Matcha Green Tea Cookies, Made Simply

Matcha Green Tea Cookies, Made Simply

Soft Matcha Green Tea Cookies with White Chocolate

Soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and gently comforting—these matcha green tea cookies with white chocolate chips are made for slow moments. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or served during the holidays, they offer a balanced sweetness that never overwhelms.

This recipe is intentionally simple. With minimal preparation and just ten minutes of baking time, it’s an approachable way to bring matcha into your home kitchen.

Why Matcha and White Chocolate Work So Well

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder with a naturally complex flavor. Depending on the blend, it can taste bitter, floral, nutty, or savory.

Through testing different combinations, we found that white chocolate pairs especially well with matcha. Its creamy sweetness softens matcha’s bitterness, allowing the green tea character to remain present without becoming too intense.

For this recipe, we also reduced the overall sugar content. The result is a cookie that feels balanced rather than overly sweet—ideal for those who prefer a more restrained dessert.

For a complete tea-time pairing, these cookies go beautifully with a warm matcha drink, such as a classic matcha latte.

Choosing the Right Matcha for Baking

You don’t need your most delicate or expensive matcha for this recipe.

Because white chocolate and vanilla naturally dominate the flavor profile, using a high-end ceremonial grade matcha would be unnecessary—and costly. Instead, a good-quality culinary grade matcha is the better choice.

When selecting culinary matcha for baking, look for:

  • A natural green color

  • A clean, recognizable matcha aroma

  • A flavor that adds depth, not just color

A good culinary matcha should enhance the cookie’s flavor, not simply tint it green.

A Forgiving Recipe, Even for Beginners

This matcha cookie recipe is very forgiving and well-suited for home bakers of all experience levels. With a bit of patience and simple preparation, it consistently produces soft, satisfying cookies.

Tip: After preparing the dough, chilling it in the refrigerator for a few hours makes it much easier to handle and shape.

Matcha Green Tea Cookie Recipe

Makes bite-sized cookies

Ingredients

  • 7 oz / 200 g all-purpose flour

  • 3.5 oz / 100 g white caster sugar

  • 4 oz / 110 g unsalted butter

  • 1.4 oz / 40 g brown sugar

  • 4.2 oz / 120 g white chocolate chips

  • 1 tbsp matcha powder

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 egg

Method

  1. In a stand mixer, cream the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until evenly combined.

  2. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder.

  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Reduce the mixer speed and mix until a smooth dough forms.

  4. Fold in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

  5. Portion the dough onto a baking tray. For bite-sized cookies, shape about 10 g (0.35 oz) of dough into balls.

  6. Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C) and bake for 10 minutes.

  7. Let the cookies cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.