As the sun sets and the world slows down, there’s something undeniably comforting about filling your kitchen with warm, buttery scents. Picture this: a plate of vibrant Matcha Butter Cookies, their striking green hue hinting at the unique flavor within. I first discovered this delightful recipe during a serene afternoon, playing around with matcha I had picked up from a tiny tea shop. The joy of blending the earthy notes of matcha with rich, creamy butter was a revelation that transformed my cookie game entirely.
These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they are a canvas for creativity and a conversation starter at gatherings. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a homemade indulgence to pair with your evening tea, this recipe promises a delightful experience. Light, crunchy edges and a soft center make every bite irresistible. Plus, they come together easily and chill in the fridge while you take a moment to relax. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into baking these vibrant gems!
Why are Matcha Butter Cookies a Must-Try?
Unique Flavor: The earthy notes of matcha paired with rich butter create a delightful twist on traditional cookies.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, anyone can whip up these delicious treats, even if you’re short on time.
Charming Presentation: Their vibrant green color and festive sprinkles make them perfect for any occasion or celebration.
Versatile Enjoyment: Whether served alongside tea, coffee, or as a stand-alone dessert, these cookies please every palate.
Heavenly Texture: Experience the perfect balance between crispy edges and a soft, buttery center in every bite.
Matcha Butter Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to create delightful treats!
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – This forms the base of your cookies, giving them structure and chewiness.
- Cake flour – Adds tenderness for a light and airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the matcha.
- Salt – Enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness and richness of the other ingredients.
- Matcha powder – The star of the show, adding both color and that delightful earthy flavor, especially when using ceremonial grade.
For the Creaming
- Unsalted butter – Provides rich flavor and ensures your cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious; always use room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the mix and helps achieve that light and fluffy texture we love in cookies.
For the Egg Mixture
- Egg yolks – Contributes moisture and richness, making these Matcha Butter Cookies extra tender.
- Vanilla extract – Infuses warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile, making every bite feel like a hug.
- Whole milk – Adds moisture and helps bind the dough together without making it too sticky.
Feel free to add some festive sprinkles or coarse sugar before chilling these vibrant cookies for that extra special touch!
How to Make Matcha Butter Cookies
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Prepare your refrigerator and baking sheets. Clear some space in your fridge for a baking sheet, then line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. Set aside.
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Sift the dry ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, salt, and matcha powder. Whisk gently to combine, and then set this mixture aside to keep it aerated.
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Cream the butter. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the room temperature unsalted butter on medium speed for about 1 minute until it’s smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar while mixing on low, then increase to medium speed. Beat until it’s light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed.
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Combine the wet ingredients. With the mixer running, add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and whole milk to the creamed butter. Mix on medium speed until everything is nicely blended and smooth, then scrape down the sides again to ensure even mixing.
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Incorporate the dry mixture. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients in two parts to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough comes together, stopping when there are no longer any traces of flour.
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Pipe the cookie batter. Transfer the batter to a large piping bag fitted with a ½-inch open star tip. Pipe 2-inch cookies onto your prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them at least 1 inch apart. Optional: Sprinkle festive sprinkles or coarse sugar on top if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
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Preheat your oven. While the cookies chill, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and make sure your baking rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even baking.
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Bake the cookies. Bake one tray of cookies at a time for 9-11 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden brown. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies for an indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Matcha Butter Cookies
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Quality Matcha Matters: Always use high-quality ceremonial grade matcha for the best flavor and vibrant color; avoid culinary grades that may taste bitter.
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Butter Temperature: Ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature to create the light and fluffy texture that makes these Matcha Butter Cookies truly melt-in-your-mouth.
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Proper Mixing: Over-mixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined, so the cookies remain tender and soft.
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Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! This helps the cookies maintain their shape and develop a richer flavor while baking.
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Space Out Cookies: When piping your cookies on the baking sheet, keep them at least 1 inch apart to ensure they bake evenly without merging together.
Matcha Butter Cookies Variations
Feel free to add your own spin to these delightful cookies, enhancing their flavor and texture.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious option everyone can enjoy.
