If you have a soft spot for something chewy, sweet, and a little bit special, then the Matcha Green Tea Mochi Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These cookies brilliantly combine the earthy, vibrant flavor of matcha green tea powder with the delightfully chewy texture of mochi pieces that soften beautifully after baking. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of light sweetness, subtle bitterness, and that incredible chewy surprise that makes these cookies stand out from your typical cookie tray.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these cookies just right means using simple, high-quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in the final texture and flavor. From the softness of butter to the unique chewiness of mochi, every component lends something special to this recipe.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The base that gives structure and a tender crumb to your cookies.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise a bit and spread just enough during baking.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda to create the perfect lightness and chew.
- Butter, softened (1 cup): Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the cookies stay soft throughout.
- White sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetness that balances the earthy matcha flavor and contributes to a slight crisp edge.
- Egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds extra moisture for chewiness.
- High quality matcha green tea powder (1 1/2 tbsp): Use a robust, premium matcha for the best flavor and vivid green color—Maeda-en gold canister is my favorite.
- Mochi pieces (1 cup): This secret ingredient provides the blissfully chewy texture that transforms these cookies into a fun treat.
How to Make Matcha Green Tea Mochi Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial to create that melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Egg
Next, beat in the egg fully until it’s well combined with the buttery sugar mixture. This brings moisture and helps hold all the ingredients together perfectly.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients (Except Matcha and Mochi)
Combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder separately. Add these dry ingredients gradually to the wet mixture using the mixer on low speed, stirring until the dough just begins to come together. You want to avoid over-mixing here for tender cookies.
Step 4: Incorporate Matcha Powder
Once your dough looks nearly ready, sprinkle in the matcha green tea powder. Mix gently until the entire dough is uniformly green with that gorgeous, natural shade—this is where the magic really happens!
Step 5: Add Mochi Pieces
Fold in half of your cup of mochi pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed for delightful pockets of chewiness throughout every cookie.
Step 6: Shape Cookies and Add Mochi Toppings
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, placing them spaced about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. Press a few mochi pieces on top of each cookie ball from the remaining mochi to keep them visible once baked—this adds a beautiful texture and visual appeal.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 11 minutes until the edges start turning golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring—they firm up as they cool, giving you the perfect chewy bite every time!
How to Serve Matcha Green Tea Mochi Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny dusting of extra matcha powder on top of the cookies once cooled for an elegant finishing touch and an added pop of color and flavor. You can also add a light drizzle of white chocolate for a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy matcha.
Side Dishes
These cookies are wonderfully complemented by a cup of freshly brewed green tea or a creamy matcha latte to amp up the matcha experience. For a more decadent approach, try serving alongside vanilla ice cream or a simple bowl of fresh berries to balance their rich, chewy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these vibrant green beauties on a rustic wooden tray or a minimalist white plate to highlight their color and texture. To make a thoughtful gift, stack them in a decorative box layered with parchment for a delightful surprise that’s as stunning as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Matcha Green Tea Mochi Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days, making for perfect snacks anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze uneaten cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transferring to a resealable freezer bag. Frozen cookies retain their flavor and texture well for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked softness, warm the cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This revives the chewy mochi pieces wonderfully!
FAQs
What is mochi and why is it used in these cookies?
Mochi is a soft, chewy Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice. In this cookie recipe, it adds a unique, chewy texture that complements the tender cookie dough beautifully, making each bite delightfully different from regular cookies.
Can I substitute matcha powder with something else?
While you can try green tea powder substitutes, none offer the same vibrant color and distinct flavor as high quality matcha. For the authentic taste and that signature green hue, stick with pure matcha powder.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are turning a light golden brown and cookies that have set but still look slightly soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
It’s possible to substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum, but the texture might differ slightly. The chewy contrast from the mochi remains a highlight though, so it’s worth experimenting!
What’s the best way to enjoy these cookies?
These cookies are amazing on their own, but pairing them with a hot cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates their flavors and textures, making every bite a little celebration.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Matcha Green Tea Mochi Cookies Recipe that makes it your new favorite baked treat. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging in a quiet moment at home, these cookies bring a joyful burst of flavor and texture that stays with you. Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, it will find a permanent spot in your baking lineup!
Print
Matcha Green Tea Mochi Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful chewy matcha green tea mochi cookies that combine the earthy flavor of high-quality matcha powder with soft, tender mochi pieces embedded throughout. These cookies have a crisp edge and chewy interior, making them a unique treat perfect for matcha lovers and fans of Japanese-inspired desserts.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons high quality matcha green tea powder (such as Maeda-en gold canister quality)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup mochi pieces
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Egg: Beat the egg into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated for a well-emulsified dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients (except matcha and mochi): In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder together. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Add Matcha Powder: Incorporate the matcha powder into the dough, mixing until the color is uniform green, ensuring the full matcha flavor is well distributed.
- Mix in Mochi Pieces: Gently fold in half of the mochi pieces into the dough, so they are evenly spread throughout the cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a cookie sheet spaced approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Top with Mochi: Press the remaining mochi pieces onto the top of each cookie ball, so they remain visible and add a chewy texture to the exterior.
- Bake: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a light golden brown and the dough is fully cooked but still soft in the center.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the cookie sheet before transferring them to a wire rack or serving. This helps them set properly and maintain their chewy texture.
Notes
- Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
- Softened butter should be at room temperature, not melted, to ensure proper creaming with sugar.
- Mochi pieces can be store-bought or homemade; they will soften further during baking, creating a chewy surprise in every bite.
- Make sure not to overbake the cookies; they should remain soft and chewy inside.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; for longer storage, refrigerate or freeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese
