Matcha Cookies Recipe
If you adore the delicate, earthy flavor of green tea combined with the comforting sweetness of a cookie, you have to try this Matcha Cookies Recipe. These vibrant green treats are a beautiful balance of subtle bitterness and sweet indulgence, making them perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a charming addition to any dessert table. Soft on the inside with just the right amount of crisp around the edges, these cookies offer an irresistible flavor that whispers of calm and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Matcha Cookies Recipe is in its simplicity and the harmony each ingredient brings. Every element plays a crucial role, from the buttery base to the vibrant matcha that gives these cookies their signature charm.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): Provides structure and a tender crumb; gluten-free blends work too if you prefer.
- Matcha powder (2 teaspoons): Use high-quality, fine powder for that bright green color and authentic tea flavor.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift so the cookies are light and soft.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and matcha’s earthiness.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): For richness and moisture; coconut oil can be swapped in for a vegan twist.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the dough and helps create that lovely slightly crisp edge.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together; flaxseed “egg” works beautifully for vegan cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- White chocolate chips (⅓ cup, optional): A fun addition for a sweet, creamy contrast to matcha’s subtle bitterness.
- Chopped almonds or pistachios (⅓ cup, optional): For a nutty touch that adds crunch and complexity.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon, optional): The perfect zing that brightens the matcha’s earthiness, especially in the lemon zest variation.
How to Make Matcha Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you dive in, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming. Measure out all your ingredients precisely, then sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures there are no clumps and gives the cookies a consistent flavor and texture throughout.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Use a mixer or a sturdy whisk to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This process adds air into your dough, which is the secret to achieving that tender crumb and beautiful texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar are aerated, gently mix in your egg followed by the vanilla extract. Be careful to combine these just until incorporated; overmixing here can lead to tougher cookies, which is the last thing we want!
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold your sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula and be gentle—the goal is a smooth, uniformly green dough without overworking it, so those cookies stay tender and soft.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
Roll your dough into small balls about one tablespoon each and space them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give the dough a chill time of about 30 minutes in the fridge. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and intensifies the flavors.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
How to Serve Matcha Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Matcha Cookies Recipe, consider topping them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of matcha powder right before serving. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle some melted white chocolate for a stunning and delicious finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of green tea or a frothy matcha latte to double down on the flavors. For an afternoon treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your cookie platter pop by arranging these green beauties with bright edible flowers or nuts that complement the flavors, like pistachios or almonds. For gift-giving or parties, wrap them in parchment paper tied with a ribbon for an elegant, homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Matcha Cookies Recipe treats, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, making them a perfect bake-ahead snack or dessert option.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking or the fully baked cookies. For dough, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to a month. Bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes of baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too — just thaw them at room temperature when ready.
Reheating
To bring freshly baked warmth back to your Matcha Cookies Recipe, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the cookies slightly and revives their freshly baked charm.
FAQs
Can I make this Matcha Cookies Recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with coconut oil and replace the egg with a flaxseed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). This keeps the cookies moist and delicious without altering the matcha’s flavor.
Where can I find good quality matcha powder?
Look for culinary-grade matcha from reputable Asian grocery stores or online. It should be vibrant green and finely ground. Avoid low-quality varieties which can be bitter and dull in color.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips, chopped almonds, or pistachios work beautifully and add delightful texture and flavor variations. Just fold them in gently at the end of mixing your dough.
How do I know when the cookies are baked perfectly?
Watch for lightly golden edges with a center that still looks a bit soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so removing them from the oven at this stage ensures a soft, tender bite.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure your blend contains xanthan gum or similar for proper texture.
Final Thoughts
This Matcha Cookies Recipe has such a special place in my heart because it strikes the perfect balance between unique flavor and simple, approachable baking. Whether you’re a green tea lover or just curious about trying something new, these cookies will bring a little burst of brightness and warmth to your day. Trust me — once you make them, they’ll become your go-to treat for any occasion!
Print
Matcha Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these vibrant and tender Matcha Cookies made with fine matcha powder, offering a unique blend of earthy flavors and sweetness. Simple to prepare, these cookies can be customized with white chocolate chips, nuts, or lemon zest, making them perfect for a soothing snack or tea-time treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder (high-quality, fine powder)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for vegan version)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (or 1 flaxseed “egg” for vegan version)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Variations
- ⅓ cup white chocolate chips (for white chocolate matcha variation)
- ⅓ cup chopped almonds or pistachios (for nutty twist)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for matcha and lemon zest variation)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure all ingredients carefully. Soften the butter to room temperature. Sift together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt to remove lumps and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer or hand whisk, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture, helping create cookies with a tender crumb.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain the desired cookie texture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until the dough is smooth and uniformly green, being careful not to overwork it.
- Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into small balls about one tablespoon each. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flaxseed egg instead of a chicken egg.
- Customize your cookies by folding in white chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or lemon zest for different flavor profiles.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
- Chilling the dough is important to prevent excessive spreading during baking and to enhance texture.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
