The Perfect Chrismukkah Cookie

Team Tahini: Light, crumbly cookies with tahini-cream cheese frosting are among the recipes in a new cookbook by Adeena Sussman. Image by Lauren V. Allen
The portmanteau word “Chrismukkah” might have been coined in the early aughts, but this is the first year in recent memory that the Christian and Jewish winter holidays perfectly align. The first night of Hanukkah falls on Christmas Eve, and by the time the final eight candles have dripped down the menorah branches, the ball in Times Square will be primed to drop.
In the spirit of adding an Israeli-tinged cookie to Santa’s plate, or a Christmas-inspired treat to your Hanukkah fry-fest, try Adeena Sussman’s tahini sandwich cookies, from her new book, “Tahini.” The sesame paste lends a rich, nutty flavor to the shortbreadlike biscuits and the tangy cream cheese frosting.
The Recipe
At this year’s festivities, let the most difficult decision you make be whether to dunk, twist or crunch.
Gayle Squires is a food writer, recipe developer and photographer. Her path to the culinary world is paved with tap shoes, a medical degree, business consulting and travel. She has a knack for convincing chefs to give up their secret recipes. Her blog is KosherCamembert.