Matcha Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Matcha Sugar Cookies offer a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies with the earthy, vibrant flavor of matcha green tea. They’re soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for anyone looking to try something unique yet simple to make at home.
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 and cooled butter with ½ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup brown sugar using a silicone spatula until smooth and combined.
- Step 2: Add 1 tablespoon matcha powder, the egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until no dry spots remain.
- Step 4: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days to let the flavors meld and the dough firm up.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper. Place 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar on a small plate for rolling.
- Step 6: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out 2 to 3 tablespoons of dough. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar until coated, then place on the prepared baking trays spaced 3 to 4 inches apart.
- Step 7: Bake one tray at a time for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers are mostly baked through but still soft.
- Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For rounder cookies, gently push the edges with a spoon while they are still warm.
- Step 9: Enjoy your matcha sugar cookies with a cup of tea or milk!
Tips & Variations
- For a stronger matcha flavor, you can increase the matcha powder to 1.5 tablespoons, but be careful as too much can cause bitterness.
- Use room temperature egg to ensure smoother mixing and a better texture.
- Try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Substitute the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the oven if desired.
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 is not finely ground like matcha and may result in a gritty texture, so it’s best to use culinary-grade matcha powder for these cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. This helps develop the flavors and makes the dough easier to handle when scooping and rolling.
Print
Matcha Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Description
Delightfully soft and subtly sweet Matcha Sugar Cookies made with high-quality matcha powder, a blend of granulated and brown sugars, and a perfect balance of buttery richness. These cookies offer a tender crumb with a unique earthy flavor, perfect for tea time or any occasion.
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 light or dark brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Matcha, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in 1 tablespoon of matcha powder, 1 room-temperature egg, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract or paste. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add all dry ingredients—1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon fine sea salt—into the wet mixture. Mix until no dry spots remain, forming a cookie dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days to firm up and develop flavor.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Trays: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking trays with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Sugar for Rolling: In a small bowl or plate, pour 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This will be used to roll the cookie dough balls.
- Scoop and Roll Cookies: Using a cookie dough scoop, take 2-3 tablespoons of dough, roll it into a ball, then roll it generously in the granulated sugar. Place the sugared dough balls onto the prepared baking trays, spacing each cookie 3-4 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake one tray at a time for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are mostly baked through. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Shaping: For rounder cookies, while still warm, use a spoon to gently push and shape the edges to your liking.
- Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy these tender, flavorful matcha sugar cookies with your favorite tea or beverage.
Notes
- You can chill the dough for up to 2 days; this deepens the flavor and helps with dough firmness.
- Use high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Room temperature egg ensures better mixing and texture.
- Rolling dough balls in granulated sugar adds a sweet crunch and gives a slight sparkle to the cookies.
- Spacing cookies about 3-4 inches apart prevents them from merging during baking.
- For a crisper cookie, bake a minute or two longer, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Baking/Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Keywords: matcha cookies, sugar cookies, matcha sugar cookies, green tea cookies, baked cookies, tea time treat
