Matcha Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Matcha Sugar Cookies offer a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies with a subtle earthy flavor from vibrant matcha powder. Soft and chewy with a slight crisp on the edges, they’re perfect for tea time or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (or table salt)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or paste
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ cup brown sugar together using a silicone spatula until smooth.
- Step 2: Add in 1 tablespoon matcha powder, the egg, and vanilla. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until no dry spots remain.
- Step 5: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 2 days to chill.
- Step 6: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper.
- Step 7: Place 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar on a small plate or bowl for rolling the cookies.
- Step 8: Scoop 2 to 3 tablespoons of chilled dough using a cookie scoop. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat thoroughly.
- Step 9: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared trays, spacing them about 3 to 4 inches apart.
- Step 10: Bake one tray at a time for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are mostly baked.
- Step 11: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 12: Optional: For rounder cookies, while still warm, gently use a spoon to shape the edges as desired.
- Step 13: Enjoy your matcha sugar cookies with a cup of tea or as a sweet treat any time!
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense matcha flavor, you can increase the matcha powder to 1 ½ tablespoons, but be careful not to make the cookies too bitter.
- Use brown sugar for a richer, slightly caramel flavor or substitute with coconut sugar for a natural twist.
- If you prefer crispier cookies, bake a minute or two longer, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Roll cookies in sanding sugar instead of granulated sugar for extra sparkle and crunch.
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular green tea powder instead of matcha?
Regular green tea powder lacks the fine texture and concentrated flavor of matcha, so the cookies won’t have the same vibrant color or taste. For best results, use culinary-grade matcha powder.
Why should I chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough firms it up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also helps develop the flavors and results in a better texture overall.
Print
Matcha Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18–24 cookies 1x
Description
These Matcha Sugar Cookies offer a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies with the subtle earthy flavor and vibrant green color of matcha powder. They are buttery, soft in the center with slightly crispy edges, making a perfect treat for matcha lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (or table salt)
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or paste
For Rolling
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a silicone spatula to combine the melted and cooled ½ cup unsalted butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Matcha, Egg, and Vanilla: Stir in the 1 tablespoon matcha powder, 1 room temperature egg, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or paste until the batter is smooth and uniform in color.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon fine sea salt until evenly mixed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and fold in with the spatula until no dry flour spots remain.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days to enhance the flavor and dough firmness.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Trays: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Sugar for Rolling: Pour 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar into a small bowl or plate. This will be used for coating the dough balls before baking.
- Scoop and Roll Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out dough balls about 2-3 tablespoons each. Roll each dough ball in the granulated sugar until thoroughly coated, then place them on the prepared baking trays, spaced about 3-4 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake one tray at a time in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are mostly baked through. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness in the middle.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For rounder shaped cookies, gently push the edges with a spoon while they are still warm.
- Enjoy: Serve these delicious matcha sugar cookies with tea or as a delightful sweet snack any time of day.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking and enhances flavor.
- Use room temperature egg to ensure even mixing and better dough consistency.
- Rolling the dough balls in granulated sugar adds a beautiful sparkle and slight crunch to the cookie exterior.
- The matcha powder should be high quality culinary grade for best flavor and vibrant color.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a more pronounced matcha flavor, you can add up to an additional ½ tablespoon of matcha powder, adjusting flour as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Keywords: matcha cookies, sugar cookies, green tea cookies, matcha sugar cookies recipe, easy cookie recipe, Japanese dessert, tea time snack
