Soft Matcha Cookies Recipe

Bianca

Founder of Red Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links learn more.

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. It evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and pure joy. But recently, I decided to take our cookie game up a notch, venturing beyond the classic chocolate chip and peanut butter. Enter: Soft Matcha Cookies. Intrigued by the vibrant green hue and the subtle earthy sweetness of matcha, I embarked on a baking experiment that turned out to be an absolute triumph. From the moment I pulled these emerald gems from the oven, their delicate fragrance filled the kitchen with an almost ethereal scent. My family, initially curious about the unusual color, were instantly captivated by the first bite. The texture was heavenly – soft and chewy with a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, perfectly complemented by the unique, slightly grassy, and subtly bitter notes of high-quality matcha. These weren’t just cookies; they were an experience. My husband, a self-proclaimed cookie connoisseur, declared them his new favorite. My kids, usually wary of anything “green,” devoured them with surprising enthusiasm. And me? I was utterly smitten. This Soft Matcha Cookie recipe has become a staple in our home, perfect for afternoon tea, a special treat, or simply a moment of zen amidst the everyday hustle. If you’re looking to add a touch of sophistication and delightful flavor to your cookie repertoire, look no further. These Soft Matcha Cookies are guaranteed to enchant your taste buds and become a beloved favorite in your own home, just as they have in mine.

Ingredients for Soft Matcha Cookies

Unsalted Butter, Softened: (1 cup, 2 sticks) – Provides richness, flavor, and that essential melt-in-your-mouth texture. Softened butter creams easily with sugar, creating a light and airy base for the cookies.
Granulated Sugar: (¾ cup) – Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge while maintaining a soft center.
Powdered Sugar: (¼ cup) – Contributes to the cookie’s soft and tender crumb, and enhances the overall sweetness.
Large Egg: (1) – Binds the ingredients together, adds moisture, and contributes to the cookie’s structure and chewiness.
Vanilla Extract: (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and depth that complements the matcha beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: (2 ¼ cups) – The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
Matcha Powder (Culinary Grade or Higher): (2 tablespoons) – The star ingredient! Provides the signature green color, unique flavor, and subtle earthy notes. Culinary grade is recommended for baking, but higher grades will offer a more refined flavor.
Baking Powder: (1 teaspoon) – A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly and become soft and airy.
Salt: (½ teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.

Instructions: Baking Your Perfect Soft Matcha Cookies

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup. Parchment paper also helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents excessive browning on the bottom.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter and sugar mixture, which is crucial for creating soft and tender cookies. Creaming should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. The mixture should become noticeably paler and more voluminous.
Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated before moving on to the next step. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly mixed. The egg adds moisture and binds the wet and dry ingredients together. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents clumps of baking powder or matcha in the final cookies. This step is important for achieving a consistent texture and flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Chill the Dough (Crucial for Softness): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough is a vital step for soft cookies. It firms up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too thin and becoming flat during baking. Chilling also allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the matcha flavor. For even better results, chill for 1-2 hours.
Scoop and Shape: Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. If you want perfectly round cookies, gently roll the dough balls between your palms before placing them on the baking sheet. For a slightly crinkled top, you can lightly press down on the dough balls with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar before baking (optional).
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Do not overbake! Overbaking will result in dry and crispy cookies. The cookies will continue to set as they cool. The ideal texture for soft matcha cookies is slightly underbaked in the center.
Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking when you move them. Once cooled, these soft matcha cookies are ready to be enjoyed! They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie, approximate)

Serving Size: 1 Cookie
Calories: 150 kcal
Fat: 8g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Preparation Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 20 minutes (Includes gathering ingredients, creaming butter and sugar, mixing wet and dry ingredients, and chilling dough) – This is the active time you spend preparing the cookie dough.
Chill Time: 30 minutes – 2 hours (Refrigerating the dough to firm it up and enhance flavor) – This is passive time where the dough rests in the refrigerator.
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes (Per batch of cookies in the oven) – The time it takes to bake each tray of cookies.
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour – 2 hours 30 minutes (Including prep, chilling, and baking time) – The overall time from start to finish, depending on chilling duration.

How to Serve Soft Matcha Cookies

With a Warm Beverage:
- Matcha Latte: Enhance the matcha experience by pairing these cookies with a creamy and comforting matcha latte. The warm, milky drink complements the cookies beautifully.
- Green Tea: For a classic pairing, serve them with a cup of hot green tea. The subtle bitterness of green tea balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Black Coffee: The rich, bold flavor of black coffee provides a delightful contrast to the delicate matcha flavor, creating a balanced and satisfying combination.
- Earl Grey Tea: The bergamot notes in Earl Grey tea pair surprisingly well with the earthy and slightly citrusy undertones of matcha, creating a sophisticated tea time treat.
As a Dessert:
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy vanilla ice cream provides a perfect contrast to the soft and chewy texture of the warm matcha cookies. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a warm cookie is pure indulgence.
- With Whipped Cream and Berries: Top the cookies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a scattering of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for an elegant and light dessert.
- Cookie Sandwiches: Create delightful cookie sandwiches by filling two matcha cookies with vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a scoop of ice cream.
For Special Occasions:
- Gift Giving: Package these beautiful green cookies in a decorative box or tin to create a thoughtful and unique homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors.
- Party Platter: Arrange the matcha cookies on a dessert platter alongside other treats for parties and gatherings. Their vibrant green color adds a pop of visual appeal to any dessert spread.
- Tea Parties: These cookies are the perfect addition to a sophisticated tea party, adding a touch of elegance and unique flavor to the occasion.
Simple Indulgence:
- Enjoy them on their own: Sometimes, the best way to savor these cookies is simply to enjoy them as they are, appreciating their soft texture and delicate matcha flavor.
- Afternoon Treat: Perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet treat to enjoy with a moment of relaxation.

