Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies are a vibrant twist on classic shortbread, pairing grassy, delicate matcha flavor with a luscious strawberry frosting that’s downright irresistible. Imagine biting through a tender, buttery green cookie topped with a blushing pink, berry-rich layer—each mouthful an enchanting blend of earthy and fruity. Whether you’re a devoted matcha fan or just want to wow friends with a colorful treat, these cookies offer a unique fusion dessert that’s charming enough for celebrations but easy enough for a weekday bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, quality ingredients are the backbone of this recipe, and each one brings its own magic to the table. From the vivid hue and earthy notes of matcha to the punchy strawberries in the frosting, every element has a purpose in making these Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Gives the cookies a rich, tender crumb and makes the frosting creamy and dreamy.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Provides delicate sweetness and helps the cookies bake up with a light, golden exterior.
- Large egg (1): Binds all the ingredients for a cohesive, tender dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, plus 1/2 teaspoon for frosting): Adds warmth and rounds out flavors in both the cookie and the frosting.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Key for structure—opt for regular all-purpose for the perfect cookie texture.
- Matcha green tea powder (1 tablespoon): Choose ceremonial grade for the most vibrant green and clean, grassy notes.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just a touch of lift so the cookies don’t turn out too dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances the green tea notes.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (1/2 cup): Their concentrated flavor gives the frosting real berry flair without diluting its texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened (2 tablespoons, for frosting): Blends into the strawberry frosting for rich flavor and spreadability.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups): Makes the frosting fluffy and sweet, with a smooth, pipeable consistency.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting’s consistency until perfectly creamy and easy to spread.
How to Make Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This small step ensures your Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies bake up with perfectly crisp bottoms and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture and sets the stage for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined; these wet ingredients help bind everything together without overworking the dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha green tea powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the matcha and leavener, so every bite of your Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies is flavorful and balanced.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your butter mixture, stirring gently. Stop mixing as soon as a soft, uniform dough forms—overmixing can toughen your cookies, so keep it gentle.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on your prepared sheets. Slightly flatten each ball for an even bake. Bake for 10–12 minutes; the edges should look set but not browned. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack—this is crucial for perfect frosting later.
Step 7: Make the Strawberry Frosting
Pulse your freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a food processor—this releases all their vibrant color and big fruity flavor. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s smooth, then add powdered sugar, strawberry powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and adjust the milk as needed for a smooth, spreadable frosting.
Step 8: Frost and Set
Once your cookies are completely cool, generously frost each with the luscious strawberry frosting. Allow the frosting to set before serving, so each bite delivers that iconic, satisfying contrast of tender cookie and creamy, strawberry-rich topping.
How to Serve Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies with a crumble of extra freeze-dried strawberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a delicate sprinkle of edible dried rose petals for a show-stopping finish. Each little touch highlights their playful colors and elevates your dessert table.
Side Dishes
Balance the sweetness with light sides like a pot of jasmine or sencha green tea, or go all out with a creamy vanilla bean latte. Fresh fruit—think sliced kiwi or mandarin—makes a refreshing match for these cookies’ fruity, earthy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies on tiered cake stands for a dramatic afternoon tea display, or tuck them into clear cellophane bags with a ribbon for charming edible gifts. You can also arrange them in a circle on a pretty platter, alternating with fresh strawberries and matcha-dusted truffles for an eye-catching centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies at their best by storing Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The frosting sets beautifully, so you won’t end up with a sticky mess, and the flavor just mellows and melds overnight.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, freeze the unfrosted cookies—they’ll hold up much better this way! Simply pop them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw and frost fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If your cookies feel a bit firm after storage, pop them in a microwave for just 5 to 10 seconds (unfrosted) to bring back a touch of softness. For frosted cookies, letting them come to room temperature is the best way to restore texture and flavor without messing up that gorgeous pink top.
FAQs
Can I use regular green tea powder instead of matcha?
For the classic taste and vivid green color of Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies, ceremonial-grade matcha is truly your best bet; regular green tea powder tends to be duller in both flavor and appearance. If you substitute, the flavor will be less nuanced and the hue won’t pop the same way.
How do I get my frosting extra smooth?
Make sure your butter is fully softened before beating and sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumps. Pulse the freeze-dried strawberries very fine, and add the milk gradually to get your ideal consistency—smooth and spreadable, but not runny.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap in plant-based butter, use a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, and a non-dairy milk for the frosting. The result will be just as stunning and delicious.
Do these cookies taste very sweet?
Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies are blissfully balanced: the earthy, subtle bitterness of matcha tempers the sweetness of the frosting, and the butter-rich base keeps everything from veering into sugar bomb territory.
Can the dough be made ahead and chilled?
Yes, you can chill the cookie dough for up to 24 hours before baking—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chilling can even enhance the matcha flavor and produce a slightly chewier texture.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to surprise friends, enjoy a playful weekend bake, or simply treat yourself, Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies are impossible not to love—their vivid colors and flavor harmony make each bite a little celebration. Gather your ingredients and discover why these cookies have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen—I hope you adore them just as much!
Print
Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors. A buttery matcha cookie topped with a vibrant strawberry frosting, these unique treats are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting:
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cookie dough: Cream together butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, matcha, baking powder, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough. Shape into balls, flatten slightly, and bake.
- Make the frosting: Process strawberries, then beat butter and add powdered sugar, strawberry powder, milk, and vanilla. Frost cooled cookies.
Notes
- Use ceremonial-grade matcha for a more vibrant color and flavor.
- You can make the cookies ahead and frost just before serving.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
