Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (2024)

Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (1)

Bake, Dessert

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Hey guys, it’s Sierra! Today I have for you an easy recipe to make amazing melt-in-your-mouth matcha green tea shortbread cookies!

Lately, I’ve been making a lot of different kinds of matcha cookies. As much as I love melty, chewy cookies, nothing beats the flaky, crisp ones — particularly the shortbread style. I’ve made this for my sister, my coworkers, Kevin, and his family, and I got an overwhelming amount of positive feedback. It was such a big hit that I wanted to share this simple, quick recipe with you.

Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (2)
Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (3)
Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (4)
Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (5)

What Is Shortbread?

Shortbread is a traditional Scottish biscuit, and it is not the same thing as sugar cookies! It’s called “shortbread” because the high proportion of butter creates a crumbly texture, in result, shortening the pastry. There are many variations and twists to baking shortbread cookies, but I stayed true to the classic way of making them, following the 321 ratio.

What is the 321 ratio? It’s the weight ratio of flour to butter to sugar (notice there is no egg in this recipe). These three are the main ingredients along with nothing else besides a pinch of salt, some vanilla extract, and matcha powder. Shortbread cookies also require the least amount of sugar among other types of cookies. Definitely a better choice if you are watching your sugar intake!

Getting the ratio right in a recipe is extremely important. Baking is no joke! In order for me to stay on top of these ratios, I did use a kitchen scale. But don’t worry–I have converted metric units to US Customary units for you.

One thing to keep in mind before getting started: feel free to substitute granulated sugar with powdered sugar for softer, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. I kept it as granulated sugar to keep mine a little crispier, but don’t worry, these will still melt in your mouth. Read more about it here.

Matcha Desserts

For this recipe, I decided to add an Asian twist to the traditional Scottish shortbread cookie recipe. Matcha has been a popular baking ingredient lately, and I can definitely understand why.

Unlike many Western desserts, for Asian desserts, the goal is to create a “not-too-sweet” dessert. When you buy something at an Asian bakery, the first flavor you notice should never be “sweet”. You’ll probably taste the main flavor, such as fruit or matcha, and the sweetness will be used to complement that flavor.

That was the goal with adding matcha to these shortbread cookies. The slightly bitter taste of the green tea powder helps offset the sweetness of the sugar, and it adds a bit more complexity to the flavor. The combination of the butter, matcha, and sugar creates an amazingly refreshing and light flavor compared to the normal richness of the classic shortbread cookie.

Now let’s get started on this addicting matcha green tea shortbread cookie recipe!

Looking for similar tea-based desserts? Check out our Earl Grey Pound Cake and Earl Grey Soufflé recipes!

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Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (6)

Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies

4 from 8 votes

Recipe by Sierra ParkCourse: DessertCuisine: FusionDifficulty: Intermediate

Servings

18

cookies

Prep time

1

hour

30

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

These matcha green tea shortbread cookies are so delicious that you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make! By enhancing the flavor of traditional shortbread cookies with matcha, this is a modern take on a classic cookie that won’t go out of style any time soon. You have the melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread complemented by the smooth taste of matcha, creating a perfectly balanced cookie.

Ingredients

  • 120 g unsalted butter, softened at room-temperature (8¼ tbsp)

  • 60 g granulated sugar (4 tbsp + 1½ tsp)

  • 180 g all-purpose flour (1 cup)

  • 1 g salt (¼ tsp)

  • 1 1/2 tbsp matcha powder add up to 2 tbsp for stronger flavor

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar (optional for decoration)

  • Equipment
  • Mixing bowls

  • Hand mixer

  • Silicone spatula

  • Baking sheet

Directions

  • Using a hand-mixer or a whisk, beat butter until creamy. Do not overbeat as you will add sugar and beat more. This step is just to make sure sugar will incorporate better into the butter
  • Add sugar and beat until light and fluffyClassic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (7)
  • Sift in all-purpose flour and salt into the creamed mixture.Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (8)
  • Add in matcha powder and vanilla extract and beat until crumbles have formed and there is no unmixed dry ingredientsClassic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (9)
  • Using your hands or spatula, press the mixture together until it combines into a doughClassic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (10)
  • Shape it to a rectangular block and wrap it in cling wrap. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight)Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (11)
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Lightly cover the top with powdered sugar, sifting in the process (optional)Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (12)
  • Slice the block into ⅓ inch-thick pieces and place them on the baking sheet. These cookies don’t rise you don’t need to put too much spacing between them, but make to leave some room between each cookieClassic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (13)
  • Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. After removing them from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to wire rack to cool them. Lightly cover the top with sifted powdered sugar if desired. Be sure they are completely cooled before storing them away! Best kept in freezer and defrost in room-temprature or baked at 350°F (175°C) for 1-2 minutesClassic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (14)

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3 Comments

  1. Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (16)

    Jun

    April 28, 2020 at 10:45 am·Reply

    Like it a lot. Will try when I have a chance.

