If you’re a baking enthusiast or a dedicated matcha lover, prepare to discover your new obsession: these irresistible Matcha White Chocolate Cookies! Imagine a cookie that’s perfectly soft and delightfully chewy, infused with the vibrant, earthy notes of premium matcha green tea, beautifully complemented by pockets of creamy, sweet white chocolate chips. This isn’t just a cookie; it’s a sensory experience that offers a unique twist on a classic treat, striking an exquisite balance between sweet indulgence and subtle bitterness. Forget your usual chocolate chip routine and embark on a culinary adventure that promises to delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to try them.
Our matcha cookie recipe stands out not only for its incredible flavor but also for its remarkable simplicity. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients or hours of prep time to create these culinary masterpieces. With just a handful of staple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be on your way to baking a batch of chewy, vibrant green cookies that are packed with the unique richness of matcha and the luscious sweetness of white chocolate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a fresh challenge or a beginner eager to explore new flavors, this recipe offers an accessible and rewarding baking experience. It’s time to elevate your cookie game!
This recipe is an ode to the distinctive charm of green tea, making it a fantastic choice for devoted matcha enthusiasts or anyone keen to explore exciting new dessert profiles. If you appreciate creative and colorful cookie variations, we also invite you to explore other unique recipes like our Original M&M Cookies or our festive Back to School Cookies for more delightful treats that add a splash of fun to any occasion.
Table of Contents
What is Matcha?
Matcha is more than just a type of green tea; it’s a finely ground powder made from specially cultivated green tea leaves. Originating from Japan, its unique cultivation process involves shade-growing the tea plants for several weeks before harvest. This shade protection boosts chlorophyll production, resulting in the vibrant, signature bright green color and a richer, less astringent flavor profile. Unlike traditional green tea where leaves are steeped and discarded, with matcha, you consume the entire tea leaf, receiving a concentrated dose of its beneficial compounds.
Matcha is typically categorized into different grades, with ceremonial grade being the highest quality, prized for its delicate flavor and smooth texture when whisked into hot water as a traditional beverage. Culinary grade matcha, while still high-quality, offers a more robust flavor that stands up well to other ingredients, making it ideal for baking and cooking. People incorporate matcha into their baking not just for its captivating color but also for its unique, earthy, slightly umami flavor that adds depth to desserts. Since green tea naturally contains caffeine, these delightful cookies will also have a small, pleasant caffeine boost, making them a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love These Matcha White Chocolate Cookies
There are countless reasons why these matcha white chocolate cookies are poised to become a staple in your baking repertoire:
- Effortlessly Easy & Fun to Make: This recipe is designed for simplicity, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, you’ll whip up a batch in no time. The process is enjoyable, and the vibrant green color of the dough adds an element of playful excitement to your kitchen.
- Uniquely Flavorful & Visually Stunning: Stand out from the crowd with these vibrant green cookies! The distinctive earthy, slightly sweet flavor of matcha pairs beautifully with the creamy white chocolate, creating a sophisticated taste experience. Their bright, eye-catching hue makes them a fantastic dessert for special occasions, gifts, or simply to add a touch of elegance to your everyday snack time.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness & Earthiness: We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to achieve the ideal flavor harmony. The subtle bitterness and rich umami of the matcha green tea are perfectly mellowed and enhanced by the sweet, luscious notes of white chocolate. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast that is both indulgent and wonderfully refined, ensuring these aren’t just “sweet” cookies, but truly flavorful ones.
While these matcha cookies offer an exciting new flavor, sometimes you just crave the comforting familiarity of a classic. If that’s the case, our Traditional Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe has been perfected over the years and guarantees pure satisfaction.
Key Ingredients and Smart Substitutions
Crafting the perfect matcha white chocolate cookie begins with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and some clever substitutions:
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation of any great cookie, butter provides richness and contributes to that tender, chewy texture. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe by about ¼ teaspoon to avoid overly salty cookies. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming with sugar.
- Granulated Sugar (White Sugar): This provides essential sweetness and helps with the cookie’s spread and crisp edges. For a slightly deeper, caramel-like flavor and a chewier texture, you can substitute half or all of the granulated sugar with light brown sugar. Alternatively, for a subtly different sweetness, coconut sugar can be used, which will also impart a slightly richer hue.
- Large Egg: Eggs act as a binder, provide structure, and add moisture, contributing to the cookie’s chewiness. If you need a plant-based alternative, a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes until gel-like) can work, though it may slightly alter the texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer, vanilla extract balances the earthy notes of matcha and adds a warm, comforting aroma to the cookies. Don’t skip it! Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of our cookies. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (which typically contains xanthan gum) can be used successfully. Ensure you measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
- Matcha Powder: This is the star of the show! High-quality culinary or ceremonial grade matcha is recommended for baking. It provides a deep, earthy flavor and a vibrant green color without being overly bitter. Lower quality matcha can sometimes result in a duller color and a more bitter taste. Adjust the amount to your preference for a stronger or milder matcha flavor.
