Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the soothing, earthy flavors of matcha with a comforting, buttery cookie, then this Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe is your new go-to treat. These cookies beautifully swirl vibrant green matcha powder into classic vanilla dough, creating a delightful marbled pattern that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. With just the right balance of sweetness, a hint of vanilla, and that unmistakable gentle bitterness from the matcha, these cookies are like a delicious hug in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends, impressing guests, or indulging on a quiet afternoon, this is one recipe that truly elevates your cookie game.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to making these Matcha Latte Cookies sing with flavor and irresistible texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that makes the cookies tender to the aromatic matcha powder that lends its vibrant green color and distinct taste.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup / 227g): Softened butter adds richness and helps create a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200g): The perfect amount of sweetness, balancing the earthiness of the matcha.
• Large egg (1): Binds all the ingredients, providing structure and moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances flavor depth and complements the matcha’s distinct notes.
• All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups / 280g): The base for our dough that creates the cookie’s structure.
• Baking soda (½ tsp): Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them soft yet firm.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• High-quality matcha powder (1 ½ tbsp): The star ingredient that gives these cookies their beautiful green hue and signature flavor.

How to Make Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough, ensuring your cookies have a lovely soft texture and a delicate crumb.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract

Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. The vanilla adds warmth while the egg binds everything together, making sure the dough has the perfect consistency for shaping and baking.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. This even distribution keeps the rising agent and seasoning balanced throughout your dough. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients on low speed to avoid overworking the dough, stopping once it just comes together into a soft dough.

Step 4: Divide the Dough

Split your dough evenly into two bowls. This is where the fun begins as you prepare the matcha-infused portion, setting the stage for those striking swirls.

Step 5: Make the Matcha Dough

Sift the high-quality matcha powder into one of the bowls. Mix until the dough turns a uniform green color. If the mixture feels too dry or crumbly, add a tiny splash (about ½ teaspoon) of milk to help incorporate the matcha perfectly. It’s important to use good matcha here for the best flavor and color.

Step 6: Form the Swirl Cookies

Take a tablespoon of the vanilla dough and a tablespoon of the matcha dough. Gently press them together and then roll and twist slightly to achieve a beautifully marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix, or the colors will blend too much, losing that gorgeous contrast.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Place each dough ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced about two inches apart. Press the tops gently to slightly flatten them. This ensures even baking and a perfect cookie shape.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely. You want just the edges to turn lightly golden while the centers stay soft and tender—this is where the magic happens.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Allow the cookies to cool for five minutes on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step gives them time to set perfectly without breaking apart.

How to Serve Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance the visual appeal by dusting a little extra matcha powder on top of cooled cookies or drizzle a thin line of white chocolate for a touch of sweetness that complements the matcha perfectly. Sprinkling with a tiny pinch of sea salt before baking can also bring out the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of green tea or a creamy matcha latte to echo the flavors. They’re also fantastic alongside fresh fruit for a lighter, refreshing contrast or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe in a layered dessert jar with whipped cream and bits of toasted nuts, or create a charming cookie platter combining them with other tea-flavored treats. Wrapping a few cookies in parchment tied with twine also makes a lovely homemade gift for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready, let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

For a warm, freshly-baked taste, gently reheat your cookies in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back the soft centers and slightly crisp edges, recreating that just-out-of-the-oven feeling you love.

FAQs

Can I use any matcha powder for this recipe?

While you can use any matcha powder, high-quality culinary-grade matcha will yield the best flavor and vibrant green color essential for the cookies. Lower grades might taste bitter or appear dull.

What if I don’t have baking soda? Can I substitute it?

Baking soda is important for the subtle lift and texture. If you don’t have it, you can use baking powder, but keep in mind you might need to adjust the quantity and the cookies could turn out a bit different in texture.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and replacing the egg with a flax egg or other vegan egg substitute, you can enjoy vegan Matcha Latte Cookies. Just be aware the texture may change slightly.

How do I prevent the matcha from clumping in the dough?

Sifting the matcha powder before mixing and adding a small amount of milk if needed helps achieve a smooth color without clumps, giving those beautiful green swirls in the cookies.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and be sure to space the cookies well on the baking sheet. You might need to bake them in batches, and adjusting the baking time slightly for larger or smaller cookies is recommended.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe that brings together comfort and elegance in every bite. Once you try these swirled delights, they’ll quickly become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, mix up that dough, fill your kitchen with the dreamy aroma of matcha and vanilla, and share the joy with those you love.

Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe

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These Matcha Latte Cookies combine the rich flavors of buttery sugar cookies with a vibrant, earthy matcha swirl, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Soft and subtly sweet, these cookies highlight the unique taste of high-quality matcha powder with a delicate marbled effect.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
• Yield: 20 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Base Dough

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Matcha Swirl

• 1 ½ tbsp high-quality matcha powder
• ½ tsp milk (optional, to help incorporate matcha)

Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined and smooth.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
4. Divide the Dough: Split the dough evenly into two separate bowls.
5. Make the Matcha Dough: Sift the matcha powder into one bowl of dough. Mix thoroughly until the color is uniform and the dough turns a smooth green. If needed, add ½ teaspoon of milk to help incorporate the matcha evenly.
6. Form the Swirl Cookies: Take 1 tablespoon of vanilla dough and 1 tablespoon of matcha dough. Press them gently together so they form a ball with the two colors side by side. Roll and slightly twist the dough to create a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix the colors.
7. Shape the Cookies: Place each dough ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Press each ball gently to slightly flatten the tops.
8. Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers should remain soft.
9. Cool Before Serving: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming and a smooth dough texture.
• Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
• If the matcha dough feels too dry, add a tiny amount of milk to help incorporate the powder evenly.
• Do not overmix the dough when combining the matcha and vanilla portions to maintain a beautiful marbled effect.
• Cookies will be soft when removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.