If you have ever wanted to try a unique sweet treat that perfectly blends the earthy charm of green tea with the comforting texture of a classic cookie, this Matcha Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring vibrant color and subtle grassy notes together, making every bite a delightful experience. They balance a lightly crisp exterior with a chewy center and, when paired with rich white chocolate chips, transform into a heavenly match made in dessert heaven. Whether you’re a seasoned matcha lover or just curious about this Japanese-inspired twist on traditional cookies, this recipe is simple, reliable, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Matcha Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a vital role to create the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the soft butter that provides tenderness to the matcha powder that lends that signature earthy vibrancy, every item is essential for cookie magic.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The foundation of your cookie batter, providing the necessary structure.
- Matcha green tea powder (1 tablespoon): Use high-quality culinary grade for the best flavor and beautifully green color.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly and become tender yet chewy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and green tea flavors, balancing the taste.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Adds rich flavor and moisture for chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings softness and depth with a hint of molasses flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds all the ingredients together and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors, adding warmth and complexity.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Melts into sweet pockets inside the cookie for extra indulgence.
How to Make Matcha Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off the pan effortlessly, preventing any stickiness or breakage.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, baking soda, and salt. This distributes the matcha evenly throughout the flour and ensures your cookies have a consistent flavor and color in each bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter with both granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air inside, giving your cookies a tender, irresistible crumb texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, stir in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. They provide moisture and aroma, making every cookie more flavorful and moist.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet
Gradually add in your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender and not tough.
Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips
If you’re opting for the white chocolate chips, fold them in gently at this point. These add a creamy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the subtle bitterness of matcha.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges look set but the centers remain soft. This timing gives you that perfect chewy middle every time.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time helps them firm up slightly, making them easier to remove without breaking.
How to Serve Matcha Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant and flavorful touch, dust your Matcha Cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or an additional pinch of matcha powder. This not only enhances their visual appeal but also intensifies the green tea essence with every bite.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of green tea to double down on the matcha love or a glass of cold milk for a comforting contrast. You could even serve them alongside a bowl of fresh berries to balance the earthy flavors with vibrant sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or add a personal touch? Try sandwiching two Matcha Cookies with a layer of white chocolate ganache or matcha-flavored cream cheese. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the tops for an artistic and delicious finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They taste best within four days, maintaining that soft chewiness with just the right crisp edges.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough portions on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag after they’re solid. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just thaw before serving.
Reheating
To revive your stored cookies, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked, soft texture and slightly crisp edges perfectly.
FAQs
Can I substitute matcha powder with regular green tea?
Regular green tea leaves do not provide the same intense color or flavor as matcha powder, which is finely ground and concentrated. For the best results, stick with culinary-grade matcha powder in this recipe.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Matcha Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. If you want a gluten-free version, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but note the texture might vary slightly.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
While the original recipe includes butter and egg, you can experiment using vegan butter and a flax or chia egg substitute. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may differ a bit, but they can still be delicious.
What’s the best way to ensure the cookies stay chewy?
Pay careful attention to baking time and temperature. Baking just until the edges are set but the center is still soft guarantees chewy cookies. Also, do not overmix the dough, or it might become tough.
Why include white chocolate chips?
The white chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness that beautifully complements the slightly bitter, grassy notes of the matcha. They are optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Matcha Cookies Recipe, it will become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire. The way the matcha’s vibrant flavor shines through in every chewy, buttery bite is simply unforgettable. So grab your whisk and baking sheet, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful fusion of green tea and classic cookie goodness!
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 that perfectly blend the earthy taste of green tea with the sweetness of white chocolate chips. Lightly crisp on the edges and soft in the center, these cookies make a perfect Japanese-American dessert for any occasion.
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
Add-ons
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your 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 soda, and salt to blend the dry components evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer or hand whisk to cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a better texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until fully combined, creating a smooth and cohesive wet mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until a soft dough forms, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: If using, fold 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips into the dough evenly to add bursts of sweetness.
- Portion Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and space them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and lightly golden, while the centers remain soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use high-quality culinary grade matcha powder to ensure vibrant color and authentic flavor.
- These cookies have a delightful texture: crispy edges with a chewy center.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