- Cornstarch: A secret ingredient for wonderfully soft and tender cookies. Cornstarch helps to reduce gluten development in the flour, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that prevents the cookies from becoming tough.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in harmony to give the cookies their perfect lift and spread. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients (like brown sugar if substituted) to create lift, while baking powder provides consistent leavening, ensuring light, slightly crisp edges and a perfectly chewy center.
- White Chocolate Chips: The creamy, sweet counterpart to the earthy matcha. White chocolate chips melt beautifully, creating luscious pockets of sweetness. For a delightful contrast, you can substitute with dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor, or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a milder sweetness. Chopped macadamia nuts or pistachios can also be added for extra crunch and a different flavor profile.
Recipe Variations for Your Matcha Cookies
Get creative and customize your matcha white chocolate cookies with these exciting variations:
- Sweetener Swap: Instead of granulated white sugar, use light or dark brown sugar for a deeper, more molasses-like flavor and an even chewier cookie texture. The subtle caramel notes from brown sugar complement matcha beautifully.
- Go Big on Chocolate: Elevate the chocolate experience by replacing standard white chocolate chips with luxurious white chocolate chunks or even a high-quality chopped white chocolate bar. This will create larger, more decadent pockets of melty, creamy goodness in every bite.
- Intensify the Tea Flavor: For a truly robust tea flavor, consider adding a small amount of finely ground regular green tea leaves alongside the matcha powder. This will deepen the earthy notes and add another layer of green tea complexity. Start with about ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
- Nutty Crunch: Introduce a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor by folding in chopped macadamia nuts, slivered almonds, or vibrant green pistachios. These additions pair exceptionally well with both matcha and white chocolate, adding a satisfying crunch.
- Citrus Zest Brightness: A touch of citrus can really brighten the matcha flavor. Add 1-2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fragrant and zesty twist.
- Spice It Up: For an adventurous touch, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the dry ingredients. These spices can surprisingly enhance the earthy notes of matcha.
If you’re a fan of unique cookie creations as much as we are, you’ll also love our comforting Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfect for cozy autumn days.
Essential Tools for Baking Success
Having the right tools makes all the difference when baking. For these matcha white chocolate cookies, you’ll want to have:
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining wet ingredients and eventually the full dough.
- Medium Bowl: For whisking dry ingredients separately.
- Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A sturdy whisk and strong arm can also work!
- Baking Sheets: At least two, to allow for rotating batches or chilling dough.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: To prevent sticking and ensure even baking, making cleanup a breeze.
- Cookie Scoop (2-tablespoon size): Crucial for consistent cookie size, which leads to even baking.
- Rubber Spatula: For scraping down the bowl and gently folding in chocolate chips.
- Wire Cooling Rack: For cooling your baked cookies evenly and preventing sogginess.
How to Make Matcha White Chocolate Cookies: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to bake a batch of heavenly matcha white chocolate cookies:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This crucial step prevents sticking, promotes even baking, and makes for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using either a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Crack in the large egg and add the vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on low speed until everything is smoothly combined and uniform in consistency. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, vibrant matcha powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisking ensures these ingredients are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed, preventing pockets of leavening agents in your cookies.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Mix on low speed or stir gently with a silicone spatula until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be thick, uniform, and beautifully green.
- Fold in White Chocolate: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips using your silicone spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the green cookie dough. Be careful not to crush the chips during this step.
🎯 Pro Baker’s Tip
Chill the Dough: For a richer flavor, a thicker cookie, and reduced spreading, refrigerate your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes (or even up to 24 hours) before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and the butter to firm up.
- Scoop and Space: Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out uniform balls of cookie dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced at least 2 inches apart, as these cookies will spread generously during baking. For aesthetic appeal, you can gently press a few extra white chocolate chips onto the top of each dough ball before baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set and golden brown, but the centers still appear slightly soft and puffy. The cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Cool and Savor: Remove the white chocolate matcha cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes. This allows them to firm up before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, when the white chocolate is still melty, or let them cool entirely before storing in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
These matcha tea cookies are a delightful fusion of rich, earthy green tea flavor and creamy white chocolate, making them an absolute dream for any matcha enthusiast. If you find yourself captivated by the magic of white chocolate, you might also adore our White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies and our indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies.
🎯 Expert Baking Tip
Resist Overbaking! The key to soft, chewy cookies is to take them out of the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring a perfectly moist interior.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Matcha Cookies
While these vibrant matcha sugar cookies are undeniably delicious on their own, you can easily transform them into an even more memorable experience with a few creative serving ideas:
- Pair with a Warm Beverage: Enhance the cozy factor by enjoying your cookies with a complementary warm drink. A classic matcha latte, a delicate cup of traditional green tea, or a creamy vanilla chai will highlight the tea notes in the cookies beautifully.
