If you love the cozy comfort of a latte but want to enjoy it in cookie form, then this Soft Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe is about to become your new go-to treat. These cookies are delightfully soft, with the earthy, vibrant flavor of matcha beautifully balanced by a subtle sweetness, and a touch of creamy vanilla. Whether it’s a mid-afternoon snack or a question-answered dessert, these matcha-infused cookies bring a little café magic right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect softness, flavor, and that lovely green hue that makes these cookies so unique and inviting.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich base and helps keep the cookies tender and soft.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel sweetness that complements matcha beautifully.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Boosts sweetness and balances the flavors.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and contributes to the cookie’s chewy texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tsp culinary grade matcha powder: The star ingredient, providing vibrant color and that signature earthy, slightly grassy flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie, giving it form while keeping things soft.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: A gentle leavening agent to help the cookies rise softly.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips (optional): For melty pockets of creamy sweetness that pair amazingly with matcha.
How to Make Soft Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This setup makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your cookies looking picture-perfect.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is vital because it introduces air into the dough, resulting in a softer, tender cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The egg binds everything together, while vanilla lends a cozy warmth and depth to the cookie’s flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the matcha powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting avoids lumps of matcha and evenly distributes the leavening, ensuring a consistent rise and smooth dough texture.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into your creamed mixture until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; overworking the dough can activate the gluten too much, leading to a tougher cookie instead of the soft, tender bite you want.
Step 6: Add White Chocolate Chips
If you’re using white chocolate chips, fold them in now to distribute lovely pockets of sweetness throughout the dough that contrast beautifully with the brightness of matcha.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, giving each cookie about two inches of space to spread without touching. Bake them for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft enough to give you that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This rest time allows the cookies to firm up slightly but retain their chewy softness—perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
How to Serve Soft Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming presentation, dust your Soft Matcha Latte Cookies with a tiny sprinkle of matcha powder or a few extra white chocolate chips on top of each cookie just before baking. A light drizzle of white chocolate glaze can also elevate the look and add another layer of sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies are delightful on their own but pair exceptionally well with fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a creamy latte for a true matcha moment. They’re great for afternoon tea or as a sweet finish to a light meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies in a glass jar or wrapping them with a rustic twine bow for gifting. For party platters, arrange them alongside macarons or other soft cookies to highlight their unique green color and attract attention with vibrant hues.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Soft Matcha Latte Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps retain their softness and prevents them from drying out, so every bite remains indulgently soft.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies! For dough, shape and freeze individual portions on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag—bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the time. For baked cookies, freeze them in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature when ready.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked softness, warm cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for a few minutes. This step refreshes the cookies while preserving their tender texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular green tea powder instead of matcha?
Matcha is more finely ground and has a vibrant flavor and color that regular green tea powders lack. Using another green tea powder might result in a less intense matcha flavor and less vibrant color, so it’s best to stick with culinary grade matcha for these cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might vary slightly. Using a blend specifically formulated for cookies yields the best results.
What makes these cookies soft rather than crispy?
The combination of brown sugar, softened butter, and just the right baking time ensures these cookies stay soft and tender. Avoiding overbaking is key to maintaining their soft texture.
Can I omit the white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The white chocolate chips are optional but add a lovely creamy sweetness. If you prefer, you can leave them out or substitute with another type of chip, like milk chocolate or even chopped nuts for some crunch.
How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh the longest?
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and separate layers with parchment paper if stacking. For longer storage, freezing is your best option. Make sure they’re cooled completely before storing to avoid moisture buildup.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these Soft Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe—combining the sophisticated taste of matcha in such an accessible, comforting cookie. They’re quick to whip up, wonderfully soft, and endlessly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try making them at home and enjoy that perfect cup-of-latte-like experience in cookie form with your loved ones.
Print
Soft Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Soft Matcha Latte Cookies are a delightful fusion of rich matcha flavor and creamy sweetness, wrapped in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfectly balanced with brown sugar and a hint of vanilla, these cookies offer a unique twist by incorporating culinary-grade matcha and optional white chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Ideal for tea lovers or anyone looking to enjoy a sophisticated homemade treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tsp culinary grade matcha powder
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, ensuring a smooth cookie base.
- Add egg and vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully blended for a creamy consistency.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift together the matcha powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to avoid lumps and evenly distribute the leavening and flavor.
- Mix dry into wet: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until the dough forms, taking care not to overmix to maintain cookie softness.
- Add white chocolate chips (optional): Fold in white chocolate chips if you prefer a hint of sweetness and texture contrast in your cookies.
- Scoop the dough: Using a tablespoon measure or cookie scoop, place dough portions onto the prepared baking sheet leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. Bake until the edges are set and show slight golden color, while the centers remain soft and tender.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and avoid breaking.
Notes
- For best results, use culinary-grade matcha powder to achieve the authentic green tea flavor and vibrant color.
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour mixture to prevent tough cookies.
- If white chocolate chips are not desired, you can omit them or substitute with regular chocolate chips or nuts.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Make sure butter is properly softened for easier creaming and better texture.
