Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Matcha Cookies with Brown Butter are rich, chewy, and uniquely flavored with the earthy notes of matcha and the nutty depth of browned butter. These vibrant green cookies are perfect for tea lovers and anyone craving a deliciously sophisticated twist on a classic cookie.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
unsalted buttermatcha powderall-purpose floursugarbrown sugareggvanilla extractbaking sodasaltwhite chocolate chips optional for sweetness
directions
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty; remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into balls and place on the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are still soft.
Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 20 cookies.Preparation time: 15 minutesChilling time: 30–60 minutesBaking time: 10–12 minutesTotal time: 55–75 minutes
Variations
Add macadamia nuts for crunch.
Use dark chocolate chips instead of white for a bolder flavor.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking for contrast.
Add a touch of almond extract for a nutty undertone.
Make them sandwich cookies with a white chocolate or cream cheese filling.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
What is matcha?
Matcha is finely ground green tea powder known for its earthy, slightly bitter flavor and vibrant color.
Can I skip browning the butter?
Yes, but browning adds a deeper, nuttier flavor that complements matcha beautifully.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling helps develop flavor and prevents excessive spreading.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Is the matcha flavor strong?
It’s balanced—adjust the amount of matcha to your taste preference.
Can I use ceremonial-grade matcha?
Yes, but culinary-grade is more cost-effective and works well in baking.
Why are my cookies green?
Matcha naturally gives a green color—no food coloring needed!
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes, chill for up to 48 hours or freeze for longer storage.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce it, but it helps balance the bitterness of matcha.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is best, especially for browning, but margarine can be substituted if needed.
Conclusion
Easy Matcha Cookies with Brown Butter offer a delightful fusion of bold matcha flavor and rich, nutty undertones, making them a unique treat that stands out from ordinary cookies. Elegant yet approachable, these cookies are perfect for gifting, tea time, or indulging in something a little different.
PrintEasy Matcha Cookies Recipe (with Brown Butter)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy matcha cookies with brown butter combine earthy green tea flavor with rich, nutty butter for a unique and chewy sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: white chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, stirring constantly until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix browned butter with brown sugar until combined.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until a dough forms. Fold in white chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Cover dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps enhance flavor and texture.
- Use ceremonial grade matcha for the best color and taste.
- White chocolate pairs especially well with matcha’s earthy flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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