If you’ve ever craved a cookie with a twist that’s as stunning to look at as it is delightful to eat, you’re in for a treat. These Matcha Cookies bring a dreamy balance of earthy green tea flavor and gentle sweetness, with a texture that hits the perfect sweet spot between chewy and crisp. With their captivating hue (thanks to vibrant matcha powder) and an option for creamy white chocolate chips, Matcha Cookies are the ultimate fusion of Japanese-inspired flavor and classic cookie comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Matcha Cookies is truly uncomplicated, and every ingredient plays its own special role. The key players here not only make for an irresistible texture but also let that signature green color and flavor shine beautifully in every bite.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, giving your cookies structure for a soft but sturdy bite.
Matcha green tea powder: The star ingredient for color and distinct earthy, gently grassy notes—use top-quality culinary grade matcha for the best result.
Baking soda: Ensures your cookies spread just right and gain a slight lift, keeping them perfectly chewy in the center.
Salt: Just a pinch heightens all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cookies rich flavor and just the right tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies bake up with lightly crisp edges.
Brown sugar: Brings in a subtle molasses flavor and even more chewiness.
Large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to that cookie chew.
Vanilla extract: Adds a cozy, warm undertone that pairs so well with matcha’s unique taste.
White chocolate chips (optional): Luscious pops of sweetness and creaminess that melt into every green bite.

How to Make Matcha Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies bake evenly and come off easily. This also guarantees minimal cleanup, which is always a win!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking not only combines everything thoroughly, but it also helps break up any pesky lumps, especially in the matcha, ensuring your cookies get a consistent flavor and color throughout.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step builds a dreamy cookie base, setting you up for those wonderful chewy, tender centers.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing just until everything is incorporated. These two ingredients transform the mixture into a glossy, unified dough—full of promise for what’s to come!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, green dough forms. You want to mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour—overmixing can make the cookies tough, so a gentle hand here results in a tender bite.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips (Optional)

If you’re going for the matcha-white chocolate combo (highly recommended!), gently fold in the white chocolate chips. These creamy morsels create delightful pockets of sweetness that play so well against the matcha’s subtle bitterness.

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and set them on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. That’s your cue for optimal texture—delicate crispness with a chewy center.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This quick rest lets the cookies finish setting up so you get perfect Matcha Cookies every time. Now, all that’s left: pour yourself a cup of tea and savor your homemade masterpiece!

How to Serve Matcha Cookies

Garnishes

If you want to create a showstopper platter, sprinkle your Matcha Cookies with a dusting of extra matcha powder or finish with a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Edible flowers or a few chopped pistachios lend a pop of color and a fun Japanese-inspired flair.

Side Dishes

Matcha Cookies shine alongside an array of beverages: pair them with a steaming mug of green tea, a creamy matcha latte, or even a glass of cold milk. For dessert spreads, they look stunning served with fresh fruit or a mini bowl of vanilla ice cream for a matcha-and-cream pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cookies in a mason jar and tie with a pretty ribbon for the sweetest homemade gift, or arrange them on a tiered tray with other cookies and confections. For a sophisticated dessert, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two Matcha Cookies or crumble them over parfaits for bright flavor and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Matcha Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to four days, making them a wonderful treat to bake ahead for gatherings or afternoon snacking.

Freezing

For longer storage, pop your fully cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They’ll freeze beautifully for up to three months, making it easy to always have a stash ready for impromptu cravings!

Reheating

There’s nothing quite like a freshly warmed cookie. To enjoy Matcha Cookies after storing, just pop one or two in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds, or give them a quick minute in a low oven (300°F/150°C). They’ll be as soft, chewy, and enjoyable as when they first came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use ceremonial grade matcha instead of culinary grade?

While ceremonial grade matcha is delicious, it’s usually reserved for drinking rather than baking because it’s more delicate and expensive. Culinary grade matcha is ideal for Matcha Cookies, as it delivers bold color and flavor that stands up to the baking process.

How do I make these cookies vegan?

You can easily swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia “egg” in place of the egg, and choose vegan white chocolate chips if desired. The results are still flavorful and chewy with all the vibrant matcha appeal.

Why are my matcha cookies brown and not green?

This can happen if your matcha powder isn’t vibrant or if the cookies are overbaked. Make sure to use high-quality, fresh, and bright green matcha powder, and avoid baking a minute longer than necessary to preserve that beautiful color.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped macadamia nuts, pistachios, or even a handful of shredded coconut are fantastic add-ins, giving your Matcha Cookies extra flavor, texture, and visual excitement.

Do I need to chill the dough?

For this recipe, chilling isn’t strictly necessary, but if you want slightly thicker cookies or more nuanced flavors, pop the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before scooping and baking. Either way, you’ll be thrilled with the results.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something undeniably fun and special about baking up a batch of Matcha Cookies, with their emerald hues and delicious flavor. If you’re looking to surprise family, wow guests, or simply treat yourself, these cookies are an absolute must-try. Get your hands on some quality matcha and let your baking journey begin!

Matcha Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of matcha with these chewy and soft Matcha Cookies. The earthy notes of green tea combined with white chocolate chips make these cookies a unique and delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Additional:

1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add wet ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Fold in the white chocolate chips if using.
Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set and centers are still soft.
Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.