Craving a comforting cookie? These Matcha Cookies are the perfect treat. They require a little time and patience—browning the butter and chilling the dough—but the result is a tender, slightly chewy cookie with a vibrant matcha flavor and pockets of sweet white chocolate.
If you enjoy dessert recipes, other favorites to try include single-serving molten lava cake, strawberry cheesecake bars, and pumpkin blondies.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Matcha powder
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- White chocolate chunks
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and yields.
Instructions (with VIDEO)
Mix together wet ingredients.
Add dry ingredients and white chocolate.
Chill the dough—overnight if possible—for best texture.
Bake, cool briefly, then serve and enjoy.
- Brown the butter: Melt unsalted butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the butter foams and then turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma—about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend the cooled brown butter with brown sugar and white sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until the mixture is uniform and slightly fluffy.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chunks evenly through the dough.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor and better shape while baking, chill overnight.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Scoop rounded portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Serve: Allow cookies to cool slightly on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. They pair beautifully with milk, tea, or coffee.
Substitutions
- Flour: Whole wheat or a gluten-free flour blend can be used; texture will vary.
- Leavening: If using baking powder instead of baking soda, increase the amount and expect a slightly different rise.
- Matcha: Culinary-grade matcha is recommended for baking; other green powders change the flavor.
- Butter: Salted butter may be substituted—reduce added salt—or try coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Sugars: Coconut sugar or maple syrup can replace brown sugar with slight adjustments to moisture; honey or cane sugar can replace white sugar.
- Eggs: For a vegan option, use flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce as an alternative.
- Chocolate: Swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate, or a vegan white chocolate if needed.
Equipment
- Baking tray
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula and scoop
Storage
Store baked matcha cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to three months. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature, or refresh briefly in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.
3 Top Tips for Success
- Brown the butter carefully: Watch the butter closely as it browns so it develops a rich, nutty flavor without burning.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough firms the fat and reduces spreading, producing chewier, more flavorful cookies.
- Avoid overbaking: Remove cookies when the edges are set and centers are still slightly soft for the best texture.
FAQs
Matcha provides an earthy, slightly bitter green-tea flavor and a lovely green hue, balancing the sweetness of the cookie while adding antioxidants and a distinct aroma.
Yes. Culinary-grade matcha is ideal for baking because it holds up well to heat and offers good flavor at a reasonable cost.
To keep a vibrant green color, use a high-quality matcha, avoid overbaking, and bake at the recommended temperature so the cookies don’t brown excessively.
Related
If you like this matcha cookie recipe, try other simple desserts such as lemon loaf, fudgy peanut butter brownies, salted brown butter treats, or no-bake peanut butter bars for more baking inspiration.
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Easy Lemon Loaf
-
Fudgy Reese’s Cup Brownies
-
Salted Brown Butter Maple Treats
-
No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe
Food safety
- Do not leave perishable items out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Always stay attentive while cooking and baking to prevent accidents.
- Use oils appropriate to the cooking method to avoid smoking and off-flavors.
- Ensure good ventilation when working with gas stoves or high heat.
For detailed food safety guidance, consult official food safety resources from trusted public health authorities.