The Perfect Matcha Cookies Recipe

Matcha cookies have been taking the culinary world by storm, and it’s not hard to see why. These delightful treats bring together the earthy richness of matcha and the sweet allure of cookies in a perfect fusion of flavors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of matcha cookies, from the best recipe to the incredible health benefits they offer.

Matcha cookies, also known as green tea cookies, are an exquisite combination of traditional cookie recipes and the vibrant flavor of matcha powder. The result is a cookie that’s not only visually appealing with its vibrant green hue but also a delight to the taste buds. It’s an excellent way to enjoy the many health benefits of matcha in a more palatable form.

Matcha cookies have their roots in Japan, where matcha is a revered beverage. Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves, and it’s known for its vibrant green color and earthy flavor. In Japan, matcha is often used in tea ceremonies, and it has a long history of use in traditional recipes. Matcha cookies are a modern twist that pays homage to this ancient ingredient.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 2 tablespoons Matcha green tea powder
3. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4. 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients: 5. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

6. 1 cup granulated sugar
7. 1 large egg
8. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins: 9. 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (for a delicious matcha and white chocolate combination)

10. Chopped nuts, like macadamia or almonds (for added texture and flavor)

These ingredients will help you make a basic batch of Matcha cookies. You can also get creative with your cookies by adding in ingredients like dried fruits, or adjusting the sweetness to your liking.

how to make it

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. Sift dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Matcha green tea powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined and any lumps are removed.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do this by hand with a wooden spoon.
4. Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until well combined.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until a soft cookie dough forms. If you’re using white chocolate chips, fold them into the dough at this point.
6. Shape the cookies: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
7. Flatten the cookies: You can flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a fork or the palm of your hand to create a cookie shape.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The baking time may vary, so keep an eye on them. Overbaking can make the cookies dry.
9. Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy: Once the Matcha cookies have cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed. Serve with a cup of tea or your favorite beverage.

Health Benefits of Matcha Cookies

While Matcha cookies can be a delicious treat, it’s important to note that they are still cookies and should be enjoyed in moderation. Matcha itself does offer some potential health benefits, but these benefits can be outweighed by the less healthy aspects of cookies. Here are some potential health benefits of Matcha cookies:

1. Antioxidant Properties: Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are known for their potential health benefits. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage by free radicals, which may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Caffeine and L-Theanine: Matcha contains caffeine and L-theanine, which can provide a sense of alertness and relaxation without the jittery feeling often associated with coffee. This combination may improve concentration and mental clarity.
3. Metabolism Boost: Some studies suggest that the catechins in Matcha can help boost metabolism and aid in weight management.

However, it’s important to remember that these potential benefits can be overshadowed by the ingredients typically found in cookies, such as sugar and butter, which can contribute to health issues like weight gain and increased risk of heart disease. So, while Matcha cookies may offer some Matcha-related benefits, they should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

If you’re looking to reap the full health benefits of Matcha, it’s often better to consume it as a tea without added sugars and fats. If you’re concerned about your health, consider incorporating Matcha into your diet in a healthier way, such as by making Matcha-infused smoothies or enjoying a cup of traditional Matcha tea.

some serving suggestions

1. Green Tea: Matcha and green tea are a natural pairing. Enjoy your Matcha cookies with a hot or iced cup of Matcha green tea. The flavors will complement each other beautifully.
2. Milk: A glass of cold milk, whether dairy or non-dairy (such as almond or soy milk), is a classic choice to accompany Matcha cookies. The combination of creamy milk and the earthy Matcha flavor can be delightful.
3. Coffee: If you’re a coffee lover, a cup of coffee, be it black or with your favorite creamer, can be a nice contrast to the Matcha cookies. The bitterness of the coffee can balance the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Ice Cream: Matcha cookies can be turned into a dessert by sandwiching a scoop of Matcha ice cream between two cookies, creating a Matcha ice cream sandwich.
5. Fruit: Fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or sliced kiwi can provide a refreshing, fruity contrast to the cookies. You can also make a fruit salad as a side.
6. Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream, whether regular or a dairy-free alternative, can add a luscious and airy element to your cookie experience.
7. Yogurt: Greek yogurt or yogurt with honey can provide a tangy and creamy accompaniment to your cookies. You can dip the cookies in the yogurt or crumble them on top.
8. Nuts: Mixed nuts, such as almonds or cashews, can add a satisfying crunch to your Matcha cookie experience. Consider serving a small bowl of nuts alongside the cookies.
9. Cheese: Pair your cookies with a mild cheese like cream cheese or brie for a sweet and savory combination.
10. Chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover, you can’t go wrong by serving your Matcha cookies with a side of dark chocolate. The contrast between the bitterness of dark chocolate and the sweetness of the cookies can be delightful.

