Name: Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 8 h 41 min
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 1 ½ tbsp matcha powder; 200 g (just under 1 cup) unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp white sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 cup white chocolate chunks

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 36 reviews

If you have ever wanted to indulge in something both vibrant and deliciously comforting, then this Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together the earthy, delicate bitterness of matcha powder with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate chunks, wrapped in a buttery, tender cookie that practically melts in your mouth. Every bite bursts with a subtle green tea flavor, perfectly balanced by the richness of browned butter and the sweetness of brown sugar. Whether you are a seasoned baker or just starting your cookie adventure, this recipe promises a straightforward approach to making stunning treats that will impress anyone lucky enough to try them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A thick, rough round mound of dark green dough with a somewhat shiny and soft texture sits on a transparent plastic wrap over a white marbled surface. The dough is mixed with small, evenly scattered chunks of pale yellow butter, embedded throughout the surface. The dough looks dense and slightly sticky, with visible swirls and folds from shaping, giving a layered appearance on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This cookie recipe is refreshingly simple with ingredients you likely already have or can easily find. Each component plays an important role: from the rich browned butter that adds depth to the dough, to matcha powder that gives the cookies their signature color and earthy flavor. Here’s everything you need to get started on your Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe journey:

All-purpose flour: 2 cups plus 1 tablespoon for the perfect structure and softness in the cookie.
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon to help the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
Salt: 1 teaspoon to balance and enhance all the sweet and earthy flavors.
Matcha powder: 1 ½ tablespoons — the star ingredient that adds the distinct green tea taste and gorgeous color.
Unsalted butter: 200 grams (just under 1 cup) — browned to deepen the buttery richness.
Brown sugar: 1 cup for a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the matcha beautifully.
White sugar: 1 tablespoon to lend a touch of brightness and crunch.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon to add a warm, comforting note.
Large eggs: 2, to provide moisture and help bind everything together.
White chocolate chunks: 1 cup — luscious pockets of sweetness that melt perfectly in every bite.

How to Make Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

The magic starts by melting the butter over medium heat, stirring carefully for about 3 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown. This step elevates the cookie’s flavor with a nutty, caramelized depth that plain butter can’t match. Once browned, transfer it to a separate bowl to cool down and stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and of course, the vibrant matcha powder. Combining these dry ingredients evenly ensures that your matcha flavor is consistent throughout every single cookie.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, mix the cooled brown butter with both the brown and white sugars. This creates a smooth, luscious mixture that is bursting with caramel notes. Add in the vanilla extract and then beat in the eggs one at a time until everything comes together into a rich, silky batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet batter, stirring until fully combined without overmixing — this helps keep your cookies tender. Then gently fold in the white chocolate chunks, making sure they’re evenly distributed so every cookie gets a sweet surprise.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling step is essential as it lets the flavors meld together and firms up the dough, which helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them well apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes — watch for lightly golden edges, a perfect sign that the cookies are baked through yet soft in the center.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool slightly before enjoying. This Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe truly shines when paired with a cold glass of milk or a soothing cup of green tea. The moment these are out of the oven and still warm, you’ll know you made something special.

How to Serve Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe

A white plate holds eight soft, thick greenish-brown cookies with uneven shapes and visible white chunks of chocolate spread throughout each one. The cookies have a slightly cracked surface, showing a chewy texture inside. Around the plate on a white marbled surface, there are several pieces of white chocolate bars scattered. In the background, another white plate filled with more cookies is slightly out of focus. A jar with a warm candle glowing inside is placed to the right corner, adding a soft light to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make these matcha cookies even more inviting, sprinkle a little extra matcha powder on top right after baking or dust them with powdered sugar for a delicate contrast. For a decadent touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for that glossy finish.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with drinks that complement their flavor. A chilled glass of milk is the classic choice, but don’t hesitate to try them alongside a hot matcha latte or even a light jasmine tea, which enhances the green tea notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe treats on a minimalist white plate to make their vibrant green showstopper color pop. Arrange them in a layered cookie tower for celebrations or pack them in cute parchment paper bags tied with a twine ribbon for delightful homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which might be rare!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and chewy for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough before baking to enjoy fresh cookies later. Simply scoop the dough portions onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-lock bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To bring back that warm, fresh-from-the-oven feeling, gently warm cookies in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave for about 10 seconds. This will soften the chocolate chunks and make your Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe taste just as good as freshly baked ones.

FAQs

Can I substitute matcha powder with green tea leaves?

Ground matcha powder is essential for this recipe because it dissolves evenly into the dough, giving you that signature green color and flavor. Although green tea leaves can be used in other desserts, they aren’t a suitable replacement here.

Why is browning the butter important?

Browned butter adds a nutty, caramelized depth to the cookie that regular melted butter can’t provide. It really intensifies the flavor and complements the earthiness of the matcha beautifully.

Can I use white chocolate chips instead of chunks?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips work just as well as chunks. The difference is mostly texture and how the chocolate melts, but either choice will add that lovely sweetness to the cookies.

How long should I chill the dough?

Chilling for at least one hour is recommended to let the flavors develop and to help the cookies hold their shape during baking. You can chill longer or even overnight for deeper flavor.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not as currently written, since they use all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary in terms of texture and rise.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about baking these Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe at home — from the beautiful green dough to the warm scent of browned butter and vanilla filling your kitchen. They are a delightful way to enjoy matcha in a fun, accessible form. I genuinely encourage you to give these cookies a try, share them with your loved ones, and savor every delicious bite together!