Name: Matcha Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups + 2 Tablespoons (276 g) all-purpose flour; 1 Tablespoon (6 g) matcha powder, sifted; ¾ teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ¾ cup (157 g) butter, softened (regular or vegan); ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar; 1 egg; 1 Tablespoon vanilla paste; ½ cup (100 g) semisweet or white chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

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If you love the subtle, earthy flavor of green tea combined with a soft, buttery cookie, you are absolutely going to adore this Matcha Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring an irresistible blend of delicate matcha powder and sweet chocolate chips that makes every bite feel like a cozy, sophisticated treat. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a few for yourself with a warm cup of tea, this recipe is simple, fun, and utterly delicious—making it a fast favorite in any cookie collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four panels depicting the making of cookie dough. The top left panel features a clear glass bowl filled with a light beige mixture that has a crumbly, floury texture. The top right panel reveals the same mixture, now smoother and creamier, with swirls created from stirring. The bottom left panel displays a similar glass bowl containing green dough mixed with several chocolate chips scattered throughout. The bottom right panel shows scoops of this green dough, rounded and arranged on a white marbled textured surface, ready for baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the perfect Matcha Cookies Recipe starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role. From the creamy butter that gives the dough richness, to the sifted matcha powder that infuses that signature vibrant green color and flavor, every component has its place in creating these delightful cookies.

Butter, ¾ cup (157 g), softened: Using softened butter helps create a tender texture and brings richness to the cookies.
Granulated sugar, ½ cup (100 g): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly for a soft edge.
Light brown sugar, ½ cup (100 g): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note that deepens the flavor.
Egg, 1 large: Binds the ingredients together and adds a bit of structure.
Vanilla paste, 1 tablespoon: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
All-purpose flour, 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (276 g): The base that holds everything together, sifted for lightness.
Matcha powder, 1 tablespoon (6 g), sifted: The star ingredient, lending that vibrant green hue and subtle earthy taste.
Salt, ¾ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Baking soda, ¾ teaspoon: Provides lift and a light, tender crumb.
Semisweet or white chocolate chips, ½ cup (100 g): The perfect melty contrast to the earthy matcha.

How to Make Matcha Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sifted matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your rising agents and matcha are evenly distributed before adding the wet ingredients, which makes for an even bake and uniform flavor in each cookie.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a handheld mixer, beat the softened butter along with the granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is key for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and helps incorporate air into the dough.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla paste. Mixing just until combined is important here to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tougher cookies. The vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor that perfectly complements the earthy notes of the matcha.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough begins to form. Don’t overmix; as soon as it’s combined, stop. Then gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough for delicious bursts of sweetness in every bite.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, portion out 1.5 to 2 tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space for spreading. Bake one sheet at a time for even heat distribution, about 8 to 11 minutes. Watch closely—the edges should look set while the centers remain slightly underbaked and not browned. This keeps them wonderfully soft.

Step 6: Cooling

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This lets them finish baking gently and firm up enough to transfer without breaking. Then, move them to a cooling rack to cool completely before enjoying or storing.

How to Serve Matcha Cookies Recipe

A stack of seven green cookies with visible dark chocolate chips scattered throughout each layer sits in the center of the image on a light brown paper. The top cookie shows three chocolate chips on the surface, adding texture. Around the stack, there are a few more green cookies and loose chocolate chips on a white marbled surface. A white spoon with green powder and a small white bowl filled with chocolate chips are partially visible in the background. The overall colors are green and dark brown with a soft focus on the background, giving a fresh and homemade feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are perfectly charming on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small sprinkle of extra matcha powder on top can add a visually stunning touch. If you want a little extra decadence, drizzle some melted white chocolate across the cooled cookies—the contrast against the green is breathtaking and adds a sweet, creamy layer.

Side Dishes

Matcha Cookies pair beautifully with beverages such as a creamy latte, hot green tea, or even chilled milk. For an indulgent dessert spread, add fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side—these flavors play wonderfully with the earthiness of matcha and the sweetness of chocolate chips.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests with a beautiful presentation, stack the cookies on a pretty plate tied with a ribbon or arrange them alongside other tea-flavored treats like green tea macarons or mochi. You can also package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with twine, making lovely homemade gifts that show off your baking love and skill.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keeping them sealed prevents any moisture loss and preserves their soft and chewy texture. Place parchment paper between layers in the container if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking, arranging them on a tray and then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag once firm. When ready to bake, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, baked cookies freeze well too—wrap them tightly and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked feeling, warm your cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. The heat will refresh the texture and melt any chilled chocolate chips, delivering that perfect warm gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use vegan butter for this Matcha Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! Swapping regular butter for vegan butter works well and keeps the cookies just as rich and tasty. Just make sure your vegan butter is softened for easy creaming.

What kind of matcha powder should I use?

For baking, culinary-grade matcha powder is ideal because it has a robust flavor and bright color designed for cooking. Avoid ceremonial grade since it’s pricier and meant for drinking straight.

Can I replace chocolate chips with something else?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of chocolate, try chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Each will add a nice texture contrast that complements the matcha.

Why do the cookies look underbaked when they’re done?

Matcha Cookies are best when they’re soft and tender, which means the centers remain slightly underbaked when removing from the oven. They firm up as they cool, so don’t worry—this is perfect for that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too melted before mixing, and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if you find the cookies spreading too thin. Also, baking one sheet at a time helps maintain consistent temperature and prevents excessive spreading.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this Matcha Cookies Recipe soon because it’s truly a treat that brings warmth and a unique twist to your everyday cookie game. Whether for a special occasion or a simple self-indulgence, these cookies deliver cozy flavors with a sophisticated flair. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!