If you adore the comforting, earthy goodness of matcha and crave something tender and sweet to satisfy your cookie cravings, then this Soft Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend. These cookies strike the perfect balance between that signature subtle bitterness of matcha and the cozy sweetness found in a latte, all wrapped up in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon treat or a special occasion, these delightful green-hued beauties are guaranteed to enchant everyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients lays the foundation for these Soft Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe to shine. Each component plays a role in building flavor, ensuring softness, and delivering that lovely matcha color that makes these cookies truly stand out.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Softened for creamy richness that keeps the cookies tender and moist.
- Brown sugar, 3/4 cup: Adds deep caramel notes and helps maintain softness.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup: Balances sweetness and helps with structure.
- Large egg, 1: Binds the dough and contributes to the cookie’s soft texture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Enhances sweetness and adds warmth.
- Culinary grade matcha powder, 2 tsp: The star ingredient, offering that signature vibrant green color and earthy flavor.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups: The base that holds everything together.
- Baking soda, 1/2 tsp: A gentle leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just right.
- Salt, 1/4 tsp: Balances all the sweetness and amplifies flavor.
- White chocolate chips, 1/3 cup (optional): A luscious addition that adds creamy bursts of sweetness complementing the matcha.
How to Make Soft Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy clean-up, giving your cookies a smooth surface to spread and bake perfectly.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars. Mix until the mixture looks light and fluffy; this step incorporates air into your dough for those tender, soft cookies everyone loves.
Step 3: Adding the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly. This helps to bind all your ingredients and introduces a lovely depth of flavor that rounds out every bite.
Step 4: Incorporating Matcha and Dry Ingredients
Sift together the matcha powder, flour, baking soda, and salt before gently mixing them into your wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to just come together to avoid tough cookies.
Step 5: Folding in White Chocolate Chips (Optional)
If you’re adding white chocolate chips, now’s the time to fold them gently into the dough. Their creamy sweetness is a perfect counterpoint to the slightly earthy matcha, but it’s totally fine to skip if you want a purer matcha flavor.
Step 6: Scooping the Dough
Spoon tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between to allow the cookies room to spread without merging together.
Step 7: Baking Your Cookies
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 9 to 11 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely—when the edges are set but the centers still look soft, that’s your sign to take them out for perfect chewiness.
Step 8: Cooling Tricks
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them finish setting up while keeping that soft texture intact.
How to Serve Soft Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of extra matcha powder over the cooled cookies can elevate their appearance and boost that delightful matcha flavor. You can also drizzle with a bit of white chocolate for a fancy touch that’s surprisingly simple.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a classic matcha latte or a simple cup of green tea to double down on the matcha experience. For a cozy afternoon, a glass of cold milk or a vanilla-infused hot beverage also makes a fantastic companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a bamboo or wooden tray to complement their natural green color for an Instagram-worthy setup. Gift them wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine for a thoughtful homemade treat that speaks volumes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the dough balls placed on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked warmth, pop cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly warm them in an oven set at low heat. This melts the white chocolate chips delightfully and softens the cookie even more.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for this Soft Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe?
All-purpose flour works best for these cookies to strike the right balance between tenderness and structure. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flours could alter the texture and might need recipe adjustments.
Is it necessary to use culinary grade matcha powder?
Yes, culinary grade matcha offers the ideal flavor and vibrant green color suited for baking. Ceremonial grade is more delicate and pricey, while lower-quality matcha might taste bitter or dull.
Can I omit the white chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The white chocolate chips are optional and add a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with matcha, but the cookies are delightful on their own with just the matcha flavor shining through.
How can I make these cookies even softer?
For extra softness, you can slightly underbake the cookies by a minute or so and be sure not to overmix the dough, which can toughen the texture.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Their unique look and delicious flavor make them a standout gift. Packaging them in a pretty box or wrapping with festive paper makes a thoughtful homemade present anyone would love.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Soft Matcha Latte Cookies Recipe a try because it’s one of those rare treats that’s as beautiful to look at as it is satisfying to eat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up cookies that feel special, comforting, and totally scrumptious. Baking these cookies is like inviting a little joyful green magic into your kitchen, and sharing them with friends and family will surely brighten everyone’s day.
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 offer a delightful balance of earthy matcha flavor and sweet white chocolate, combined into a tender, lightly chewy cookie. Perfect for matcha lovers and anyone seeking a unique twist on classic cookies, these treats are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and come together in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tsp culinary grade matcha powder
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
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
Optional
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth, which helps bind the dough while adding flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift together the matcha powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and prevent clumping, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, if using, to add bursts of creamy sweetness throughout the cookie.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading without merging.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the cookie edges are set but the centers remain soft for that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool on sheet and wire rack: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and maintain shape.
Notes
- Use culinary grade matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- White chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended for a complementary sweetness.
- Cookies will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
