Matcha Cookies
Craving something delightful and unique? These Matcha Cookies are exactly what you need to satisfy your sweet tooth with a refreshing twist. Bursting with vibrant green tea flavor and boasting a perfect chewy texture, this recipe walks you through simple steps to bake delicious, chewy Matcha Cookies with vibrant flavor. Whether you’re a matcha lover or just curious, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy the perfect balance of earthy matcha and sweet cookie goodness right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The natural bitterness of matcha blends beautifully with sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
- Chewy Texture: Soft yet slightly chewy, these cookies hit the ideal texture for any cookie fan.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with the exciting addition of vibrant green matcha powder.
- Quick to Make: No complicated steps or hard-to-find items; just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Unique and Beautiful: The bright green color makes for an eye-catching treat that’s perfect for sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these irresistible Matcha Cookies, you’ll need just a handful of essential ingredients. Each plays a crucial role: the matcha powder adds vivid color and flavor, while the other basics ensure the perfect chewy bite and sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the cookie structure and helps achieve that soft-chewy texture.
- Matcha Powder: The star ingredient for that distinct, earthy green tea flavor and color.
- Baking Soda: Gives just the right lift to keep cookies tender.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Sugar: Balances the bitterness of the matcha with sweetness and helps with browning.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor complexity for a deeper taste.
- Salt: Elevates all flavors and balances sweetness.
Variations for Matcha Cookies
Feel free to play around with this matcha cookie recipe and make it your own. It’s incredibly easy to adjust or add ingredients to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences.
- White Chocolate Chips: Add sweetness and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with matcha.
- Nuts: Toasted almonds or pistachios add a crunchy contrast and earthy undertone.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute for an allergy-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Swap part of the sugar for a natural sweetener to deepen flavor notes.
- Matcha and Lemon: Add a zest of lemon zest or juice to brighten the cookie’s profile.
How to Make Matcha Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by measuring and setting out all your ingredients. Soften the unsalted butter until it’s creamy but not melted. This will help with easier mixing and better texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is optional but helps in blending and avoiding clumps of matcha.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and chewy.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Step 6: Bake Your Matcha Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they set perfectly with that ideal chewy bite.
Pro Tips for Making Matcha Cookies
- Use High-Quality Matcha: Choose culinary-grade matcha for vibrant color and authentic flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir ingredients gently after combining dry and wet for softer cookies.
- Chill the Dough: Prevents spreading, producing thicker, chewier cookies.
- Measure Flour Carefully: Scoop and level flour to avoid dense cookies.
- Bake in the Middle Rack: For even heat distribution and perfect baking.
How to Serve Matcha Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of matcha powder or powdered sugar for a simple but elegant look. You can also drizzle white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a beautiful contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of green tea or milk tea for a harmonious tea-time experience. They also go brilliantly with iced matcha lattes or vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cookies on a decorative plate tied with twine or arrange in a cute gift box to present to friends. For parties, place mini flags or edible flowers on top for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Matcha Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and chewiness.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating
Warm frozen or room-temp cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes to refresh that soft, chewy texture and enhance matcha aroma.
FAQs
Can I use any type of matcha powder for these cookies?
For the best flavor and bright green color, culinary-grade matcha is recommended because it balances quality with affordability suited for baking.
How can I make my Matcha Cookies chewier?
Chilling the dough before baking and avoiding overbaking are key tips to ensure your cookies stay soft and chewy.
Can I substitute butter with oil or margarine?
Butter gives the best texture and flavor, but if you substitute, use solid coconut oil or margarine with similar quantity for comparable results.
Are Matcha Cookies healthy?
While they contain sugar and butter, matcha adds antioxidants and a unique flavor, making them a tasty treat to enjoy in moderation.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Replace butter with vegan butter and use flax or chia seed eggs for a plant-based version without compromising taste.
Final Thoughts
Ready to dive into the world of flavorful, chewy Matcha Cookies? This recipe makes it surprisingly easy to bake a batch that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a unique treat to share with friends, these cookies bring the vibrant essence of matcha to life in every bite. Give it a try today—you’re just a few simple steps away from your new favorite cookie!
Related Posts
PrintMatcha Cookies
These chewy Matcha Cookies offer a delightful balance of earthy green tea flavor and sweet cookie goodness. Made with simple pantry ingredients and vibrant matcha powder, they are quick to prepare and perfect for sharing or a unique treat at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds or pistachios, chopped
- Gluten-free flour substitute (equal amount for all-purpose flour)
- Replace part of sugar with honey or maple syrup (about 1/4 cup)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by measuring and setting out all your ingredients. Soften the unsalted butter until it’s creamy but not melted to ensure easier mixing and better texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is optional but helps blend the matcha evenly and avoid clumps.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps flavors meld and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Bake Your Matcha Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers remain slightly soft.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the ideal chewy texture.
Notes
- Use high-quality culinary-grade matcha for vibrant color and authentic flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough after combining wet and dry ingredients to maintain softness.
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading and achieve thicker, chewier cookies.
- Measure flour carefully by scooping and leveling to avoid dense cookies.
- Bake on the middle rack for even heat distribution and perfect results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: matcha cookies, green tea cookies, chewy cookies, baked treats, matcha recipe, easy cookies
