📖 Instructions

1. Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; this will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, black sesame seeds, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. Nobody wants a clump of baking powder in their cookie!
3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should look like a cloud – light and airy.
4. Add Tahini and Vanilla: Beat in the tahini and vanilla extract until well combined. Don't skimp on the vanilla; it really enhances the flavor!
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – this is crucial for keeping the cookies tender. The dough will be fairly soft.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential! Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps develop the flavors.
7. Shape the Cookies: After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. If the dough is too firm to work with, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, or simply roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
8. Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them; gluten-free cookies can burn easily.
9. Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they're still warm and delicate.
10. Enjoy!: These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm, with a glass of plant-based milk or a cup of tea. The nutty flavor of the black sesame seeds and the subtle sweetness make them incredibly addictive!