Name: Deliciously Soft Matcha Butter Cookies for a Sweet Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 86 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can be swapped with gluten-free flour.); 1 cup Cake Flour (Essential for a light texture.); 1 teaspoon Salt (Consider omitting if using salted butter.); 2 tablespoons Matcha Powder (Ceremonial Grade) (Provides color and flavor.); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (European butter elevates flavor.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Brown sugar can be used for a twist.); 4 large Egg Yolks (Key for moisture and structure.); 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (Almond extract is a delightful change.); 1/4 cup Whole Milk (Non-dairy milk can be substituted.)

As I stood in the kitchen, the vibrant green of ceremonial-grade matcha caught my eye, reminding me of my favorite tea ceremonies. This inspired me to create Matcha Butter Cookies, a delightful treat that perfectly blends the rich Japanese flavor with European baking flair. The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their stunning color but also in their melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, making them an irresistible addition to any afternoon snack or dessert table. With just a few ingredients and quick prep, you’ll discover how effortlessly these cookies come together, allowing for a moment of culinary zen in your busy day. Grab your matcha powder and let’s embark on this delicious journey together—are you ready for a cookie experience like no other?

Why are these cookies so special?

Melt-in-your-mouth goodness: You’ll love how these Matcha Butter Cookies are soft and crumbly, giving you that satisfying melt with every bite.

Vibrant color: The stunning green hue speaks of the high-quality ceremonial-grade matcha used, making these cookies a feast for the eyes as well.

Unique flavor fusion: Blending Japanese and European baking techniques, the rich tea flavor harmonizes perfectly with buttery sweetness, offering a delightful contrast to your typical cookie.

Quick and easy: With just a few simple ingredients and quick prep time, you can whip up these cookies in no time—perfect for those busy afternoons!

Perfect for sharing: Whether enjoyed solo with tea or displayed at a gathering, they are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Once you’ve tried these, consider exploring other delightful treats like Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies or Bowl Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake for more delicious inspiration!

Matcha Butter Cookie Ingredients

• Unlock the secrets of delicious Matcha Butter Cookies with the following ingredients!

For the Cookie Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and bulk for these cookies; can be swapped with gluten-free flour, but be aware of potential texture changes.
Cake Flour – Essential for achieving a light and tender texture that melts into your mouth.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; consider omitting it if you’re using salted butter.
Matcha Powder (Ceremonial Grade) – This high-quality matcha gives your cookies their vibrant green color and unique flavor; culinary grade can work in a pinch, though you might need to adjust sweetness.
Unsalted Butter – Ensures richness and moisture; using European butter can elevate the flavor, or simply add salt if using unsalted.
Granulated Sugar – Adds the perfect sweetness and texture, with a suggestion to use brown sugar for a slight flavor twist.
Egg Yolks – Key for moisture and structure; there’s no substitution that achieves the same texture.
Vanilla Extract – This classic flavor enhancer can be replaced with almond extract for a delightful change.
Whole Milk – Contributes moisture and binds ingredients; non-dairy milk can be a substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Matcha Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your delicious Matcha Butter Cookies. Once your baking sheets are prepped, clear some space in your refrigerator, as you will need it for chilling the cookie dough later.

Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cake flour, salt, and ceremonial-grade matcha powder. Use a sifter to ensure these dry ingredients are well-aerated and free of lumps, creating a smooth blend that will be essential for your cookies’ light, tender texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, place your unsalted butter and beat it on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue mixing for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture appears light and fluffy, which indicates it’s ready for the next step.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar mixture is fluffy, incorporate the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and whole milk. Mix these wet ingredients on low speed until fully combined, ensuring the mixture is smooth and well-blended, ready to merge with the dry ingredients for your Matcha Butter Cookies.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Carefully add the sifted dry ingredients to your wet mixture in two parts while mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until just combined, ensuring not to overmix, as this could result in denser cookies. You want a dough that is cohesive yet soft, perfect for piping.

Step 6: Pipe Cookies
Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe 2-inch shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave at least an inch between each cookie for spreading. Once piped, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour to enhance flavor and prevent excessive spreading during baking.

Step 7: Preheat Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle to allow for even baking of your Matcha Butter Cookies. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden edge while keeping the centers soft and tender.

Step 8: Bake
Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, take the chilled cookies out of the refrigerator. Bake them on the middle rack for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. After baking, let them cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Tips for Matcha Butter Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Fridge: Keeping Matcha Butter Cookies in the refrigerator extends their life to about one week when stored in an airtight container. This helps preserve their delightful texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.

Expert Tips for Matcha Butter Cookies

Measure Precisely: Accurate measurement of flour using a kitchen scale is key to avoiding dense cookies that lack the desired crumbly texture.
Use Room Temperature: Allow your butter, egg yolks, and milk to come to room temperature to ensure a smooth and well-emulsified batter for your Matcha Butter Cookies.
Adjust Dough Consistency: If your cookie dough is too thick to pipe smoothly, gradually add a little more milk until you achieve the right piping consistency without making it too runny.
Chill for Success: Don’t skip the chilling step! Letting the piped dough chill for at least an hour helps maintain shape while baking, preventing any unsightly spreading.
Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven varies! Bake just until the edges are lightly golden for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Storage Matters: Store any leftover Matcha Butter Cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and consider freezing unbaked dough for a convenient treat later on.

