There’s something uniquely comforting about the sensation of butter melting into warm, freshly baked cookies. Picture this: a mid-afternoon break, a cozy cup of tea, and the irresistible scent of Matcha Butter Cookies wafting through your kitchen. If you’ve found yourself stuck in a routine of fast food and takeout, it’s time to reclaim that joy of homemade treats.
What drew me to this recipe was the enchanting combination of nutty matcha and rich buttery sweetness—perfect for those moments when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, including ceremonial-grade matcha for an authentic flavor, these cookies come together effortlessly. Not only do they look stunning, but their subtle earthiness will have your friends and family asking for seconds.
Join me in discovering the delightful world of baking that turns ordinary afternoons into something special. Let’s dive into making these delightful Matcha Butter Cookies, sure to please anyone craving homemade goodness!
Why Are Matcha Butter Cookies So Special?
Unique Flavor: The delightful combination of matcha and buttery sweetness creates a taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
Visually Stunning: Beautifully piped shapes, adorned with sprinkles or coarse sugar, make these cookies a perfect centerpiece for gatherings.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll feel like a pro baker without the fuss.
Chill & Bake: A little chilling time offers the perfect excuse to sip tea while waiting for your cookies to turn golden and aroma-filled!
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress guests, making them ideal for parties or just a cozy afternoon snack.
Elevate your baking game and bring joy to your kitchen with these delicious Matcha Butter Cookies that everyone will love!
Matcha Butter Cookie Ingredients
• Discover what makes these Matcha Butter Cookies a delightful treat!
For the Cookies
- All-purpose flour – Provides the perfect base for the cookie structure.
- Cake flour – Ensures a tender and light texture; a great addition for softer cookies.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Matcha powder – Adds a unique earthy flavor and stunning green color; opt for ceremonial grade for the best taste.
- Unsalted butter – Creates a rich, buttery flavor; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and contributes to their delightful crunch.
- Egg yolks – Adds richness and moisture, resulting in a softer cookie.
- Vanilla extract – Offers a hint of warmth and complements the matcha beautifully.
- Whole milk – Creates a moist dough that helps bind the ingredients together.
How to Make Matcha Butter Cookies
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Prepare your workspace by clearing out space in the refrigerator for the chilled cookies later. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, ensuring you’re ready for cookie perfection.
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Sift together in a medium bowl the all-purpose flour, cake flour, salt, and matcha powder. Whisk these ingredients until evenly combined, creating a beautiful green mixture that’s full of flavor!
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Beat the butter using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium speed until it’s smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add the sugar while mixing on low, then increase to medium speed, and beat until fluffy—around 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed for thorough mixing.
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Incorporate the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and whole milk while the mixer runs on medium. Mix until the mixture is fully combined and smooth, ensuring nothing is stuck to the bowl’s sides.
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Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture in two additions. Mix on low speed, scraping the bowl as necessary, until a uniform dough forms, and there’s no flour visible.
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Pipe the dough into a large piping bag fitted with a ½-inch open star tip. On the prepared baking sheets, pipe 2-inch shapes—such as rosettes, pretzels, circles, or squares—spacing them 1 inch apart. Optionally, add sprinkles or coarse sugar on top for extra flair! Chill the piped cookies in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the cookies chill. Position the rack in the middle so that every cookie bakes evenly and beautifully!
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Bake the cookies one tray at a time for 9-11 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely and reach their perfect texture.
Optional: Drizzle with white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Matcha Butter Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days, enjoying their fresh-baked flavor without any fuss!
Fridge: For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container. Let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked piped cookies for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time, for delightful Matcha Butter Cookies at a moment’s notice.
Reheating: If you have leftover cookies, reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to revive their delicious texture and flavor.
Matcha Butter Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Matcha Butter Cookies to suit your taste preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it’s specifically designed for baking to achieve the right texture.
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Vegan: Replace the butter with coconut oil and the eggs with applesauce for a plant-based version. This twist will still result in delightful, soft cookies!
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Chocolate Chip: Stir in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich, contrasting flavor that complements the earthiness of matcha beautifully. You might surprise yourself with how well they work together!
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Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note that enhances the sweetness of the cookies. A little zest goes a long way!
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Nutty Delight: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and a nutty flavor. The added texture will make each bite even more enjoyable.
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Spicy Twist: Mix in a dash of ground ginger or cinnamon for a subtle warmth that pairs wonderfully with matcha. It creates a cozy flavor profile perfect for chilly days.
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Matcha & White Chocolate: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent treat that balances the earthy matcha. This luxurious touch is perfect for special occasions.