- Elegant Chocolate Dip: For a sophisticated touch, melt some extra white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, then place on parchment paper to set before serving. You can even sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of extra matcha powder for visual appeal.
- Matcha Ice Cream Sandwiches: Turn these cookies into an indulgent dessert by making ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a generous scoop of vanilla, coconut, or even matcha-flavored ice cream between two cookies and gently press. Wrap individually and freeze for a refreshing treat.
- Cookie Crumbles: Crush a few cookies and use them as a topping for yogurt parfaits, vanilla ice cream, or even a matcha mousse for added texture and flavor.
- Gift-Giving: Pack a batch of these beautiful green cookies in a decorative box or bag tied with a ribbon. They make a thoughtful and unique homemade gift for friends, family, or teachers.
Recipe FAQs and Troubleshooting
Here are answers to common questions and tips for troubleshooting when baking your matcha white chocolate cookies:
Why didn’t my batch of cookies make 24 cookies?
The yield of 24 cookies is based on using approximately 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. If you’re getting fewer cookies, it’s likely you’re making them larger. To ensure consistent sizing and the stated yield, use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop. Also, make sure to thoroughly scrape the sides of your mixing bowl to get all the dough.
Can I change the amount of matcha powder if it tastes too strong or weak?
Absolutely! Personal preference for matcha flavor varies. If you prefer a stronger, more intense matcha taste, increase the powder by ½ to 1 tablespoon. If you find it too strong or slightly bitter, reduce it by ½ to 1 tablespoon. For best results, adjust gradually and use a high-quality culinary or ceremonial grade matcha.
Can I replace the white chocolate chips with other types of chocolate?
Yes, feel free to experiment! You can easily swap white chocolate chips for semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate chips. The key is to keep the total amount of chocolate chips the same as indicated in the recipe (1 cup) to maintain the proper dough consistency and sweetness balance.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Several factors can cause cookies to spread excessively:
- Soft Butter: If your butter is too warm or melted, the cookies will spread. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature, not greasy.
- Warm Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking is crucial to prevent spreading.
- Oven Temperature: An inaccurate oven temperature (too low) can cause spreading. Use an oven thermometer to verify.
- Too Little Flour: Incorrectly measuring flour (too little) can result in a wetter dough that spreads. Spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
My cookies are dry and crumbly. What went wrong?
Dry and crumbly cookies are often a sign of overbaking or too much flour.
- Overbaking: Remove cookies when edges are set but centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to bake on the hot pan.
- Too Much Flour: Always measure flour by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which compacts it.
- Not Enough Fat/Liquid: Ensure all ingredients are measured precisely.
Storage and Freezing Your Matcha Cookies
Proper storage ensures your matcha white chocolate cookies remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible:
- Room Temperature Storage: To maintain their soft and chewy texture, store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them moist.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store them for more than a week, refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container to extend their freshness for up to 7-10 days. Bring them to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best taste.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Once completely cooled, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Scoop individual cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake for an extra 2-4 minutes (14-16 minutes total) without thawing.
Matcha White Chocolate Cookies: Full Recipe Card
Matcha White Chocolate Cookies
By Renae Gerhardstein
These matcha white chocolate cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with vibrant flavor! A must-try treat for any matcha lover. Bake a batch today!
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- large bowl
- medium bowl
- stand or hand mixer
- Baking Sheet
- parchment paper
- cookie scoop
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (if using salted, reduce added salt)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (can swap for coconut sugar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (can swap with dark chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You may use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth and fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (except chocolate chips)—flour, matcha powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or stirring with a silicone spatula until just incorporated and no dry spots remain.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out cookie dough balls onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let set on the tray for 3-5 minutes before moving to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm or fully cooled!
Notes
- Chill the dough: For even better flavor and texture, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
Recipe Variations:
- Swap the sweeteners: Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor and extra chewiness.
- Go big on chocolate: Replace white chocolate chips with white chocolate chunks or a chopped chocolate bar for pockets of melty goodness!
- Matcha & green tea blend: Add finely ground green tea leaves along with matcha powder for an even more intense earthy tea flavor.
- Nutty crunch: Add chopped macadamia nuts, almonds, or pistachios for extra crunch and a nutty contrast to the smooth white chocolate.
Storing Instructions:
- Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in a sealed container for up to 7-10 days.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Freezing Dough: Scoop dough balls, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen for 14-16 minutes.
Nutrition
More Sweet Treat Recipes to Explore
If you loved these unique matcha cookies, be sure to check out these other fantastic sweet treat recipes from our collection:
- Moist and Flavorful Carrot Cake Loaf
- Irresistible Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Decadent Reverse Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Refreshing Jello Fruit Salad
If you tried this delightful matcha white chocolate cookie recipe or any other recipe on my website, please take a moment to leave a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the 📝 comments section below. Your feedback means the world to us! Thanks for stopping by and happy baking!