Matcha Butter Cookies

Short Description

Matcha Butter Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats that combine the earthy flavor of matcha green tea with the rich, buttery texture of classic butter cookies. These cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness, making them an ideal accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of matcha and butter creates a distinctive taste that is both earthy and rich.
2. Elegant Appearance: Their vibrant green color and delicate shape make them visually appealing for any occasion.
3. Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for tea time, as a dessert, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
4. Simple Ingredients: Requires common pantry items with the addition of matcha powder.
5. Customizable Shapes: Can be piped into various designs to suit different events or preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Cake flour
• Salt
• Matcha powder (preferably ceremonial grade)
• Unsalted butter, at room temperature
• Granulated sugar
• Egg yolks
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk

Directions

1. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Ensure space in your refrigerator to chill the shaped cookies.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cake flour, salt, and matcha powder. Whisk to combine and set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate egg yolks, vanilla extract, and whole milk into the butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
5. Combine Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two parts, mixing on low speed until just combined and no traces of flour remain.
6. Shape Cookies: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a ½-inch open star tip. Pipe 2-inch cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Optional: sprinkle with coarse sugar or decorative sprinkles.
7. Chill: Place the baking sheets in the refrigerator and chill the cookies for 1 hour to help them maintain their shape during baking.
8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes

Variations

• White Chocolate Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for added sweetness and decoration.
• Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, for added texture and flavor.
• Shape Variations: Use different piping tips or cookie cutters to create various shapes suitable for holidays or special occasions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
• Reheating: If desired, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.

FAQs

What type of matcha powder is best for these cookies?

Ceremonial-grade matcha is recommended for its vibrant color and delicate flavor, but culinary-grade matcha can also be used for a more robust taste.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the piped cookies for at least 1 hour before baking helps them retain their shape.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to compensate for the salt in the butter.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto the baking sheets, though the appearance will differ.

How do I achieve a vibrant green color?

Using high-quality matcha powder and avoiding overbaking will help maintain the bright green hue.

Are these cookies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This recipe contains dairy and eggs. For vegan or gluten-free adaptations, substitutions would be necessary.

Can I add other flavors to the dough?

Yes, flavors like almond extract or spices such as cardamom can be added to complement the matcha.

How thick should I pipe the cookies?

Aim for 2-inch diameter cookies, ensuring even thickness for uniform baking.

Why did my cookies turn brown?

Overbaking or a too-hot oven can cause browning. Monitor closely and adjust baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Matcha Butter Cookies offer a delightful fusion of traditional butter cookie richness with the unique, earthy flavor of matcha. Their elegant appearance and versatile nature make them suitable for various occasions, from casual tea times to festive gatherings. By following this recipe, you can create a batch of cookies that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

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