Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe (with Brown Butter)

These Easy Matcha Cookies with Brown Butter are the perfect blend of earthy, nutty, and sweet. They come together in a snap and are ideal for when you’re craving something a little unique but still comforting. The brown butter adds depth and richness, while the matcha brings a gentle bitterness that balances the sweetness perfectly. Whether you’re a matcha lover or just looking to try something new, these cookies are a total game-changer for your dessert rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Simple: The dough comes together quickly with no fancy tools required, and you don’t need to chill it—unless you want to.
• Unforgettable Flavor: The brown butter takes these cookies to a whole new level, giving them a rich, toasty flavor that complements the matcha beautifully.
• Beautifully Unique: These cookies aren’t just tasty—they’re also visually stunning with their vibrant green hue.
• Perfect Texture: Crisp edges with a soft, chewy center—cookie perfection!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these vibrant green gems:

• Unsalted Butter: You’ll brown this to unlock a rich, nutty flavor that sets these cookies apart.
• Matcha Powder: Use a good-quality culinary-grade matcha for the best color and flavor—avoid anything dull or bitter.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth, keeping the cookies soft and giving them a hint of caramelized sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps balance the texture and crisp the edges slightly.
• Egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookies their chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the earthy flavor of the matcha with warmth and sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your dough—keep it light and fluffy by not overmixing.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just the right amount.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor in the mix, especially the nuttiness of the brown butter and matcha.

Variations

Switch things up with these simple tweaks:

• White Chocolate Chips: Add a handful for creamy sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the matcha.
• Nuts: Chopped macadamia nuts or pistachios add crunch and complement the earthy matcha.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
• Coconut Flair: A sprinkle of shredded coconut in the dough or on top before baking adds tropical depth.

How to Make Easy Matcha Cookies (with Brown Butter)

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, swirling occasionally. Keep cooking until the butter starts to foam and turns a golden amber with a nutty aroma. Immediately pour into a mixing bowl to prevent burning. Let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

To the cooled brown butter, add brown sugar and granulated sugar. Whisk until combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and whisk again until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps keep the matcha evenly distributed and prevents lumps.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until there are no streaks of flour left—don’t overmix!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked—they’ll finish cooking on the tray.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or let them cool completely for a chewier texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cool the Butter: Don’t skip letting the browned butter cool—too hot and it’ll scramble your egg.
• Use Fresh Matcha: Matcha loses potency over time. Use fresh, vibrant green powder for the best flavor and color.
• Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaking keeps the centers soft and fudgy—just right!
• Sift Your Matcha: It clumps easily. Sifting ensures even mixing and a smooth dough.

How to Serve

These cookies are amazing on their own, but if you want to get a little fancy:

Pair with Drinks:

• Matcha latte or green tea for a double matcha moment.
• Vanilla or jasmine tea for a calming balance.
• A cold glass of milk (classic never fails!).

Dessert Plating:

• Stack them up with a scoop of vanilla or green tea ice cream.
• Drizzle with white chocolate or a simple glaze for a bakery-style touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and chewy!

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Reheating

Pop cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back that just-baked warmth and softness.

FAQs

Can I use ceremonial grade matcha for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s not necessary. Ceremonial matcha is more expensive and has a more delicate flavor, which can be lost during baking. Culinary-grade matcha is perfect here.

Why brown the butter instead of using regular melted butter?
Brown butter adds an incredible nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with matcha. It’s a small extra step that makes a huge difference in taste.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Nope, not required! But if you want extra thick cookies, chilling for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading.

My cookies aren’t green enough—what went wrong?
This usually means your matcha wasn’t fresh or vibrant. Next time, look for a bright green, high-quality matcha powder and make sure not to overbake.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Matcha Cookies with Brown Butter are a wonderful twist on your usual cookie lineup—earthy, nutty, sweet, and just a little bit fancy without being fussy. Whether you’re making them for yourself, sharing with friends, or gifting a batch, they’re bound to impress. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

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