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
