If you’re searching for a delicately unique treat, the Matcha Shortbread Cookies Recipe is an absolute gem to add to your baking repertoire. These buttery, crumbly cookies infused with vibrant green matcha powder bring a subtle earthiness and a hint of sweetness that feels both fresh and indulgent. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon snack or a charming addition to your tea party spread, this recipe combines simplicity and sophistication effortlessly. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become your go-to for gifting or sharing with friends who appreciate a touch of the unexpected in their sweets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of classic, straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the texture, flavor, and that lovely matcha-green hue. You probably already have most of them in your pantry, which makes these cookies not only delicious but wonderfully easy to whip up anytime inspiration strikes.
- Butter (1 cup/8oz/225g, softened): The base for rich, tender shortbread that melts in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup/4oz/115g, plus extra for sprinkling): Adds the perfect balance of sweetness and a slight crunch on top.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma that complements matcha.
- All-purpose flour (2 ¼ cups/11¼oz/319g): The structure for the dough, ensuring a delicate crumb.
- Matcha powder (4 tablespoons): The star ingredient, providing that beautiful green color and a fresh, subtly grassy taste.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all other flavors.
How to Make Matcha Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla
Start by beating the softened butter with granulated sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. This step is key to achieving that airy, fluffy texture that will make your shortbread melt so pleasantly. Take your time here — the lighter the mixture, the more delicate your cookies will be.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures the matcha is evenly distributed, giving your cookies that consistent green color and flavor throughout. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, blending until it just comes together in a dough. Avoid over-mixing for the best crumbly texture.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Gather your dough and press it into a flattened disk. Chilling it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours is crucial — this helps the butter firm up again, making the dough easier to roll and preventing cookies from spreading too much while baking. Plus, it deepens the flavor.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Once the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, which keeps their edges perfectly sharp and their texture just right.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness. Use a 2-inch (5cm) round cutter to cut out your cookies, placing each on the lined baking sheets. Don’t forget — gathering and re-rolling dough scraps lets you maximize your batch without waste!
Step 6: Sugar and Bake
Sprinkle granulated sugar over the cookies, tapping gently to help it stick for that subtle crunch and shimmer on top. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the cookies are dry and firm to the touch but still perfectly pale—no browning here! Let them cool completely on a wire rack before indulging.
Step 7: Store with Care
After they’ve cooled, store your Matcha Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, ready for you to enjoy or share as a beautiful homemade gift.
How to Serve Matcha Shortbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To add an elegant touch, try dusting your cookies lightly with extra matcha powder or a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. A small dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh berries on the side can highlight their subtle flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of green tea or lightly brewed jasmine tea, enhancing the matcha notes in the shortbread. For a twist, try serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking the cookies with layers of sweet red bean paste or white chocolate ganache for a unique matcha-inspired treat. Alternatively, package them in clear jars tied with colorful ribbons for a charming homemade gift that’s as delightful to give as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crisp texture. Avoid humid locations, as moisture can make them lose their delightful snap.
Freezing
Matcha Shortbread Cookies freeze really well! Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They can keep for up to 2 months when stored properly.
Reheating
If you’d like that fresh-baked warmth, reheat frozen or stored cookies in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back some of the buttery aroma and softens the edges slightly, making them feel just out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute another flour for all-purpose flour in this Matcha Shortbread Cookies Recipe?
While all-purpose flour yields the best texture, you can experiment with pastry flour for a softer crumb or gluten-free blends if necessary. Just keep in mind the texture might change slightly.
Is matcha powder the same as green tea powder?
Matcha is a specific finely ground green tea powder, prized for its vibrant flavor and color. It’s different from regular green tea leaves and is what gives these cookies their signature taste.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the exact salt content. If you use salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.
How do I know when the cookies are done correctly?
Your matcha shortbread should look pale and dry on the surface but shouldn’t develop any color or browning. They’ll feel firm but not hard when touched gently.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins to this recipe?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips, toasted nuts, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut can add delightful texture and taste. Just add them gently to the dough before chilling to keep the cookies’ classic crumbly texture.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Matcha Shortbread Cookies Recipe a try soon. There’s something so heartwarming about baking a batch of these vibrant, buttery delights that your friends and family will rave about. Simple ingredients come together in such a beautiful way, bringing a little bit of joy and elegance to your everyday moments. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Matcha Shortbread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the delicate and buttery Matcha Shortbread Cookies, infused with the vibrant flavor of green tea powder. These melt-in-your-mouth treats combine a crisp, tender texture with the unique earthy notes of matcha, perfect for an afternoon tea or a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (8oz/225g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (4oz/115g) granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (11¼oz/319g) all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons matcha powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Butter Mixture: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together for several minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture while mixing to form a consistent dough.
- Chill Dough: Gather the dough together, press it into a flattened disk shape, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for about 2 hours until firm. This step helps the dough to firm up and makes it easier to roll out.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: About 10 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough evenly to about ¼ inch (6mm) thickness. Use a 2-inch (5cm) round cookie cutter to cut out cookie shapes and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Gather leftover dough scraps, reroll, and cut more cookies.
- Add Sugar Topping and Bake: Lightly sprinkle the tops of the cookies with granulated sugar, tapping gently so the sugar sticks. Bake the cookies for 18-22 minutes, until they are dry and firm to the touch, but do not allow them to brown.
- Cool and Store: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crispness.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted before creaming with sugar.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain pale without browning to retain their delicate texture.
- You can substitute matcha powder with another powdered tea or flavoring if preferred, but matcha offers a unique color and taste.
- If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, chill it again briefly to make cutting easier.
- Store cookies in an airtight container away from humidity to keep them crisp longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
