Sometimes all it takes is a simple twist to turn a classic into something entirely new. Matcha cookies with white chocolate do exactly that: a play on contrasts – vibrant green, slightly earthy and delicately sweet at the same time. Inspired by modern café culture, they bring a touch of “matcha magic” into your kitchen.
Whether you’re enjoying them with your Sunday coffee, serving them at a dinner with friends, or simply baking for yourself, these cookies are a wonderfully unexpected treat – perfect for anyone who enjoys trying something new.
What makes matcha cookies so special?
A blend of tradition and modern baking
Matcha green tea originates from Japan, where it has been used in traditional tea ceremonies for centuries. As a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves, it adds a gently earthy, slightly grassy flavour to baked goods – creating an exciting contrast to the sweetness of classic cookies.
Why white chocolate works so well
White chocolate acts as the perfect counterpart: its creamy sweetness softens the natural bitterness of matcha. This balance is what makes matcha cookies with white chocolate so popular. The result? Lightly crisp edges, a soft centre and pockets of melted chocolate throughout a vibrant green dough – a real treat for both the palate and the eye.
Matcha cookies with white chocolate recipe
Ingredients (makes approx. 12–15 cookies)
- 180 g plain flour
- 1 tbsp matcha powder (ideally high quality, e.g. our Culinary Matcha)
- 1 tsp baking powder (for a soft texture – optional: a pinch of bicarbonate of soda for extra chewiness)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 120 g butter, softened
- 100 g sugar (or a mix of white and brown sugar)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 120 g white chocolate (chopped or as chips)
Step-by-step method
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180 °C (fan 160 °C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the flour, matcha powder, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Sifting helps distribute the matcha evenly and prevents lumps.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale, light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Form the dough: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Add the chocolate: Fold in the white chocolate. Using a mix of smaller and larger pieces creates a more interesting texture.
- Shape the cookies: Spoon small portions of dough onto the tray, leaving space between each – they will spread slightly as they bake.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centres still look slightly soft.
- Cool: Leave the cookies to rest on the tray for a few minutes – they will firm up slightly while staying soft inside.
Tips for perfect matcha cookies
Choosing the right matcha
Culinary grade matcha is ideal for baking, as it has a stronger, more robust flavour that holds up well in recipes. High-quality matcha is usually bright green – a sign of freshness and good quality.
Getting the texture just right
The perfect matcha cookie should be slightly crisp on the outside and soft in the centre. To achieve this:
- Avoid overmixing the dough
- Don’t overbake the cookies
- Allow the centres to remain slightly soft – they will set as they cool
Creative variations for your matcha cookies
If you’d like to customise your matcha cookies, small adjustments can create entirely new flavour profiles: adding a little finely grated lemon zest to the dough introduces a fresh citrus note that brightens the earthy matcha flavour beautifully. For a richer, more indulgent version, try incorporating dark chocolate alongside the white chocolate – it adds depth and a subtle bitterness that makes the overall flavour more complex and dessert-like.
Your modern cookie for any occasion
Matcha cookies with white chocolate are a great example of how versatile tea can be beyond the cup. Matcha powder lends itself to a wide range of creative recipes and invites you to experiment in the kitchen. Give these cookies a try – they might just become your new signature bake.
