Is Dubai chewy cookie the same as Dubai chocolate cookie?

Not exactly. The "Dubai chocolate cookie" can refer to cookies made with tempered chocolate that contain the kataifi pistachio filling, similar in flavor to the Fix Chocolatier bar but in cookie format. The "chewy Dubai chocolate cookie" specifically refers to the marshmallow-based no-bake version that has a soft, chewy shell rather than a crisp chocolate coating. The filling is the same in both versions but the shell texture and preparation method are completely different.

Can I use pistachio paste instead of pistachio cream?

Yes, with adjustments. Pistachio paste is less sweet and more intensely flavored than pistachio cream. If substituting, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey or powdered sugar to compensate for the reduced sweetness, and mix the paste thoroughly with the toasted kataifi before assessing the consistency. You may also need slightly more paste to achieve the same binding effect as cream. For the ideal homemade version, see our full pistachio cream recipe.

Can I bake this cookie?

No, and you should not try. The marshmallow-based dough is not designed for heat. Baking would cause the marshmallows to puff, spread and lose their cohesion, resulting in a flat, sticky mess rather than a shaped cookie. The no-bake method is what makes this recipe work. If you want a baked pistachio chocolate cookie, that is a completely different recipe with a different dough formulation.

Where can I buy kataifi pastry?

Kataifi is available in Middle Eastern grocery stores, Greek specialty food shops, some international supermarkets and online retailers. It is typically sold frozen in 500g or 1kg packages. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use. If you cannot find it locally, shredded wheat cereal (broken into very fine pieces) or angel hair pasta (broken up and toasted in butter) can serve as approximate substitutes, though neither replicates the exact texture of genuine kataifi.

How long does it stay fresh?

At room temperature in an airtight container: up to 3 days. In the refrigerator: up to 5 days. In the freezer: up to 1 month. The kataifi crunch in the filling diminishes after the first 24 hours as moisture from the pistachio cream softens the strands, so these cookies are at their textural best on the day they are made or the following day.

Why is my cookie too sticky?

The three most common causes of sticky cookies are: the marshmallow dough was not cooled enough before shaping (too hot equals too sticky), the ratio of cocoa and milk powder to marshmallow was too low (try adding an additional tablespoon of milk powder to the dough), or the kitchen temperature is too warm (work in a cooler environment or briefly refrigerate the shaped cookies before the final cocoa dusting). Lightly oiled hands also reduce sticking significantly during the assembly process.

5 Irresistible Chewy Dubai Chocolate Cookies

Chewy Dubai Chocolate Cookie

Print Recipe

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A no-bake chewy chocolate cookie with a marshmallow-based shell wrapped around a crunchy toasted kataifi pistachio center, inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate trend.

Author: Chef Alex
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 10 to 12 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

100g kataifi pastry
3 to 4 tablespoons pistachio cream or paste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon tahini (optional)
Pinch of salt
200g white marshmallows
30g unsalted butter
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons milk powder
Extra cocoa powder for coating
Neutral oil for hands

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Instructions

Separate kataifi into thin strands.
Melt butter in a pan and toast kataifi for 5 to 8 minutes until golden and crisp, then let cool.
Mix cooled kataifi with pistachio cream, tahini, and salt until combined.
Divide into 10 to 12 balls and freeze for 15 to 20 minutes.
Melt butter over low heat, add marshmallows, and stir until smooth.
Remove from heat and mix in cocoa powder, milk powder, and salt until a dough forms.
Let dough cool for 5 to 7 minutes.
Oil hands lightly, flatten dough, place filling ball inside, and wrap into a smooth ball.
Roll each cookie in cocoa powder.
Let it set briefly and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Toast kataifi fully for crunch. Do not overheat marshmallows. Best texture is achieved when served within 24 hours.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 145
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Find it online: https://www.adorarecipes.com/chewy-dubai-chocolate-cookie/