Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple for everyone! This matcha cookies recipe delivers a unique, earthy flavor combined with the sweetness of white chocolate. You will love the perfect chewy texture that makes these cookies irresistible. The vibrant green hue makes them as beautiful as they are delicious, a true treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Matcha Cookies
You are in for a treat with this delightful matcha cookies recipe! It is a fantastic way to enjoy a unique flavor with minimal effort.
- Irresistible Flavor: Experience the distinct, earthy notes of matcha beautifully balanced with sweet white chocolate. It is a sophisticated twist on a classic cookie.
- Perfectly Chewy: Every bite offers a soft, tender interior with slightly crisp edges, a texture that everyone loves in a good cookie.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are ideal for holiday platters, afternoon tea, or simply a sweet everyday indulgence. They always impress.
- Beginner-Friendly: This matcha cookies recipe is incredibly easy to follow with straightforward steps, making it perfect for new bakers.
- Vibrant & Beautiful: The natural green color from the matcha makes these cookies visually stunning, adding a pop of color to your dessert spread.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of delicious matcha cookies recipe. Using precise measurements helps ensure consistent results every time.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (12 tablespoons)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (167 grams)
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed (104 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (330 grams)
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups white chocolate chips (11-ounce package)
Notes & Substitutions
Matcha powder is key: use culinary-grade matcha for vibrant color and flavor in your cookies. Ceremonial matcha is too delicate and expensive for baking. For butter, unsalted is best for control; if using salted, reduce the added kosher salt by a quarter teaspoon. Feel free to use coconut sugar or a sugar alternative in smaller quantities if preferred, adjusting to taste. White chocolate chips or chunks work great; you can also chop a bar for varied texture. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with xanthan gum.
Equipment
You need only a few basic tools to prepare this fantastic matcha cookies recipe.
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
- Wire cooling rack
- 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop (optional, but highly recommended for uniform cookies)
Instructions
Let us bake some incredible matcha cookies! Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve perfectly chewy, vibrant green cookies. This matcha cookies recipe is designed for simplicity.
First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160°C). This lower temperature helps preserve the matcha’s vibrant green color during baking, preventing it from turning brownish. While the oven preheats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, crucial for a smooth baking experience.
Next, melt the unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in 30-second intervals until fully melted, but do not let it get too hot. Into the melted butter, whisk in both the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until completely combined and smooth. Allow this mixture to cool slightly for about 5-7 minutes. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when you add them.
Once the sugar and butter mixture is lukewarm, whisk in the two large eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, blending it thoroughly to distribute its warm flavor throughout the wet ingredients.
In a separate medium bowl, combine your dry ingredients. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Make sure the matcha powder is fully dispersed and there are no clumps, which ensures a uniform green color and flavor in your matcha cookies recipe.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as you see no more streaks of flour.
Finally, fold in the white chocolate chips. Gently incorporate them into the dough until they are evenly distributed throughout. This ensures you get a delightful burst of sweet white chocolate in every single bite of your matcha cookies recipe.
Use a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Scoop the dough, then gently roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands. Place the cookie dough balls onto the parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to allow for spreading.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the edges to be just set and slightly golden, while the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked. This is key for a chewy texture.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately, perform the “cookie bang” trick: lift the baking sheet about 4-6 inches and gently drop it onto the counter 2-3 times. This helps deflate the cookies, creating crinkly edges and a dense, chewy center.
Let the cookies sit on the hot baking sheet for 2 minutes after baking and banging. This allows them to firm up slightly. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy your perfect matcha cookies recipe!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect matcha cookies recipe is simple with these expert tips and solutions.
Pro Tips
- Bake at Lower Temperature: Bake at 325°F (160°C). This helps prevent the delicate matcha from browning too much, keeping your cookies a beautiful green.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
- Chill Dough (Optional but Recommended): For thicker, chewier cookies and enhanced flavor, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
- Don’t Skip the Cookie Bang: Gently dropping the baking sheet after baking creates crinkly edges and a delightfully dense, chewy texture.
- Use Quality Matcha: Invest in good culinary-grade matcha powder. High-quality matcha provides the best color and flavor for your matcha cookies recipe.
Troubleshooting
- Cookies Spreading Too Much: Your butter might have been too warm, or your oven temperature is too low. Try chilling the dough before baking.
- Matcha Color Turning Brown: This usually happens if the oven temperature is too high or the cookies bake for too long. Stick to 325°F (160°C) and watch closely.
- Cookies Tasting Bitter: Low-quality matcha can be bitter. Ensure you are using culinary-grade matcha, not a cheap substitute. Also, using too much can intensify bitterness.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
Make the most of your delicious matcha cookies with these ideas and tips!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your fresh matcha cookies warm with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of black tea, or your favorite coffee. They are an elegant addition to any holiday cookie platter or dessert buffet, standing out with their unique color and flavor. Get creative and crumble them over vanilla ice cream for a unique parfait or use them to make delectable ice cream sandwiches. These matcha cookies recipe are versatile!
Storage Instructions
Store baked matcha cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness. To freeze baked cookies, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature. You can also freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Variations
Experiment with your matcha cookies recipe! Add chopped macadamia nuts or pistachios for extra crunch and a complementary flavor profile. A touch of lemon or orange zest can brighten the earthy matcha notes beautifully. Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor. Consider a pinch of cardamom or ginger for an intriguing spice variation.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying this matcha cookies recipe can be part of a balanced diet. Here is a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 299 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 146 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Matcha Cookies FAQs
Have questions about making the best matcha cookies? We have answers!
How do I properly store matcha cookies?
Store baked matcha cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to keep them fresh. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
What effect does matcha have on baking?
Matcha adds a unique earthy, slightly grassy flavor and a beautiful vibrant green color to baked goods, enhancing both taste and visual appeal. It also provides antioxidants.
Are matcha cookies considered healthy?
While delicious, matcha cookies are a treat. They offer some antioxidants from matcha, but they also contain sugar and fat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Can cookie dough be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to deepen and helps prevent spreading.
Is it possible to freeze matcha cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze individual dough balls for up to three months. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen.
Why do matcha cookies turn brown?
Browning typically occurs from baking at too high a temperature or for too long. A lower oven temperature (325°F/160°C) helps preserve the bright green color.
What is the best type of matcha for baking?
Use culinary-grade matcha powder for baking. It has a robust flavor that stands up well to other ingredients and is more affordable than ceremonial grade, which is best for drinking.
Conclusion
This matcha cookies recipe offers a truly delightful experience, combining the unique, earthy notes of matcha with sweet white chocolate and a wonderfully chewy texture. It is a simple yet impressive treat that is perfect for any occasion, from a quiet afternoon snack to a festive gathering. We encourage you to try this easy-to-follow recipe and discover your new favorite cookie. Share your creations and let us know what you think in the comments below! Matcha is known for its high concentration of antioxidants, including catechins, which may help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. For more details on the health benefits of matcha, you can refer to this article on WebMD.
Matcha Cookies Recipe: Chewy White Chocolate Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Whisk in both granulated and brown sugars into the melted butter, then allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, whisking until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the white chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough and roll each scoop into a ball.
- Place the cookie dough balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring about 2 inches of space around each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just begin to brown.
- Immediately remove the baking sheet from the oven and bang it firmly on the counter 2-3 times to help deflate the cookies.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com