Additional Tips for Perfect Soft Matcha Cookies

Use High-Quality Matcha: The flavor of matcha cookies heavily relies on the quality of your matcha powder. Invest in culinary-grade or ceremonial-grade matcha for the best flavor and vibrant green color. Culinary grade is generally more affordable and perfectly suitable for baking, while ceremonial grade offers a more refined and less bitter flavor. Avoid using low-grade matcha, which can be dull in color and bitter in taste.
Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt together ensures that there are no clumps and that the matcha powder is evenly distributed throughout the dough. This results in a smoother cookie dough and a more consistent green color in the baked cookies.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.
Chill the Dough Properly: Chilling the dough is not optional for soft cookies! It firms up the butter, prevents excessive spreading during baking, and allows the flavors to meld together. Chill for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 1-2 hours for optimal texture and flavor.
Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Lining your baking sheets prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper and silicone mats also help the cookies bake more evenly and prevent them from browning too quickly on the bottom.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crispy, not soft and chewy. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool. Err on the side of slightly underbaking for the softest texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature before starting. Room temperature ingredients cream together more easily, creating a smoother batter and better cookie texture.
Experiment with Variations: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with variations! Add white chocolate chips, chopped macadamia nuts, a swirl of red bean paste, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for added flavor and texture complexity. You can also adjust the amount of matcha powder to control the intensity of the matcha flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Soft Matcha Cookies

Q1: What is matcha, and what does it taste like in cookies?

A: Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, traditionally consumed in East Asian countries. It has a unique flavor profile that is often described as earthy, slightly grassy, and subtly sweet with a hint of bitterness. In cookies, matcha provides a distinctive green tea flavor that is both refreshing and sophisticated, adding a unique twist compared to regular sweet cookies. The bitterness is usually subtle and balanced by the sweetness of the cookie.

Q2: Can I use culinary matcha or do I need ceremonial grade for baking?

A: Culinary-grade matcha is perfectly suitable and often recommended for baking. It is generally more affordable than ceremonial-grade matcha and is designed to hold its flavor and color well during cooking. Ceremonial-grade matcha, while higher quality, is typically more expensive and best enjoyed in teas where its delicate nuances can be fully appreciated. For cookies, culinary-grade matcha will provide excellent flavor and color.

Q3: Can I freeze the matcha cookie dough?

A: Yes, you can absolutely freeze matcha cookie dough! Scoop the dough into balls as you would for baking, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookie dough can be baked directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Frozen dough can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Q4: How should I store leftover soft matcha cookies?

A: Store leftover soft matcha cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 3-4 days. To maintain their softness, you can also add a slice of bread to the container – the bread will absorb moisture and help keep the cookies from drying out. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can dry them out.

Q5: Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?

A: This specific recipe is not vegan or gluten-free as it contains butter, eggs, and wheat flour. However, you can adapt it! To make them vegan, you can try substituting the butter with vegan butter sticks and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken). For gluten-free matcha cookies, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind that substitutions may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.

Q6: My matcha cookies spread too thin and are flat. What did I do wrong?

A: Several factors can cause cookies to spread too thin. The most common reasons are:
* Butter too warm: Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch, not melted or overly soft.
* Dough not chilled enough: Chilling the dough firms up the butter, preventing excessive spreading. Ensure you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes, or longer for best results.
* Oven temperature too low: An oven that is not hot enough can cause cookies to spread before they set. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (350°F/175°C).
* Too much sugar: While this recipe is balanced, excessive sugar can contribute to spreading. Ensure you are measuring ingredients accurately.

Q7: My matcha cookies are dry. How can I make them softer?

A: Dry cookies are usually a result of overbaking. Next time, try baking them for a shorter time, aiming for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft. Overbaking dries out the moisture in the cookies. Also, ensure you are not adding too much flour, as this can also lead to dry cookies. Measure flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.

Q8: Can I adjust the amount of matcha powder in the recipe?

A: Yes, you can adjust the amount of matcha powder to your preference. If you prefer a milder matcha flavor, start with 1.5 tablespoons of matcha powder. For a more intense matcha flavor, you can increase it to 2.5 tablespoons. Keep in mind that matcha powder can be slightly bitter, so adjust to your taste, especially if using culinary grade matcha. Start with the recommended amount in the recipe and adjust in subsequent batches to find your perfect matcha intensity.