Remember that the best serving suggestion ultimately depends on your personal preferences, so feel free to mix and match these ideas or create your own unique combinations to enhance your enjoyment of Matcha cookies.

tips and tricks for making best matcha cookies

1. Use High-Quality Matcha: The quality of your Matcha powder significantly affects the flavor of your cookies. Opt for high-quality culinary-grade or ceremonial-grade Matcha for the best results.
2. Sift the Matcha: Sift the Matcha powder along with the other dry ingredients to ensure there are no lumps and that it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, egg, and other dairy ingredients are at room temperature. This ensures they blend together smoothly, creating a better cookie texture.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar Thoroughly: Creaming the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy is essential for a tender and well-risen cookie.
5. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix only until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
6. Chill the Dough: After preparing the dough, it’s a good idea to chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilled dough is easier to handle and results in cookies that spread less during baking, yielding a thicker, chewier texture.
7. Proper Spacing: When placing dough balls on the baking sheet, leave enough space between them to allow for spreading. Matcha cookies tend to spread more than regular sugar cookies.
8. Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking and to make clean-up easier.
9. Flatten Gently: If you want flatter cookies, gently press the dough balls down with a fork or the palm of your hand. For thicker cookies, simply leave the dough balls rounded.
10. Watch the Baking Time: Bake your cookies just until the edges turn lightly golden. Matcha cookies can become bitter if overbaked. Keep a close eye on them in the oven.
11. Cool on a Wire Rack: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom due to trapped steam.
12. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your Matcha cookies by adding white chocolate chips, nuts, or other ingredients that you enjoy.
13. Store Properly: Store your Matcha cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you’d like to keep them soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container, which can help prevent them from drying out.

Matcha cookies are a delightful culinary creation that marries the elegance of green tea with the comforting sweetness of cookies. With their stunning appearance and health benefits, they’re a treat you can feel good about indulging in. Now that you have the perfect matcha cookie recipe and insights into their many advantages, it’s time to try your hand at baking these delectable delights. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and savor the magic of matcha cookies.

FAQs

• Q: Are matcha cookies suitable for vegetarians?
• A: Yes, matcha cookies are typically vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the other ingredients you use, like butter and eggs, align with your dietary preferences.

• Q: Can I use culinary matcha for baking matcha cookies?
• A: Absolutely! Culinary matcha is perfect for baking and provides a lovely green color and mild matcha flavor.

• Q: Are matcha cookies caffeine-free?
• A: Matcha naturally contains caffeine, but the amount in a single cookie is relatively low, so they can be enjoyed by those sensitive to caffeine.

• Q: How can I store matcha cookies to keep them fresh?
• A: To maintain their freshness, store matcha cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about a week.

• Q: Can I make matcha cookies gluten-free?
• A: Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make matcha cookies for those with dietary restrictions.

• Q: Can I add other ingredients like white chocolate chips to matcha cookies?
• A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your matcha cookie recipe by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts.

You Might Be Interested In

• Best cupcake flavors 
• Perfect Pancakes
• Matcha mochi

Matcha Cookies Recipe

Serves: 6 Prep Time: 20 min Cooking Time: 10 min 10 min

Nutrition facts: 120 calories 7g fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Pin

Print

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (or chopped white chocolate)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

3. In another mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until it's light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.

4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until the mixture is well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just mix until the ingredients are combined.

6. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips into the dough.

7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The center of the cookies should still be slightly soft.

9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Enjoy your delicious homemade Matcha Cookies!

Notes

1. Matcha Quality Matters: The quality of your matcha powder is crucial to the flavor of these cookies. Look for a high-quality culinary grade or baking grade matcha powder for the best results. Avoid using lower-grade matcha, as it may have a bitter or grassy taste.

2. Don't Overmix the Dough: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure your cookies turn out tender and delicious.

3. Experiment with Add-Ins: While the recipe includes white chocolate chips, feel free to get creative with add-ins. You can try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a touch of citrus zest for different flavor profiles. Customize the cookies to your preferences for a unique twist on the classic matcha cookie.