Dubai chocolate cookies are a luxurious twist on classic brownie cookies, combining rich chocolate with crispy shredded phyllo and creamy pistachio filling. Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar created by Fix Dessert Chocolatier, these cookies bring a taste of Middle Eastern indulgence to your kitchen. With their chewy texture and nutty-sweet center, Dubai chocolate cookies offer a delightful contrast in every bite. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or someone looking to try something new, this recipe delivers both flavor and flair. Perfect for gifting or treating yourself, These cookies have taken social media by storm—especially versions like the Crumbl cookie Dubai chocolate that reimagines the original bar in a trendy cookie shop format.
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Table of Contents
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The Story Behind Dubai Chocolate Cookies
From Viral Buzz to Home Baking Bliss
I first stumbled upon Dubai chocolate cookies while scrolling late at night—one of those sweet discoveries you can almost taste through the screen. The video featured a glossy chocolate bar stuffed with crispy kunafa and pistachio cream, created by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai. I was instantly hooked. But instead of ordering it, I wondered, “Could I bake this into a cookie?”
That question led to a few delicious experiments in my kitchen. I started with a chewy brownie cookie base—similar to the one in my chocolate cookies recipe—and added a center inspired by that iconic bar: toasted shredded kataifi (phyllo), silky pistachio cream, and a touch of tahini. The result? A rich, chewy cookie with a crispy, nutty surprise in the middle.
It reminded me of the joy I feel when baking indulgent sweets like these cookie dough brownies. There’s something extra satisfying about crafting a dessert that looks fancy but is totally doable at home.
Why Everyone’s Talking About Dubai Chocolate
So, what exactly is Dubai chocolate and why is it special? Originating in the UAE, Dubai chocolate became a sensation for its unexpected texture and flavor—crispy, creamy, and intensely chocolaty. The original bar layers chocolate around golden kunafa and sweet pistachio cream, combining regional ingredients with modern flair. It’s unlike anything you’d find in a typical candy aisle.
Transforming those flavors into a cookie makes them accessible to bakers everywhere. It’s no surprise that the trend has inspired dozens of recipes. These cookies bring a fresh twist to the dessert world—much like our white chocolate chip cookies brought new life to a classic.
This dessert isn’t just popular at home—it’s influenced variations across the web like Dubai chocolate chip cookie bars, which layer the same signature flavors in a thicker, sliceable format.
What Makes Dubai Chocolate Cookies So Special?
The Signature Filling: Pistachio Cream Meets Crunch
At first bite, you’ll notice that Dubai chocolate cookies aren’t your everyday chocolate treat. What sets them apart is their stunning center—made from toasted kataifi (shredded phyllo) and smooth pistachio cream. This combination creates a balance of textures: crispy, buttery strands meet a nutty, creamy base. It’s unlike anything you’ll find in a standard cookie recipe.
Pistachio cream, not to be confused with pure pistachio butter, is sweet and velvety. Add a spoonful of tahini, and you get just the right amount of savory depth. This nut-forward filling is reminiscent of flavors found in many Middle Eastern desserts, but here it’s wrapped in a chocolatey hug.
If you’ve ever loved our peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies or almond flour chocolate chip cookies, you know how just one standout ingredient can elevate a cookie into something memorable. With these, it’s the pistachio-kataifi duo.
The Brownie Cookie Base: Soft, Rich, and Fudgy
Let’s not forget the cookie itself. The base of this recipe starts with a brownie-style dough—deeply chocolaty, slightly gooey, and absolutely rich. It spreads beautifully in the oven, forming crackly edges and a chewy center. The cocoa used here is Dutch-process, which gives it a darker color and smoother flavor profile than natural cocoa.
The contrast between the soft cookie and crunchy center is what makes these so satisfying. Every bite delivers multiple textures and layers of flavor. They’re rich like our double chunk chocolate cookie, but with an unexpected crunch that makes them even more exciting.
Add in the optional chocolate chip or square of chocolate on top before baking, and you’ll take things to another level. This isn’t just a cookie—it’s a full-on dessert experience.
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Cookies Step-by-Step
Gathering the Key Ingredients
Making Dubai chocolate cookies at home starts with gathering high-quality ingredients. You’ll need pistachio cream—like the kind found at Costco—shredded kataifi (also called shredded phyllo), Dutch-process cocoa, butter, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Don’t forget the tahini; it’s optional but adds a unique richness that complements the pistachio.
If you’ve made our gluten-free chocolate cookies, you know how texture impacts results. These cookies are no different. The brownie-style dough should be soft, chewy, and rich to contrast with the crispy filling that makes Dubai chocolate cookies so special.
Start by melting butter with both sugars. Whisk until glossy. Add cocoa, salt, and vanilla, then stir in one large egg. Once the batter resembles brownie mix, fold in your flour and baking soda. Chill the dough for at least two hours. This step is crucial—it allows the flavors to develop and gives Dubai chocolate cookies their signature spread.
Creating the Pistachio-Kataifi Filling and Assembling
As your dough chills, start the filling. Toast the kataifi slowly in butter until golden and crisp. This process can take up to 20 minutes but builds deep flavor and crunch. Let it cool, then combine it with pistachio cream, a bit of tahini, and a pinch of salt.
