Soft Matcha Sugar Cookies

These soft matcha sugar cookies are the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into something quietly special. The gentle green tea flavor blends with sweet vanilla, making each bite feel fresh and comforting. They bring to mind the warmth of homemade cookies at holidays or cozy evenings with friends, inviting you to slow down and enjoy a little sweetness together.

I first made these on a rainy afternoon and was amazed how the subtle matcha flavor lifted my spirits. Since then, these cookies have become my go to for sharing with friends who appreciate something a little different.

Ingredients

• Two cups allpurpose flour: the foundation of your cookie texture choose unbleached for better flavor
• One tablespoon culinarygrade matcha powder: key for vibrant color and authentic green tea taste look for bright green and fresh aroma
• Half a teaspoon baking soda: provides gentle leavening for a tender crumb
• Quarter teaspoon salt: balances sweetness and enhances other flavors
• Three quarters cup unsalted butter softened: adds richness and softness use quality unsalted for best control
• One cup granulated sugar: sweetens and helps with cookie structure
• One large egg: binds the ingredients and adds moisture
• One teaspoon pure vanilla extract: complements matcha with warm sweetness choose a pure extract for depth

Instructions

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together flour matcha powder baking soda and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of the matcha’s earthy flavor and the leavening agents.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about two to three minutes until the mixture is light fluffy and pale in color. Scrape down the sides to incorporate everything evenly. This aeration is important for a tender and light cookie.

Mix in Egg and Vanilla:

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined creating a creamy base for the dough.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing on low speed just until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid over mixing here to keep the cookies tender and soft.

Chill the Dough If Needed:

If the dough feels sticky or too soft to roll cover and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps manageability and allows the cookies to hold their shape better while baking.

Shape and Bake:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon sized portions of dough and gently roll them into balls. For a fun sugar crust roll the dough balls lightly in granulated sugar before placing them two inches apart on the sheet. Bake for nine to eleven minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Avoid overbaking so the centers stay tender.

Cool and Enjoy:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the vivid color delicate matcha aroma and soft texture.

Matcha is my favorite ingredient here because it not only colors the dough a beautiful green but adds a calm earthy note that pairs so beautifully with vanilla. One winter I brought a batch to a friends gathering and they were the first cookies to disappear sparking a lovely conversation about green tea traditions.

Storage Tips

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to keep them soft. If you want them longer freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving to restore softness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use a gluten free flour blend instead of all purpose flour to make these cookies suitable for gluten sensitive friends. Coconut oil can replace butter for a dairy free version offering a mild tropical note that complements the matcha. For a vegan egg substitute mix one tablespoon ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons water rest five minutes and use as you would one egg.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies look stunning on a simple white platter to showcase their green hue. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate adds extra elegance. They are wonderful paired with jasmine tea or creamy matcha lattes for a peaceful snack. For something playful sandwich yuzu or lemon curd between two cookies to add a bright citrus contrast.

These soft matcha sugar cookies are an easy everyday treat that feels special. Pack them for guests or enjoy with tea for a peaceful moment.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Why did my cookies turn out brown instead of green?

Browning usually results from overbaking or baking at too high heat. Use a light-colored baking sheet and remove cookies when edges are set but centers remain soft to preserve the vibrant green matcha color.

→ Can I double the amount of matcha for stronger flavor?

Increasing matcha intensifies flavor and color but may add slight bitterness. It's best to add carefully and taste the dough before baking to adjust to your preference.

→ How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure butter is not overly soft and chill the dough at least 30 minutes if sticky. Also, avoid placing dough on a hot baking sheet to maintain shape during baking.

→ Is it possible to freeze the dough?

Yes, portion the dough, freeze on a tray, and store in an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time for best results.

→ What are good serving suggestions for these cookies?

Serve cooled cookies on a white platter to highlight their green color, dust lightly with powdered sugar, or drizzle with white chocolate. Pair with jasmine tea or creamy matcha lattes for a soothing snack.