Embark on a culinary adventure with this recipe for Matcha Green Tea Cookies, where the serene, earthy essence of Japanese matcha beautifully intertwines with the sweet, homey feel of classic Western cookies. This recipe yields about 24 delightful cookies, each a small testament to the enchanting blend of diverse culinary traditions. Perfect for tea time, dessert, or a special treat, these cookies are sure to captivate your taste buds with their unique and irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2-3 tablespoons matcha green tea powder (high-quality for best flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (complements matcha flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or macadamia)
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Sift Together Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of matcha throughout the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This can take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If using, fold in the white chocolate chips and/or chopped nuts gently.
Step 2: Chilling the Dough
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 3: Baking
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Forming Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into small balls, and place them on the baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The centers will still be soft.
- Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Quality of Matcha: Use ceremonial-grade matcha for a vibrant color and rich flavor. The quality of matcha greatly influences the taste of the cookies.
- Adjust Matcha to Taste: Start with 2 tablespoons of matcha and add more for a stronger flavor if desired.
- Do Not Overbake: These cookies can go from perfect to overbaked quickly. They will continue to cook slightly on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy your Matcha Green Tea Cookies, a delightful fusion of Japanese tradition and Western comfort!