Matcha, the finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, has become a favorite ingredient in many kitchens around the world.
Not only does it offer a unique, earthy flavor, but it also provides a vibrant green hue to any dish. If you're a matcha lover or simply looking to try something new, these easy matcha cookies are perfect for you.
With a delicate balance of sweetness and the distinct taste of matcha, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Follow this simple recipe to create delicious matcha cookies in no time!
Ingredients
Before we dive into the steps, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need for this recipe:
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sugar
Start by melting 10 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pot over low heat. Add both the brown sugar and granulated sugar to the pot. Stir the mixture continuously for about a minute, ensuring that the sugars are fully dissolved into the melted butter.
Step 2: Whisk the Mixture
Transfer the melted butter and sugar mixture into a large bowl. Whisk the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it ensures the perfect texture for your cookies.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Whisk in one large egg and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract into the mixture. Continue whisking until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon baking powder, and 2 tablespoons of matcha powder. Sift in 1⅓ cups of all-purpose flour. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and break up any lumps, ensuring a smooth dough.
Step 5: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 6: Add the White Chocolate Chips
Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips. The sweetness of the white chocolate pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of matcha.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, use an ice cream scooper to measure out equal portions of the dough. Roll each portion into a ball shape and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space the cookies far apart to prevent them from spreading into each other.
Step 9: Flatten the Cookies
Gently flatten each cookie ball just a little bit with your hand or the bottom of a glass.
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the cookies for 12 minutes. When there are 6 minutes left, remove the cookies from the oven and shape them with a circular item like a jar. This step helps to keep the cookies perfectly round.
Step 11: Add More Chocolate Chips
Add a few more white chocolate chips on top of each cookie and return them to the oven for the remaining 6 minutes.
Step 12: Cool the Cookies
Once the cookies are done baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for 7-10 minutes. This allows them to firm up and ensures the best texture.
Conclusion
These matcha cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, unique flavor of matcha with the sweet creaminess of white chocolate.
Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, this easy recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress friends and family with a delicious and visually stunning dessert.
Enjoy your homemade matcha cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, and savor the delightful flavors in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter. If you do, consider reducing the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
How important is it to chill the dough for 2 hours?
Chilling the dough is crucial as it helps the cookies hold their shape and develop a better texture. If you skip this step, the cookies might spread too much during baking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month. If frozen, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight before baking.
Why do I need to shape the cookies with a circular item halfway through baking?
Shaping the cookies halfway through baking ensures they stay perfectly round and uniform in size, giving them a professional look.
Is it necessary to add more white chocolate chips on top?
Adding more white chocolate chips on top is optional but recommended for added sweetness and visual appeal. It makes the cookies look more inviting.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for structure.
TL;DR for Easy Matcha Cookie Recipe
- Melt 10 tbsp unsalted butter with ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Whisk until light.
- Add 1 large egg and ½ tsp vanilla extract.
- Mix in ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, ⅛ tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp matcha powder, and 1⅓ cups sifted flour.
- Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips.
- Chill dough for 2 hours.
- Shape dough into balls, flatten slightly and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes, adding more chocolate chips halfway through.
- Cool for 7-10 minutes. Enjoy!