Lemon Tahini Thumbprint Cookies
It was Mother’s Day here this past weekend! I hope all the moms, mother figures, and nurturers enjoyed a very happy one--whether Mother’s Day weekend or simply a lovely weekend. I'm still feeling a little warm glow from the best gift I could have asked for--the one I did ask for, in fact: baking these simple, experimental beauties (OK, they’re not actually pretty, but they can be with some care, and big picture, they’re honestly beautiful) with Chef F!
With my birthday falling just a month prior, I never feel like the boys should go to any lengths to celebrate Mother’s Day. Maybe that statement houses a lot to unpack, but truth be told I think it’s just me being practical. Plus, this year we’re getting ready for another big trip back to see family in Britain, and we need to just get on with business while keeping to budget, you know? Still, when I said all I wanted was for us three to share a kombucha and for Felix to bake with me, Dave was skeptical.
”You say that,” he cautioned, “but then on the day you’re going to feel let down.”
”No,” I protested insistently. “This is all I want.”
Secretly, I knew Dave could very possibly be correct…only he wasn’t.
On the day, I did get a lovely homemade card and paper flowers from Felix, and they were beeautiful. More than enough of a celebration. But baking together took the cake (except, cookies).
Felix's time is much too focused on many important things to regularly cook together these days, and I couldn't be prouder of our sweet and curious, active, strategic chess master who is also our very best bud. I love getting silly and a little rowdy with him where I still can, but when he pauses to spend quiet time together, my heart really swells. Experimenting together in the kitchen is especially tender, bringing back so many joyful memories while keeping so very present and appreciative of the moment. These lemon tahini thumbprint cookies are so simple and a little sloppy...and honestly such a delight. Time is truly the very most precious commodity, and these wholesomely sweet, lemony jammy bites are just a bonus invitation to linger. Have a wonderful week, friends!
Easy fun to bake with kids!
Lemon Tahini Thumbprint Cookies
Yield: 12 cookies
1/2 Cup tahini
1/4 Cup maple syrup (increase to 1/3 Cup for a sweeter option)
Juice and zest of 1 lemon (2-3 Tablespoons)
1 Cup sprouted spelt flour (oat flour works, too)
1/2 Teaspoon baking powder
1/3 Cup chia jam or fruit-only preserves
Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a mixing bowl, pour the tahini, maple syrup and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Add the flour, baking powder, and zest to the bowl, lightly stirring the on top of the wet ingredients to disperse the baking powder. Stir wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
Divide the dough into 12 balls. Place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper about 2 inches apart. Press down into the middle of each ball with your thumb to make a small well in the center. If the cookies start cracking too much, feel free to press back into form. Spoon a small amount of jam (about 1/2 Teaspoon) into each well.
Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool a few minutes, and enjoy!