Matcha is a finely ground powder of green tea leaves, traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. In recent years, it has gained popularity all over the world, not only for its unique taste but also for its numerous health benefits. One of the best ways to enjoy matcha is by incorporating it into cookies, which can be a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. In this article, we will share the best matcha cookie dough recipe that you can easily make at home.
Why Matcha is a Healthy Ingredient for Cookies
Before we dive into the recipe, let's first discuss the health benefits of matcha. Matcha is packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is also rich in polyphenols, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Matcha also contains caffeine, which can give you an energy boost, and L-theanine, which can promote relaxation and improve your mood.
Ingredients for Matcha Cookies
To make matcha cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
-
1 cup of all-purpose flour
-
1 tablespoon of matcha powder
-
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
-
1 egg yolk
-
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
-
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Steps to Make Matcha Cookies
Now that we have the ingredients, let's dive into the recipe.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour brown butter, matcha powder, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Add the Egg Yolk and Vanilla Extract
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the melted butter and sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Form the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Step 7: Form the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and use a cookie scoop or spoon to form balls of dough. Place the balls of cookie dough out on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Making Perfect Matcha Cookies
Making perfect matcha cookies requires attention to detail and following the right techniques. Here are some tips to help you achieve delicious matcha cookies:
-
High-quality matcha powder: Start with a good quality culinary grade matcha or ceremonial grade matcha powder. The quality of the matcha will greatly impact the flavor and color of your cookies.
-
Sift the matcha powder: Sifting the matcha powder before using it will remove any lumps or clumps and ensure a smooth texture in your cookies.
-
Proper measurements: Use the correct measurements of ingredients, including matcha powder, flour, sugar, and butter, to achieve the right balance of flavors.
-
Softened butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter will mix evenly with the other ingredients and contribute to a tender texture in your cookies.
-
Creaming the butter and sugar: Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a lighter texture.
-
Gradually add dry ingredients: Add the sifted matcha powder and flour mixture gradually to the creamed butter and sugar. This will help to evenly distribute the matcha flavor and prevent lumps in the dough.
-
Chill the dough: After mixing the dough, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes or until firm. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
-
Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan and ensure even baking.
-
Proper baking time and temperature: Follow the recipe instructions for the baking time and temperature. Over baking can result in dry and crumbly cookies, while underbaking can make them too soft and doughy.
-
Allow cookies to cool: Once the cookies are baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them set and retain their shape.
-
Store properly: Store the matcha cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and flavor. They should last for several days, but they are best enjoyed within a day or two.
Remember, baking is an art that requires practice, so don't be discouraged if your first batch of green tea cookies isn't perfect. Keep experimenting and adjusting the recipe until you find the perfect balance of flavors and textures for your matcha cookies.
Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe
Vegan matcha cookies are a great option for those who follow a plant-based diet. These cookies are made without any animal products and still deliver the delicious taste and health benefits of matcha. To make vegan matcha cookies, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and the egg with a flax or chia egg. This matcha green tea cookies recipe is simple, easy to make, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
-
1 cup of all-purpose flour
-
1 tablespoon of matcha powder
-
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
-
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
-
1/4 teaspoon of salt
-
1/2 cup of coconut oil or vegan margarine, softened
-
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
-
1 flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds + 3 tablespoons of water)
-
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
-
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened coconut oil or vegan margarine and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth.
-
Add the flax or chia egg and vanilla extract to the coconut oil or vegan margarine mixture and mix until well combined.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
-
Form the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Flatten the balls slightly with your hand or a fork.
-
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
-
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations of Matcha Cookies
1. Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you love chocolate, you can add chocolate chips to your matcha cookies. Simply fold in a half cup of chocolate chips into the dough after adding the dry ingredients, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual. The combination of matcha and white chocolate chips creates a deliciously unique flavor that you're sure to love.
Ingredients
-
1 cup of all-purpose flour
-
1 tablespoon of matcha powder
-
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
-
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
-
1/4 teaspoon of salt
-
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
-
1/4 cup of brown sugar
-
1 egg
-
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup of chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
-
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy and smooth.
-
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
-
Fold in the chocolate chips.
-
Form the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
-
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Matcha Shortbread Cookies
Shortbread cookies are a classic and simple cookie that are easy to make and can be a perfect pairing with matcha. Simply substitute some of the flour with cornstarch to create a crumbly and tender texture. Follow the basic recipe for matcha cookies, but increase the butter to 1 cup and add 1/2 cup of cornstarch. The result will be a delicate, soft and chewy, buttery matcha shortbread cookie that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
-
1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup of powdered sugar
-
2 teaspoons of matcha powder
-
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
-
2 cups of all-purpose flour
-
1/4 cup of cornstarch
-
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, matcha powder, and vanilla extract together until creamy and smooth.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
-
Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a log about 2 inches in diameter.
-
Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
-
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
-
Place the rounds on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
-
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
-
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Matcha Almond Cookies
Another great variation of matcha cookies is to add some almonds. Simply fold in a half cup of chopped almonds into the dough after adding the dry ingredients, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual. The combination of matcha and almonds creates a unique flavor and texture to sugar cookies that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
-
1 cup of all-purpose flour
-
1 tablespoon of matcha powder
-
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
-
1/4 teaspoon of salt
-
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup of granulated sugar
-
1 egg
-
1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
-
1/2 cup of sliced almonds
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
-
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth.
-
Add the egg and almond extract to the butter and sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
-
Fold in the sliced almonds.
-
Form the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Flatten the balls slightly with your hand or a fork.
-
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
-
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Are matcha cookies healthy?
Yes, matcha cookies can be a healthier alternative to traditional cookies as they contain antioxidants, can help with weight loss, and boost energy and concentration.
-
Can I use a different type of flour for matcha cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour, such as almond flour or coconut flour, to create a gluten-free version of matcha cookies.
-
Can I use honey instead of sugar in matcha cookies?
Yes, you can substitute honey for sugar in matcha cookies. Keep in mind that honey is sweeter than sugar, so adjust the amount of matcha taste accordingly.
-
How do I store matcha cookies?
Matcha cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to three months.
-
Can I make matcha cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can make eggless matcha cookies by substituting the egg yolk with applesauce white sugar or mashed bananas. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Conclusion
In conclusion, matcha cookies are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. By incorporating matcha into your cookies, you can enjoy the numerous health benefits while satisfying your sweet tooth. We hope you enjoyed this recipe and the variations of matcha green tea powder we shared, and we encourage you to experiment and create your own matcha cookie recipes.