Matcha cookies are soft, subtly sweet treats infused with the earthy flavor of Japanese green tea powder. The vibrant green color, delicate taste, and tender texture make them a favorite for tea lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. These cookies are perfect for afternoon snacks, holiday platters, or just a cozy treat with your favorite cup of tea.
This guide will show you how to make matcha cookies from scratch. You’ll learn what makes them unique, the ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, common mistakes, variations, storage advice, and frequently asked questions so you can bake bakery-quality matcha cookies at home every time.
What Are Matcha Cookies
Matcha cookies are typically soft or slightly crisp cookies flavored with matcha green tea powder. Matcha is a finely ground powdered green tea from Japan known for its vibrant color, earthy taste, and antioxidants. When baked into cookies, it creates a unique flavor profile that balances sweetness with a mild, grassy note.
Key characteristics:
- Light green color
- Subtle earthy flavor
- Soft or slightly crisp texture
- Often paired with chocolate or white chocolate
Why Matcha Cookies Are Popular
Matcha cookies have grown popular worldwide because they’re both beautiful and flavorful. They appeal to people who want a dessert that is visually striking, less sweet than traditional cookies, and full of natural antioxidants. They’re perfect for:
- Afternoon tea or coffee
- Holiday cookie platters
- Gifts and party favors
- Creative baking projects
Ingredients for Matcha Cookies
Dry ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Matcha green tea powder
- Baking powder or baking soda
- Salt
Wet ingredients:
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar (optional for softer texture)
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Optional mix-ins:
- White chocolate chips
- Dark chocolate chunks
- Nuts like macadamia or almonds
Choosing high-quality matcha powder is essential. Culinary-grade matcha works best for baking, providing a bright color and balanced flavor.
Step-by-Step Matcha Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream butter and sugar
In a separate bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until creamy and smooth. If using both brown and granulated sugar, mix both for a soft, chewy texture.
Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla
Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
Step 6: Fold in optional mix-ins
Add chocolate chips, chunks, or nuts if desired.
Step 7: Chill the dough
Chill dough for 20–30 minutes. Chilling helps control spread and keeps cookies thick and soft.
Step 8: Scoop and shape
Scoop 1–2 tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes. Edges should be set while centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to preserve tenderness and vibrant green color.
Step 10: Cool
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Matcha Cookies
- Use culinary-grade matcha for the best color and flavor.
- Chill dough to prevent excessive spreading.
- Slightly underbake for soft, chewy centers.
- Press a few chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery-style look.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to retain softness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using low-quality matcha – this results in a dull color and bitter flavor.
- Overmixing dough – creates tough cookies.
- Overbaking – the earthy flavor can become too strong and the texture hardens.
- Skipping chilling – dough will spread too much and flatten.
Flavor Variations
White chocolate matcha cookies
Add white chocolate chips to balance earthy matcha flavor.
Double chocolate matcha cookies
Add cocoa powder and dark chocolate chunks for a mocha-inspired cookie.
Nutty matcha cookies
Fold in chopped macadamia nuts or almonds for crunch.
Matcha sandwich cookies
Pair two matcha cookies with sweetened cream or white chocolate ganache for a dessert sandwich.
Substitutions That Work
Butter alternatives
Plant-based butter works, but chill longer before baking to prevent spreading.
Sugar alternatives
Coconut sugar or erythritol can be used, adjusting sweetness to taste.
Gluten-free option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies may be slightly more delicate.
Egg substitutes
Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) per egg works for a denser cookie.
How to Store Matcha Cookies
Room temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer
Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Dough
Freeze cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with green tea or milk for a harmonious flavor combination.
- Stack on a dessert platter with other colorful cookies for holiday presentation.
- Decorate with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of white chocolate.
- Use as the base for ice cream sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ceremonial-grade matcha?
It’s better to use culinary-grade matcha for baking. Ceremonial-grade is more expensive and bitter when baked.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, by using plant-based butter and a flax egg substitute. Texture will be slightly different but still soft.
Will matcha lose its color when baked?
Some fading is natural, but chilling dough and slightly underbaking preserves the vibrant green.
Expert Baking Insights
Matcha cookies benefit from gentle mixing and careful temperature control. Chilling dough enhances flavor, and folding in mix-ins at the end ensures even distribution without affecting texture. White chocolate complements matcha’s natural bitterness, while cocoa can intensify the earthy taste.
Final Thoughts
Matcha cookies are a beautiful, tasty, and sophisticated treat that’s easier to make than most people think. With a few simple ingredients, careful technique, and optional creative add-ins, you can bake soft, green tea-infused cookies that melt in your mouth and impress anyone who tries them.
They’re perfect for gift-giving, holiday baking, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, offering a subtle sweetness and earthy depth that stands out from ordinary cookies.