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Sweet Almond: Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty and fragrant variation that’s sure to impress. It adds a unique flair that works surprisingly well with matcha!
What to Serve with Matcha Butter Cookies?
Imagine the warm embrace of buttery matcha cookies on a cozy afternoon, perfectly complemented by delightful pairings.
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Fresh Berries: A mix of tart strawberries and sweet blueberries adds brightness and a refreshing contrast to the rich cookies. Their juicy texture perfectly complements the softness of the cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream brings creamy sweetness, creating a delightful treat when sandwiched between two cookies.
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Green Tea: Embrace a harmonious theme with a warm cup of green tea, enhancing the earthy matcha flavors while providing a soothing experience.
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Chocolate Drizzle: A touch of melted dark or white chocolate drizzled over the cookies adds an indulgent, rich sweetness that heightens the overall dessert experience.
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Almond Milk: The nutty undertones of almond milk pair beautifully, offering a lighter, creamy alternative to traditional milk while complementing the matcha flavor.
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Shortbread Crumble: The crumbliness of shortbread balances the soft texture of the cookies, giving a delightful tactile contrast that is oh-so-satisfying.
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Mint Tea: A refreshing mint tea acts as a palate cleanser, enhancing the unique flavors of your matcha cookies, making it a splendid choice for a relaxing afternoon snack.
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Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a sweet, buttery richness that can elevate the cookies from delightful to decadent!
Expert Tips for Matcha Butter Cookies
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Choose Quality Matcha: Opt for ceremonial-grade matcha for the best flavor and vibrant color; cheap matcha can taste bitter and affect the overall cookie.
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Properly Chill the Dough: Allow the piped cookies to chill for the full hour; this helps them maintain their shape and ensures a perfect texture after baking.
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Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; every oven differs, and you want them lightly golden, not overbaked.
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Don’t Skip Scraping: Regularly scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl while making the dough; this ensures an even mixture and prevents lumps.
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Experiment with Shapes: Have fun piping different shapes! The uniformity and design can make your Matcha Butter Cookies not just tasty, but visually appealing too.
Make Ahead Options
These Matcha Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by following these simple steps: After mixing the dough, pipe the shapes onto the prepared baking sheets and chill them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you’d like to store them longer, cover the baking sheets tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the piped cookies to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake the chilled cookies directly from the fridge for delicious results just as fresh and delightful! This make-ahead method saves time on busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats with minimal effort.
Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of matcha should I use for the Matcha Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and vibrant color in your Matcha Butter Cookies, I recommend using ceremonial-grade matcha. This type has a smooth, rich taste that elevates your cookies, compared to culinary-grade matcha, which can sometimes taste bitter.
How can I store Matcha Butter Cookies to keep them fresh?
Very good question! Store your Matcha Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just remember to let them warm up slightly before enjoying for the best texture!
Can I freeze the Matcha Butter Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked piped cookies for up to 2 months. Here’s how: After piping the cookies on the baking sheet, place them in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and bake them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or so to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookie dough isn’t holding its shape?
If your dough isn’t holding its shape while piping, it may be too soft. This can happen if the butter was too warm or if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. To remedy this, just pop the piping bag into the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before trying again, and ensure to chill the piped shapes for a full hour—as recommended.
Can I make substitutes for dietary restrictions?
Very much so! If you or someone you’re sharing with has dietary restrictions, you can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends. For those dairy-free, try using a plant-based butter substitute in the same amount. Just keep in mind that these substitutions can slightly alter the texture and flavor of your Matcha Butter Cookies, so I encourage a little experimentation!
How can I tell when the cookies are baked perfectly?
Great question! When baking Matcha Butter Cookies, watch for the edges to turn lightly golden. They typically bake for about 9-11 minutes. Since every oven varies slightly, keep an eye on them; if they’re puffed up and golden around the edges, they’re ready! Allow them to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack.
Irresistible Matcha Butter Cookies You’ll Love to Share
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare your workspace by clearing out space in the refrigerator for the chilled cookies later. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Sift together in a medium bowl the all-purpose flour, cake flour, salt, and matcha powder. Whisk until evenly combined.
- Beat the butter in a stand mixer on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add the sugar while mixing on low, then beat until fluffy, around 3 minutes.
- Incorporate the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and whole milk while mixing. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture in two additions, mixing on low speed until a uniform dough forms.
- Pipe the dough into a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch open star tip. Pipe 2-inch shapes on the prepared baking sheets, chill for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the cookies chill. Position the rack in the middle for even baking.
- Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.