Matcha Butter Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful variations and make your Matcha Butter Cookies truly your own!

Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy twist. This gives your cookies a delightful texture contrast that pairs beautifully with the buttery goodness.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over cooled cookies for an indulgent touch. The sweet chocolate enhances the matcha flavor, creating a luxurious treat.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough to brighten the flavor profile. A hint of citrus will balance the earthiness of the matcha beautifully.
Spiced Matcha: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warming spice note. This twist can elevate your cookies, making them perfect for any cozy gathering.
Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for butter and non-dairy milk for a vegan-friendly option. While the flavor will be slightly different, the cookies will still be delightfully tender and moist.
Adventure with Matcha: Experiment with different grades of matcha or flavored varieties, like vanilla matcha, for unique taste experiences. Each type of matcha can bring its own personality to your cookies.
Add-Ins: Fold in Matcha chips or other flavored chips like butterscotch for a fun candy-like crunch. These little surprises in each bite will make your cookies even more exciting.

Take a moment to enjoy your baking experience, just as you would while savoring a cup of matcha tea. For more inspiration, consider trying out some other delightful recipes like Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes or Brown Butter Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Happy baking!

What to Serve with Ceremonial Matcha Butter Cookies

Delight in a full sensory experience by pairing these melt-in-your-mouth cookies with complementary sides and beverages.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of juicy berries and tropical fruits brightens your palate, balancing the rich butteriness of the cookies. The natural sweetness and acidity from the fruits elevate each bite.
Green Tea: Enhance the matcha flavor with a warm cup of green tea. Its subtle earthiness harmonizes beautifully with the cookies, creating a tranquil tea time experience.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream brings a luscious texture, making every cookie even more indulgent. This pairing is perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a dessert for guests.
Almond Biscotti: The crunchiness of almond biscotti provides a delightful contrast to the soft cookies. Dip them in tea for an irresistible combination of textures that will have you reaching for more.
Sesame Seed Cookies: Add a nutty crunch with sesame seed cookies. Their toasted flavor complements the matcha, while the sweetness ties them together for a lovely dessert spread.
Dark Chocolate: Rich dark chocolate pairs elegantly with matcha’s mild bitterness. Enjoy these cookies alongside small squares of chocolate to elevate the indulgence and create a sophisticated treat.
Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in a chai latte offer warm comfort, perfectly balancing the buttery sweetness of your Matcha Butter Cookies. This combination is ideal for a relaxing afternoon escape.
Honey Ginger Tea: A soothing honey ginger tea pairs beautifully with the cookies’ flavors. The warm spices in the tea enhance the cookies’ earthy undertones, making it a perfect match.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over your cookies adds a lovely sweetness and gooey texture that transforms your afternoon snack into a delightful dessert experience.
Matcha Milkshake: Complete the theme with a creamy matcha milkshake. The smooth, frothy texture and sweet matcha flavor create a dreamy companion for your cookies!

Make Ahead Options

These Matcha Butter Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by covering the piping bag filled with dough and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as it chills. Alternatively, you can freeze the piped cookies for up to 2 months; simply place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just pop them straight into the oven for a fresh, delectable treat that tastes just as delicious as when made on the spot!

Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my matcha powder is fresh?
Absolutely! The best matcha powder should have a vibrant green color without dark spots. A fresh matcha will have a sweet, grassy aroma and a smooth texture. If you find your matcha is dull or has a bitter smell, it may be past its prime. I recommend checking the packaging for a purchase date and using it within 6 months for the best flavor!

What is the best way to store Matcha Butter Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to one week. For even longer storage, freeze them in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing to maintain their delightful texture.

Can I freeze the unbaked matcha cookie dough?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze the unbaked dough! Once you’ve piped the shapes onto a baking sheet, place the sheet in the freezer until the dough is firm, about 1 hour, then transfer the frozen cookie shapes to a freezer-safe bag. You can keep them for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them directly into a preheated oven without thawing—no need to change the baking time!

What if my cookie dough is too thick to pipe?
Very simple! If you find your dough is too thick, you can gradually add a little more milk—about a teaspoon at a time—mixing until you reach a piping consistency that feels manageable. Just be careful not to overdo it; you want the dough to remain on the thicker side to hold its shape while piping. This will help ensure each cookie retains its delicate design.

Are there any allergies I should consider when making Matcha Butter Cookies?
Yes, when baking these cookies, keep in mind that they contain common allergens such as gluten (from flour), dairy (from butter and milk), and eggs. If you’re looking for allergy-friendly alternatives, consider using gluten-free flour blends, dairy substitutes like plant-based butter, and flaxseed or chia eggs for the egg yolks. Just remember that these substitutions may slightly change the final texture and flavor.

Can I use culinary-grade matcha instead of ceremonial-grade matcha?
Certainly! While ceremonial-grade matcha is preferred for its vibrant flavor and color, you can use culinary-grade matcha. Just remember that you might need to adjust the sweetness, as culinary matcha tends to be a bit more bitter. Aim for a balance where the rich green tea flavor complements the buttery sweetness of your cookies, ensuring delicious results with every bite!