  2. Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (17)

    Yulie

    May 9, 2020 at 7:57 am·Reply

    Can testify to this recipe’s deliciousness~~

  3. Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (18)

    Lutie Park

    December 11, 2020 at 5:21 pm·Reply

    My nephew made these for me and they are so yummy.

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Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (19)

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Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to enhance matcha flavor in baking? ›

Sweetening matcha is another easy way to help make it more palatable. Non-flavored sweeteners like sugar and agave syrup will preserve matcha's natural flavor while sweeteners like honey and chocolate will mask it well.

Can I use drinking Matcha powder for baking? ›

Matcha powder is a versatile ingredient that can add a unique flavor and vibrant green color to your baked goods. It is made from finely ground green tea leaves and has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its health benefits and versatility in cooking.

What matcha do you use for baking? ›

Ceremonial matcha is intended to be mixed directly into hot water and consumed as tea. It usually comes from the youngest tea leaves from the first harvest. Culinary matcha is more affordable and is intended to be used in smoothies, tea lattes, and baking.

Why do you put cornstarch in shortbread cookies? ›

Cornstarch provides the shortbread with structure, but its biggest job is keeping the cookies extra soft, tender, and light. I love adding a small amount to chocolate chip cookies too. Optional Coarse Sugar Topping: For an optional sparkly crunch on your shortbread wedges, add a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking.

Why does matcha turn brown when baked? ›

Matcha does not like heat. Prolonged baking time will cause Matcha turns brown. Do control the oven temperature, setting temperature too high will cause matcha turn brown too. Enzymatic browning that was occurring during the matcha's exposure to heat during baking.

Why do my Matcha cookies turn brown? ›

Matcha turns brown if baked too high or too long, so I keep it at 10 minutes max in an oven at 350 °F. We'll take out the cookies when the centers are high and still a little wet.

Who should not use matcha? ›

If you are prone to arrhythmias or if you have heart disease, then matcha could be harmful for you,” she said. People who are sensitive to caffeine may also want to pass on matcha because it could cause anxiety and disrupt sleep.

Does heat destroy matcha? ›

So: we like it hot. But not TOO hot, because excessive heat kills it. We find that the optimal temperature for matcha is roughly 175f / 80c. You can go cooler than that, but you really can't go hotter than that.

What does matcha taste like in baking? ›

Matcha tastes a little bit earthy and a little bit umami, but read on because depending on the grade of matcha you use and whether you're baking or adding to smoothies or drinking as a tea, it can taste bold and forward or indistinct and subdued.

What's the difference between matcha powder and matcha green tea? ›

Matcha and green tea both stem from the Camellia sinensis plant. Green tea tends to be loose or bagged. Matcha is a fine powder of green tea leaves, and typically contains a stronger concentration of nutrients and antioxidants.

What is the difference between matcha tea and matcha powder? ›

The real difference between matcha teabags and matcha powder is the actual matcha content. Matcha powder is 100% of pure matcha versus just 2% matcha tea powder content in matcah tea bags. What many people don't realise is that the tea bags are mostly a blend of green tea.

What is the difference between ceremonial Matcha and regular matcha? ›

Ceremonial Grade Matcha is more vibrant and has a deeper shade of green as its made of the youngest tea leaves that have higher concentrations of chlorophyll. Culinary Grade Matcha has a more subdued shade of green that is still beautiful in color as its made of older tea leaves that have had more exposure to sunlight.

What is the secret to good shortbread? ›

Tips To Make the Best Shortbread Cookies
  • Choose High Quality Butter. No matter what brand of butter you buy, if it's real butter, you can rest assured that it's the best. ...
  • Keep Ingredients Simple. ...
  • Add Flavor. ...
  • Don't Overwork. ...
  • Shape Dough. ...
  • Chill Before Baking. ...
  • Bake Until Golden. ...
  • Add Finishing Touches.

What is the difference between shortbread and Scottish shortbread? ›

Traditional Scottish shortbread is a simple recipe made with sugar, butter, flour, and salt. Other shortbread styles will include leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda, which makes them crisp instead of crumbly like traditional Scottish shortbread.

Why are my shortbread cookies so dry? ›

Not enough fat

If your cookie dough is too dry and crumbly, it might not have enough fat. This is a common problem with recipes that use all-purpose flour. To fix this, you can add more fat to the dough.

What does matcha taste like in baked goods? ›

Matcha can take the flavors of traditional desserts to the next level. The tea's unique, sweet yet delightfully earthy taste pairs well with various pastries, from cakes to bread, adding a beautiful vibrant green hue without artificial coloring.

What spices go well with matcha? ›

Golden milk spices: Turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and (optional) cardamom. Matcha powder: If you're new to matcha, check out our unbiased matcha review for brand recommendations! Sweetener of choice: Maple syrup is our favorite because it blends easily and adds nice flavor.

How do you add matcha to food? ›

Add 2 to 4 tsp matcha powder to banana or zucchini bread dough, cake batter, or cookie dough before baking. Add 2 tsp matcha powder and a handful of nuts to your morning oatmeal. MORE: Which Is Healthier: Oatmeal Or Cold Cereal? Mix 2 tsp matcha powder into 1 cup softened vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.

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