To assemble, scoop your dough into 2.5-tablespoon portions. Flatten each and place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Wrap the dough around it completely, roll into a ball, and top with chocolate chips or a square of chocolate if you like. Make sure to leave space on the tray—Dubai chocolate cookies spread as they bake.
Bake at 350°F for 12 to 14 minutes. Look for crackled edges and a soft, glossy center. Let them cool completely on the tray before moving them. This helps the center set and keeps your cookies intact.
They bake similarly to our vegan chocolate chip cookies, with a rich center and slightly crisp edge. Like our chocolate chip cookie cake, these cookies are all about balancing textures.
If you love bakery-style cookies, you’ll notice similarities between this recipe and the Dubai chocolate Crumbl cookie, especially in how the chewy base surrounds a rich, flavorful filling.
Tips, Variations, and Storing Dubai Chocolate Cookies
Tips for Perfect Dubai Chocolate Cookies Every Time
To get the best results when baking Dubai chocolate cookies, consistency is everything. Chill the dough for at least two hours—it helps control spreading and enhances the cookie’s chewy texture. Always use Dutch-process cocoa for a deep, balanced chocolate flavor that complements the nutty filling.
When toasting kataifi, don’t rush. Medium-low heat and frequent stirring create golden, crispy threads without burning. Let them cool completely before mixing with pistachio cream, or the filling will turn oily. For extra indulgence, press a piece of semi-sweet chocolate into the top of each cookie before baking.
Another tip? Use a cookie scoop. This helps you get even portions and prevents under- or overfilled cookies. If you’ve enjoyed the perfect size of our small batch chocolate chip cookies, you’ll appreciate how uniform these turn out too.
Fun Variations and How to Store Them
Though classic Dubai chocolate cookies are hard to beat, there’s room to experiment. You can swap pistachio cream with Nutella, almond butter, or even cookie butter if you’re out of ingredients. One reader used Nutella and loved the result. You could also try a dairy-free version like in our gluten-free dairy-free chocolate chip cookies—just substitute plant-based butter and make sure the filling matches.
Storing these cookies is easy. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft at room temperature for 3–4 days. Want to save some for later? Freeze unbaked stuffed dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
These are perfect for gifting or prepping ahead. Similar to our cookie dough protein bars, they hold their structure well and taste even better the next day.
You can even recreate the viral Crumbl Dubai chocolate cookie at home using this exact dough and filling method—just shape them slightly taller for that signature look.
Dubai Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan or microwave, melt butter. Whisk in brown and white sugars until glossy and combined.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, salt, and cocoa powder. Stir until the mixture resembles brownie batter.
- Fold in flour and baking soda. Mix until just combined. Chill dough for at least 2 hours.
- While dough chills, toast kataifi in butter on medium-low heat until golden and crispy. Let cool.
- Mix toasted kataifi with pistachio cream and optional tahini. Set aside the filling.
- Scoop 2.5 tbsp portions of dough. Flatten and fill with 1 tsp of the filling. Seal and roll into a ball.
- Place dough balls on parchment-lined baking tray. Top with chocolate if desired. Bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes.
- Let cookies cool completely on the tray to set the filling. Store in airtight container.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Chocolate Cookies
What is a Dubai chocolate cookie?
A Dubai chocolate cookie is a rich brownie-style cookie filled with a blend of toasted shredded kataifi (a crispy phyllo dough), creamy pistachio paste, and sometimes a touch of tahini. Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar from Fix Dessert Chocolatier, these cookies combine textures and flavors—crispy, chewy, and nutty—for a decadent twist on a classic dessert.
What is so special about Dubai chocolate?
Dubai chocolate stands out for its luxurious combination of kunafa pastry and pistachio cream encased in premium chocolate. It became viral for pairing traditional Middle Eastern ingredients with modern chocolate craftsmanship. This flavor profile now inspires treats like Dubai chocolate cookies, which replicate those rich, layered textures in baked form.
Is Costco selling Dubai chocolate?
Yes, certain Costco locations carry pistachio cream used in many Dubai chocolate-style recipes. While the original Fix Dessert Chocolatier bar may not be available, ingredients like Pisti pistachio spread are often found at Costco, making it easier to bake Dubai chocolate cookies at home.
Why is Dubai-style chocolate so expensive?
Dubai-style chocolate often features high-quality ingredients like imported pistachios, premium couverture chocolate, and hand-crafted fillings such as shredded kunafa and tahini. These gourmet touches raise production costs. When baking Dubai chocolate cookies, however, you can recreate the same experience for a fraction of the price using grocery-store finds.
Conclusion
If you’re craving something extraordinary, Dubai chocolate cookies are the treat that delivers it all—rich chocolate, creamy pistachio, and a buttery crunch you didn’t know cookies could have. They’re perfect for home bakers who want to bring luxury into their everyday sweets without complicated steps. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try your own spin, these cookies guarantee that every bite will be memorable.
So go ahead, grab your whisk, and let these cookies bring a taste of Dubai to your kitchen—elegant, indulgent, and made with love.