Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that perfectly captures the delicate, earthy flavor of matcha while being irresistibly buttery and soft, then you’re in for a treat. This Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe brings together the vibrant green tea powder with a classic vanilla cookie dough swirl, creating not just a feast for your taste buds but also a beautiful, marbled work of art. The balance of creamy sweetness and gentle grassy notes makes these cookies uniquely comforting and delightfully addictive, perfect for any occasion when you want to impress or just treat yourself to something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential to achieve the perfect texture, flavor, and signature color that make the Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe so enchanting. Each component plays a key role: the richness of the butter, the crispness from the sugar, the softness of the egg, and the vibrant matcha powder that gives these cookies their charm.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy, tender base for the cookie dough and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a slight crispiness on the edges.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough together and contributes to the softness inside.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, familiar sweetness that complements the matcha.
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookies, providing structure and bite.
• ½ tsp baking soda: Gives just enough lift for a light texture without making them cakey.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of the matcha.
• 1 ½ tbsp high-quality matcha powder: The star ingredient that infuses the dough with its iconic green hue and subtle earthiness.

How to Make Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed. You’ll want to mix until the texture becomes light and fluffy, typically around 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough giving your cookies a tender crumb and a slight crisp on the edges when baked.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugar mixture looks fluffy, add in the egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is fully combined and smooth. The egg not only helps bind ingredients but also adds moisture, while vanilla elevates the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt thoroughly. Gradually add this dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender rather than tough.

Step 4: Divide the Dough

Separate the dough evenly into two bowls. This division is what allows us to infuse just one half with matcha, creating the enchanting swirl effect intrinsic to the Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe.

Step 5: Make the Matcha Dough

Sift the matcha powder into one portion of the dough to avoid clumps and ensure an even distribution of flavor and color. Mix thoroughly until the dough turns a uniform green shade. If the dough feels stiff, add about half a teaspoon of milk to help incorporate the matcha smoothly without changing the dough’s consistency.

Step 6: Form the Swirl Cookies

For each cookie, take one tablespoon of the vanilla dough and one tablespoon of the matcha dough. Press them gently together side by side. Then roll and gently twist the combined dough to create a beautiful marbled swirl. Be careful not to overmix; you want those two colors to dance around each other, not blend completely.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Place each dough ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Press them lightly to slightly flatten the tops, which helps them bake evenly and gives you that classic cookie shape with a lovely surface to admire once baked.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden while the centers remain tender. This balance ensures your Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe stays soft and chewy inside with a subtle crisp on the outside.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking tray for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is important to set the cookie structure, so they don’t crumble when you pick them up.

How to Serve Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies shine on their own, but for an extra special touch, try dusting a tiny bit of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of matcha powder right before serving. It adds a delicate frosted effect and a pop of color that makes these treats even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair these Matcha Latte Cookies with a warm cup of green tea or a creamy latte to complement and enhance the matcha notes. They also pair beautifully with light fruit salads or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a more indulgent twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Create a stunning cookie platter by stacking these swirled beauties alongside other green tea-inspired desserts such as mochi or matcha macarons. Wrapping a few cookies in parchment tied with a green ribbon also makes an adorable gift for friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain fresh and soft for up to 4 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight or humidity to preserve their texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls before baking or the fully baked cookies. For dough, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. For baked cookies, freeze in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Reheating

To enjoy your Matcha Latte Cookies warm, simply microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds or place them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This will revive their soft texture and bring out the buttery aroma beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use instant matcha powder for this recipe?

It’s best to use high-quality culinary or ceremonial grade matcha powder for the most authentic flavor and vibrant color. Instant matcha may not incorporate as well or provide the same depth of taste.

What if I don’t have baking soda on hand?

Baking soda gives a subtle lift to these cookies, but if you’re out, you can try substituting with an equal amount of baking powder, though the texture might be slightly different and less tender.

How do I ensure the matcha swirl stays distinct?

Chilling the dough for about 15 to 30 minutes before shaping helps keep the colors separate and prevents the swirl from blending too much during baking.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan margarine and the egg with a flax egg or other vegan egg replacer, but note the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Why do my cookies sometimes turn out dry?

Overbaking can dry out the cookies. Be sure to remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to golden and the centers still look soft. Also, using softened butter and not skimping on the egg helps maintain a moist crumb.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe and experience the delightful harmony of sweet vanilla and earthy matcha in every bite. These cookies have quickly become one of my all-time favorites because of their unique flavor and beautiful presentation. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these are sure to bring smiles and happy “oohs” with each bite. Happy baking!

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