If you’re looking for a delightful twist on the classic cookie, this Matcha Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies are a vibrant green treat bursting with the earthy, slightly sweet flavor of matcha green tea powder combined with the soft chewiness that makes every bite a little moment of joy. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with friends, these matcha cookies bring a warm, comforting vibe and a subtle sophistication that simply can’t be beaten.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Matcha Cookies Recipe is how the ingredients come together effortlessly to create a cookie that’s full of flavor and perfect texture. Each ingredient plays its own vital role, from the all-purpose flour that forms the base, to the matcha powder giving that beautiful green hue and distinct taste, and the white chocolate chips adding a pop of sweetness.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This gives the cookie its structure and tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder: The star ingredient that brings vibrant color and a lovely earthy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently for a perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a soft, chewy consistency.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in browning.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses depth and keeps the cookies moist.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together while keeping the cookie tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet aroma.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional): Adds creamy bursts of sweetness that pair wonderfully with matcha.
How to Make Matcha Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick and will come off the sheet effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your matcha powder and leavening are evenly distributed so each cookie has a consistent flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process aerates the butter and sugar, helping the cookies achieve a wonderful soft texture with a slight crisp on the edges.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. This step binds the wet ingredients and infuses the dough with a hint of sweetness and warmth.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently just until a soft dough forms. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop when everything is just combined. Now’s the moment to fold in the white chocolate chips if you’re using them — they add those little pockets of creamy delight in each bite.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, keeping an eye on them; once the edges are set but the centers remain soft, they’re ready. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Matcha Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a tiny dusting of matcha powder or powdered sugar over the cooled cookies to enhance their beautiful green color and add delicate flavor notes. A few whole matcha tea leaves on the serving plate can also add an elegant visual punch when entertaining guests.
Side Dishes
These matcha cookies make an incredible pairing with a warm cup of green tea or a creamy matcha latte to deepen the flavors. For a dessert platter, include fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the earthiness of the cookies with juicy sweetness and light creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your matcha cookies with a thin layer of white chocolate ganache or matcha-flavored buttercream between two cookies for a fancy matcha sandwich cookie. You can also dip half of each cookie in melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed pistachios for an added crunchy texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your matcha cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to four days, making them perfect for an easy snack or last-minute treat throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead, the raw dough can be frozen in portioned scoops. Simply place the scoops on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, add an extra minute or two to the baking time, baking straight from the freezer. Baked cookies also freeze well in an airtight container for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low-temperature oven for a few minutes. Reheating brings back that freshly baked softness and melts the white chocolate chips beautifully.
FAQs
Can I substitute matcha powder with green tea powder?
While both come from green tea leaves, culinary-grade matcha powder is finely ground and designed specifically for cooking and baking, offering a much brighter flavor and color. Regular green tea powder won’t deliver the same vibrant taste or hue, so it’s best to stick with matcha for this recipe.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
The white chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended for that sweet creamy contrast to the earthy matcha. If you don’t have them, you can leave them out or substitute with chopped white chocolate bars or even milk chocolate chips, though the flavor balance will change slightly.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
To veganize this Matcha Cookies Recipe, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or chia egg instead of the large egg. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the cookies will still taste deliciously green and chewy.
How important is the butter temperature?
Using softened butter is key as it creams better with sugar, creating air pockets that help make your cookies light and tender. Butter that is too cold won’t mix well, and melted butter will lead to denser cookies, so aim for room temperature softness.
Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate before baking?
Absolutely! Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight can actually enhance the flavor as the matcha infuses into the dough, and it helps prevent excessive spreading during baking for thicker, more substantial cookies.
Final Thoughts
This Matcha Cookies Recipe is one of those gems that combines simplicity with something a little special, turning an everyday cookie into a beautiful treat you’re excited to bake and share. The balance of sweet white chocolate and grassy matcha will win over anyone, from cookie novices to seasoned bakers. So, grab your matcha powder, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of cookies that feel like a cozy, delicious hug. Happy baking!
Print
Matcha Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these chewy and flavorful Matcha Cookies, featuring the earthy essence of high-quality matcha green tea powder balanced with sweet white chocolate chips. Perfectly crisp on the edges and soft in the center, these Japanese-American inspired treats are easy to bake and make for an elegant dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter base.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in White Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in the white chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough for bursts of sweetness.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft for that perfect chewiness.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use high-quality culinary grade matcha powder to achieve the best flavor and vibrant green color in your cookies.
- These cookies feature a delightful texture contrast with crisp edges and chewy centers.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
