If you adore the subtle earthiness of green tea and the delicate crumb of a perfectly baked treat, you are going to fall head over heels for this delightful Matcha Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the vibrant color and unique flavor of matcha powder with the sweetness and buttery richness of a classic cookie. The result is a soft, tender bite that balances tradition and simplicity in the most delicious way possible. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Japanese-inspired desserts or just starting to experiment with matcha, this recipe promises an approachable yet impressive dessert that will soon become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to baking your perfect batch of cookies. Each component in this Matcha Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in texture, flavor, and color, so it’s worth gathering quality staples and culinary-grade matcha powder to bring out the best.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and body to your cookies.
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder (culinary grade): This is the star ingredient, delivering vibrant emerald color and that distinct, earthy taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a gentle lift, keeping the cookies light and tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps achieve a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie just right without overpowering the subtle matcha notes.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a subtle depth that complements the matcha’s grassy undertones.
How to Make Matcha Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making the whole process smooth from start to finish.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt until everything is evenly mixed. This careful blending spreads the vivid green matcha throughout the dough, so every cookie has that signature look and taste.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is key for that tender, soft texture everyone loves in a cookie. Your arm might get a workout, but it’s worth it!
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and uniform. These ingredients add moisture and flavor depth, making the cookies rich without feeling heavy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring gently just until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here, or your cookies might turn out dense instead of tender.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape
Use a tablespoon to scoop balls of dough and roll them gently between your palms. Place each ball about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet, then lightly flatten them so they spread evenly as they bake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to set while the centers remain soft. This keeps them tender and gives that delightful chew in every bite.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after taking them out of the oven before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them firm up just enough while staying soft inside.
How to Serve Matcha Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to take your Matcha Cookies Recipe presentation up a notch, dust these cookies lightly with powdered sugar or sprinkle a few white chocolate chips right before baking. The contrast of green and white is stunning and adds a little extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Matcha and tea are inseparable companions, so serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of jasmine or sencha green tea for an authentically soothing experience. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a heavenly pairing if you crave a more indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, arrange your cookies on a rustic wooden board embellished with edible flowers or matcha powder sprinkled artistically around. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a thin spread of cream cheese frosting or white chocolate ganache for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days. Separating layers with parchment paper prevents sticking and preserves their lovely texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls arranged on a tray for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just thaw slightly and proceed with baking as directed. Baked cookies also freeze well; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
Warm your cookies by popping them into the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or placing them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and intensifies the matcha aroma.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour in this Matcha Cookies Recipe?
All-purpose flour is ideal for the texture we want, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends if needed. Just keep in mind these substitutions may change the cookie’s crumb and taste slightly.
How strong is the matcha flavor in these cookies?
This recipe uses 1 tablespoon of matcha powder for a pleasant, balanced flavor. You can increase it to 1 1/2 tablespoons if you want a more pronounced matcha punch, but be careful not to add too much to avoid bitterness.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! White chocolate chips go wonderfully with matcha, offering a sweet, creamy contrast. Chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios can also add a lovely crunch and extra dimension.
Are these cookies suitable for vegans?
This particular Matcha Cookies Recipe includes butter and eggs, so it’s not vegan. However, you can swap butter for plant-based margarine and use flaxseed or chia seed egg substitutes to make a vegan version.
What if my cookies come out too flat or spread too much?
This usually means the dough was too warm or too soft when baked. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking if needed to help maintain shape.
Final Thoughts
This Matcha Cookies Recipe has become a beloved favorite because it’s both simple and special, bringing the magic of matcha into a comfortingly familiar cookie form. Whether you make them for yourself or to share with friends, these cookies are guaranteed to brighten any tea time or dessert plate. Give them a try—you may just find your new go-to treat!
Print
Matcha Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Matcha Cookies are delicate, soft, and infused with the vibrant, earthy flavor of high-quality matcha green tea powder. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these Japanese-inspired cookies combine classic buttery cookie dough with the unique taste of matcha, resulting in a tender treat that’s easy to make and impressively flavorful.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder, culinary grade
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined to distribute the matcha and leavening uniformly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat the egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until smooth and fully incorporated, preparing the dough for binding.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix just until a soft dough forms; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a ball, then place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten Dough: Gently flatten each dough ball slightly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to encourage even baking and shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges appear set but the centers are still soft, avoiding overbaking to maintain a tender cookie.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on it for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a stronger matcha flavor, increase the matcha powder to 1 1/2 tablespoons.
- Do not overbake to maintain a soft and tender texture in the cookies.
- Optional: add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and a complementary flavor.
