If you’re a green tea enthusiast or just someone who loves baking delicious treats with a twist, you’re in for a real delight with this Matcha Cookies recipe. These cookies bring together the vibrant, earthy flavor of matcha powder with a buttery, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, Matcha Cookies are perfect for an afternoon snack, gifting, or satisfying those sweet cravings in a wholesome way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Gateway: The subtle bitterness of matcha powder paired with sweetness creates a culinary experience like no other.
- Simple Ingredients: Made from pantry staples and pure matcha, this recipe is an easy way to introduce green tea into your baked goods.
- Quick to Prepare: No complicated techniques or fancy equipment required, making it accessible for beginners and busy bakers alike.
- Beautiful Presentation: The bright green hue of these cookies will impress anyone, ideal for special gatherings or everyday treats.
- Customizable: The recipe adapts easily, welcoming add-ons like white chocolate chips or nuts effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Matcha Cookies lies in its minimalist ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that iconic green color.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and the perfect crumb for the cookies.
- Matcha Powder: The star ingredient—choose a high-quality, fine powder for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and aids in crispiness.
- Egg: Binds ingredients together and gives softness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light bite.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the matcha taste.
Variations for Matcha Cookies
Feel free to make these Matcha Cookies truly your own. The recipe is versatile, and you can easily adapt it based on your preferences or dietary needs.
- White Chocolate Matcha: Stir in white chocolate chips for bursts of creamy sweetness.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped almonds or pistachios for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use flaxseed “egg” instead of regular egg.
- Gluten-Free Matcha: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Matcha and Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a fresh citrusy twist that pairs perfectly with green tea.
How to Make Matcha Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by measuring out all your ingredients. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing, and sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt to avoid any lumps and ensure even distribution.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer or by hand, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to airy cookies with a tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined—be careful not to overmix at this stage to keep texture perfect.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold gently until you have a smooth, green-hued dough without overworking it.
Step 5: Shape and Chill
Form the dough into small balls, about one tablespoon each, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. For best results, chill the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes to help cookies hold their shape.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Making Matcha Cookies
- Use High-Quality Matcha: The flavor and color of your cookies depend heavily on the matcha powder quality.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can result in tough cookies, so fold ingredients gently.
- Chill the Dough: Helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Watch Baking Time: Slightly underbaking allows for a chewy center that complements matcha’s texture.
- Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
How to Serve Matcha Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of extra matcha powder right before serving for a classy, professional touch that highlights the cookie’s green vibrancy.
Side Dishes
Pair Matcha Cookies with a cup of hot green tea or matcha latte to double down on the green tea flavor, or enjoy them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Display the cookies stacked on a rustic wooden board or arranged in paper-lined boxes for gifting. You can also sandwich two cookies together with white chocolate ganache for an indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Matcha Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to preserve their softness and flavor perfectly.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature when ready.
Reheating
Warm frozen or refrigerated cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to refresh the texture and bring back that just-baked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular green tea instead of matcha powder?
Regular green tea leaves won’t provide the same vibrant color or concentrated flavor that matcha powder does, so it’s best to stick with matcha for this recipe.
Is matcha powder healthy?
Yes! Matcha powder is rich in antioxidants and contains nutrients that support metabolism and overall well-being, making these cookies a slightly healthier treat option.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that matches in quantity for a safe and tasty alternative.
How should I store leftover dough?
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage before baking.
Do Matcha Cookies stay fresh for long?
When stored properly in an airtight container away from heat and moisture, they stay fresh and delicious for about 5 days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about bringing the earthy, energizing flavor of matcha into the comforting realm of cookies. This Matcha Cookies recipe is a wonderful introduction to matcha baking that’s both easy and rewarding. So grab your whisk, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to a batch—you won’t regret it!
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Matcha Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delight in these buttery, crumbly Matcha Cookies featuring the vibrant earthiness of high-quality matcha powder. Perfect for an afternoon snack or gifting, this easy-to-make recipe combines simple pantry staples to deliver irresistibly soft and colorful treats with customizable options to suit your taste preferences.
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 Add-ins & 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 a hand whisk, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture and helps 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 texture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until you achieve a smooth, uniformly green dough without overworking it.
- Shape and Chill: Roll the dough into small balls about one tablespoon each. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate the dough 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 edges are lightly golden while centers remain soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies; fold gently.
- Chilling the dough helps control spreading during baking.
- Underbaking slightly ensures a chewy center that complements the matcha texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep freshness for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