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Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia to make these cookies suitable for a sugar-restricted diet.
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Chocolate Chip Boost: Fold in some dark or white chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture contrasts in each delightful bite.
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Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for a refreshing minty twist that pairs beautifully with matcha.
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Nuts Galore: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for a delightful crunch. The warmth of the nuts will enhance the overall richness.
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Citrus Zest: Grate some lemon or orange zest into the mixture. The bright, zesty notes can elevate the earthy flavor of matcha beautifully.
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Spice It Up: A pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon can give these cookies a warm, spicy kick—perfect for cozy evenings.
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Chai Infusion: Mix in a teaspoon of chai spice for a comforting blend of flavors that will warm your heart and soul with every bite.
How to Store and Freeze Matcha Butter Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer a longer-lasting option, place cookies in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy freshly-baked flavors, reheat cookies directly from the freezer in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
What to Serve with Matcha Butter Cookies?
As the vibrant green allure of these cookies fills your home, it’s the perfect opportunity to consider delightful pairings that elevate your experience.
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Chai Tea: The warm spices harmonize beautifully with the earthy notes of matcha, creating a comforting experience with every sip and bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy, rich vanilla ice cream contrasts perfectly with the cookies, turning dessert into a dreamy adventure.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy berries add a refreshing burst that complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies, elevating each flavor note on your palate.
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Matcha Latte: Uniting flavors, a frothy matcha latte alongside your cookies makes for a blissful afternoon break, keeping your theme intact.
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Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate over your cookies introduces a decadent touch that enhances their elegant flavor.
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Coconut Macaroons: These chewy delights provide a fun texture contrast while their sweetness plays off the subtle bitterness of matcha.
Each pairing not only enhances the wonderful profile of the Matcha Butter Cookies but also invites a delightful culinary experience for you and your loved ones.
Make Ahead Options
These Matcha Butter Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the recipe steps up to the chilling stage, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This chilling time not only enhances the flavor but also firms up the dough, making it easier to pipe. When ready to bake, take the dough out of the refrigerator, pipe onto baking sheets, and bake as directed. For even longer storage, you can freeze piped cookies for up to 3 months—just add a few minutes to the baking time when ready to serve. Enjoy warm melt-in-your-mouth cookies with minimal effort any day of the week!
Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of matcha should I use for Matcha Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and vibrant color, always use high-quality ceremonial grade matcha. It ensures a delicate, nuanced flavor that elevates your cookies. Avoid culinary grades as they can taste bitter and muddy up the delightful essence this treat offers.
How should I store my Matcha Butter Cookies?
You can easily keep your cookies fresh! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend their life, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before you enjoy their deliciousness again!
Can I freeze Matcha Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to indulge, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
What if my cookie dough is too soft to pipe?
Very much a common issue! If your dough seems too soft, chilling it for an extra 30 minutes can help firm it up. Alternatively, you could add a tablespoon more of all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing gently until it reaches a pipeable consistency, but be cautious not to over-mix.
Are there any allergies I should consider?
Absolutely! This recipe contains eggs and dairy, so if you’re planning to serve them to guests, make sure to inquire about any allergies. For egg-free options, you can substitute each egg yolk with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, set for 5 minutes).
Can I add other flavors or variations to these cookies?
The more the merrier! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like almond extract instead of vanilla, or even add in some chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and sweetness. Just keep in mind to adjust the sugar accordingly if adding sweeter mix-ins!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Matcha Butter Cookies for Sweet Moments
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare your refrigerator and baking sheets by lining two sheets with parchment paper and clearing space in your fridge.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, salt, and matcha powder in a mixing bowl, then set aside.
- Cream the room temperature unsalted butter on medium speed for about 1 minute until smooth, then gradually add granulated sugar and continue mixing until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and whole milk to the creamed butter, mixing on medium speed until well blended.
- Gradually incorporate the sifted dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until the dough forms without any traces of flour.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe 2-inch cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, keeping at least 1 inch apart. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the chilling time.
- Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.