, the creamy pistachio, and that subtle salty crunch from both the kataifi and pistachio drizzle. It’s perfect when you want to impress without needing a pastry chef’s skills, and honestly, this recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat. I always find that having these ready means I’m just one step from a cozy coffee break or an elegant dessert platter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here all play a key role in achieving the ideal texture and flavor. Using cake flour for the cookies keeps them tender, while the pistachio cream for the filling adds that authentic nutty richness that’s hard to beat. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one matters.
- Pistachio cream: This is the star of the filling, giving that lush nutty flavor and smooth texture you’ll fall in love with.
- Toasted kataifi: Adds a wonderful crispy, flaky contrast that elevates the filling.
- Unsalted butter: Opt for quality butter to make the cookie dough rich and flavorful.
- Natural cocoa powder: Gives the dough a deep chocolate taste without overpowering the pistachio.
- Avocado oil (or canola/vegetable): I like avocado oil for its subtle flavor and healthy fats, but feel free to swap.
- Granulated and light brown sugar: The combo balances sweetness and moisture perfectly.
- Egg: Helps with structure and richness—room temperature is best for smooth mixing.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie dough.
- Cake flour: Essential for keeping the cookies soft and tender, unlike all-purpose flour which can make them tougher.
- Baking soda, baking powder, and salt: Work together to give the dough a gentle rise and enhance flavor.
- Couverture or semisweet chocolate: Melted for a glossy drizzle that finishes off the cookies gorgeously.
- Roasted, salted pistachios: For topping, they add crunch and a pop of flavor that’s irresistible.
Variations
I love playing around with this recipe depending on the season or who I’m baking for. The beauty of these Dubai Chocolate Cookies with Pistachio Filling and Tobiko Drizzle Recipe is that there’s plenty of room to personalize without losing that signature rich and nutty experience.
- Nut-Free Variation: I once swapped the pistachio cream for a sunbutter blend, which worked surprisingly well for a nut allergy-friendly crowd.
- Dark Chocolate Upgrade: Using a higher percentage dark chocolate in the dough and drizzle amplifies the richness if you’re a serious chocolate fan like me.
- Seasonal Twist: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough brings a hint of warmth that pairs beautifully with the pistachio in cooler months.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg to keep it plant-based—I’ve tried it, and it’s a bit more delicate but still great.
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Cookies with Pistachio Filling and Tobiko Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough
Start by creaming the unsalted butter with both sugars until light and fluffy—this step takes about 3 to 5 minutes with an electric mixer. It’s super important for getting that soft, tender crumb, so don’t rush. Then, mix in the avocado oil, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. In a separate bowl, sift together cake flour, natural cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mix, folding gently until the dough comes together without overmixing. Overmixing can make cookies tough, which we definitely don’t want!
Step 2: Assembling the Cookies
Divide the dough into even balls — about a tablespoon each works nicely. Flatten each ball into a disc, then add a spoonful of pistachio cream mixed with toasted kataifi right in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the filling, sealing it completely, and reshape it into a ball again. This is where a gentle hand is key; if the dough cracks, use a bit of water to seal edges so filling doesn’t leak out during baking.
Step 3: Baking and Drizzling
Place the filled cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about two inches apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before drizzling with melted couverture chocolate and sprinkling roasted pistachios on top. This cooling step helps the cookies hold their shape and makes the drizzle look elegant, not messy.
How to Serve Dubai Chocolate Cookies with Pistachio Filling and Tobiko Drizzle Recipe

Garnishes
I’m a big fan of keeping it fresh with extra chopped pistachios on top—they add color and crunch that make the cookies pop. Sometimes I also toss on a few edible gold flakes if I’m feeling fancy, which is perfect for celebrations or gifting.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a small cup of Arabic coffee or a light mint tea, which help cut through the richness. I’ve also enjoyed serving them alongside fresh berries or a simple yogurt mousse for a fuller dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I like arranging them on a mirrored platter interspersed with pistachio clusters and little glass bowls of tobiko. It creates a stunning centerpiece that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. You could even stack them in a pyramid to impress your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookies stay soft and the filling remains smooth without drying out, which is a real win.
Freezing
If I want to prep ahead, I freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They hold up beautifully for up to a month and thaw quickly at room temperature—perfect for last-minute guests.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored cookies back to life, I pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes that just-baked warmth and soft texture without melting the filling or drizzle too much.
FAQs
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Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but expect slightly denser cookies. Cake flour has less protein, which makes cookies softer, so if using all-purpose, be careful not to overmix the dough to keep them tender.
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What’s the purpose of the kataifi in the filling?
Toasted kataifi adds a unique flaky, crunchy texture to the pistachio cream filling, making every bite interesting by balancing softness with a subtle crisp. It’s one of those little touches that take the cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
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Can I use store-bought pistachio cream?
Absolutely! Store-bought pistachio cream works well and saves time, just make sure it’s good quality and not overly sweet to keep the flavor balanced in your cookies.
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Is it possible to skip the Tobiko drizzle?
You can definitely skip the tobiko drizzle or substitute it with the melted chocolate drizzle alone. The tobiko adds a subtle briny pop, but the cookies are delightful even without it.
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How do I make sure the filling doesn’t leak out?
Make sure to seal the dough edges tightly around the filling and avoid overstuffing. If you spot any cracks, a little dab of water can help seal the edges before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Dubai Chocolate Cookies with Pistachio Filling and Tobiko Drizzle Recipe holds a special place in my collection because it’s not just a cookie, it’s a mini adventure for your taste buds. Making them feels like creating a little edible gift that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try one. I’m excited for you to give this recipe a go — trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your new favorite when you want something indulgent, exotic, and homemade all at once.
Print
Dubai Chocolate Cookies with Pistachio Filling and Tobiko Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
Dubai Chocolate Cookies are rich, decadent treats featuring a unique pistachio cream and toasted kataifi filling. These soft, chocolatey cookies combine the deep flavor of cocoa with a delicate nutty crunch, topped with a drizzle of melted chocolate and roasted pistachios for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Filling
- ⅔ cup (195 g) pistachio cream
- ⅔ cup (52 g) toasted kataifi
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¼ cup (25 g) natural cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or canola/vegetable oil)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature preferred
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups (198 g) cake flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon table salt
Topping
- ⅓ cup (70 g) couverture or semisweet chocolate, melted for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons roasted, salted pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the pistachio cream and toasted kataifi thoroughly. Set aside to be used as the filling for the cookies.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, natural cocoa powder, avocado oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating to incorporate well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
- Form and Fill Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take portions of the dough and flatten them slightly. Place a spoonful of the pistachio filling in the center and carefully shape the dough around the filling to enclose it completely, forming cookie balls.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the filled cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly apart. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are set but still soft to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Add Toppings: Once cooled, drizzle the melted couverture or semisweet chocolate over the cookies. Garnish with roasted, salted pistachios on top for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the chocolate drizzle set for a few minutes before serving these indulgent Dubai Chocolate Cookies. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use cake flour for a tender, delicate crumb; all-purpose flour can be substituted but may yield a denser cookie.
- Room temperature eggs help the ingredients blend more smoothly for optimal texture.
- Avocado oil offers a neutral flavor and healthy fats, but canola or vegetable oil can be used as alternatives.
- To toast kataifi, place it in a dry pan over medium heat and stir frequently until golden brown, taking care not to burn.
- Ensure cookies cool completely before drizzling chocolate to prevent it from melting excessively.
Keywords: Chocolate cookies, pistachio cream, kataifi pastry, Middle Eastern dessert, chocolate drizzle, roasted pistachios
