The secret to any truly wonderful treat is respecting the foundation before you add the fun stuff. I have always believed that classic technique makes even the wildest ideas work beautifully. When you want to bake a batch of matcha cookies, starting with a strong, buttery dough is absolutely essential. A good base holds those vibrant flavors and rich mix-ins perfectly, proving that the dough always comes first.
This recipe takes a traditional approach and adds a beautiful, earthy twist that home bakers will treasure. We are browning the butter to give the dough a deep, nutty richness that pairs wonderfully with the green tea powder. Once you nail this dough, you will see exactly why technique matters so much. Grab your mixing bowls and let us create a solid base for these beautiful green treats.
The Foundation of Classic Perfection
You are going to love the reliable, tender crumb of these genuine cookies. The foundation matters, and browning the butter brings a comforting warmth that balances the earthy green tea powder. This dough is strong enough to hold all those sweet white chocolate chips without losing its perfect shape. We chill the dough to build that wonderful texture, proving that good things come to those who wait.
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Matcha Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 32 mins
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Experience the perfect fusion of earthy Japanese green tea and rich, nutty browned butter in these exquisite Matcha Cookies. Each bite offers a tender, chewy texture complemented by sweet bursts of creamy white chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons culinary-grade matcha powder
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (265g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma; pour into a bowl and allow to cool completely.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder until the green color is uniform.
- Combine the cooled browned butter with the granulated and brown sugars in a large bowl, then whisk in the room-temperature eggs and vanilla until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula just until a cohesive green dough forms.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips, then cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to develop flavor and improve texture.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a 3-tablespoon scoop, drop rounds of dough onto the prepared sheets spaced 2-3 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then let the cookies rest on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
To ensure your cookies have a vibrant green color rather than a dull olive tone, store your matcha powder in a cool, dark place and use it within a few months of opening. If you prefer a flatter, crispier cookie, you can skip the chilling step, but the flavor is significantly enhanced by letting the dough rest.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Quality Ingredients Make the Dough
A perfect base relies on quality ingredients, plain and simple. Start with high-quality, culinary-grade matcha powder, as it holds its bright color and authentic flavor beautifully in the oven. Real vanilla extract and good butter are non-negotiable for a cherished recipe like this.
- Unsalted Butter: We use 1 cup (227g) of browned butter for a deep, nutty foundation.
- Matcha Powder: 2 tablespoons of culinary-grade matcha gives that beautiful green hue and earthy taste.
- Sugars: A mix of 1/2 cup (100g) granulated and 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar creates a tender, chewy center.
- White Chocolate Chips: 1 cup brings a creamy sweetness to complement the earthy base.
- The Basics: 2 cups + 2 tbsp (265g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 room-temperature eggs, and 1 tsp real vanilla extract complete our dough.
The Classic Method
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by browning your butter over medium heat until it turns a lovely golden yellow. Pour it into a heat-proof bowl and let it cool, watching as it darkens slightly. This step builds the perfect nutty foundation for your dough.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder. Whisk everything together thoroughly so the green tea powder is evenly distributed. Set this dry base aside for later.
Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients
Add your granulated and brown sugars to the cooled browned butter and mix well. Crack in your room-temperature eggs, add the vanilla, and whisk until light and creamy. Taking about a minute to do this is the key to a crisp and chewy cookie.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Slowly add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently combine everything with a spatula just until a beautiful green dough forms. Remember, a gentle hand preserves the tender crumb.
Step 5: Add the White Chocolate
Fold in the white chocolate chips until they are well incorporated into your strong dough. Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This chilling time prevents spreading and builds incredible flavor.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a 3-tablespoon scoop to drop the dough onto the sheets, keeping them 2 to 3 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then let them rest on the pan for 10 minutes before moving to a cooling rack.
Foundation Secrets for Perfect Bakes
Technique before toppings is my golden rule in the kitchen. If you want those perfect edges, you must chill your dough for at least an hour to solidify the butter. This stops the cookies from spreading into flat puddles in the hot oven. For more tips on getting that ideal shape, check out my guide on perfect slice-and-bake-cookies. Also, make sure your eggs are truly at room temperature so they emulsify perfectly into the buttery base.
Build On This Base
Once you understand how this strong dough behaves, you can absolutely add your wild side. You can swap the white chocolate for dark chocolate chunks if you prefer a less sweet, more intense flavor profile. Or, take inspiration from my lemon-crinkle-cookies and roll the dough in powdered sugar before baking. I also recommend trying a wonderful variation from a friend, like these lovely matcha white chocolate chip cookies for a slightly different approach. The foundation is solid, so go crazy with your favorite mix-ins!
Share the Love
These delightful green treats are best served slightly warm from the oven, exactly when the white chocolate is soft and gooey. Pair them with an ice-cold glass of milk or a hot cup of black tea to balance the richness. If you are hosting a lovely afternoon gathering, arrange them on a platter next to some elegant dipped-shortbread. Sharing a warm batch of authentic, comforting cookies is a timeless tradition everyone appreciates.
The Sweet Foundation
Thank you for taking the time to respect the dough and bake these wonderful treats with me. Getting the base right makes all the difference, and I am so grateful you trust me with your baking journey. For more insights on quality ingredients, read my thoughts on clean-cookie-living. I would absolutely love to see how your beautiful green cookies turn out! Share your photos with me on Pinterest, tag me on Instagram, or join our warm community over on Facebook. Happy baking!
