Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (2024)

Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (1)

Bake, Dessert

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

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!

If you like our recipes, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Yummly, and Twitter to stay in touch for the latest updates!

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)

Like this recipe?

Follow @theminichefcom on Instagram

Like this recipe?

Follow @theminichefcom on Pinterest

Pin this image and follow us on Pinterest!

Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (15)

Like this recipe? Don’t forget to rate and share it with your friends!

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.

Leave a Comment

Welcome

Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (19)

We are Sierra and Kevin, and we love to cook and bake! This is our website to share our recipes where we create delicious food with minimal ingredients. We believe that everyone, no matter their budget or size of their kitchen, should be able to experience the joy of making good food. Hop on the boat!

Read more

Popular Recipes

  1. The Original Blueberry Ganache Tart Recipe
    112098 views
  2. Dangerously Delicious Earl Grey Pound Cake Recipe
    18267 views
  3. Spicy-Sweet Korean Fried Chicken Recipe
    9593 views
  4. Authentic Chinese Scallion Pancake (CongYouBing) Recipe
    4434 views
  5. Fluffy Comforting Earl Grey Soufflé Recipe
    4433 views

10 Essentials for a Minimalist Kitchen

Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can I use matcha tea for baking? ›

Many folks bake with loose tea leaves (think earl grey chantilly cream, rooibos shortbread, etc!). But if you're looking for potent green tea flavor and aroma, baking with matcha is your best option. Matcha powder is concentrated and quite versatile, making it a superb ingredient to pair with a wide range of flavors.

How to enhance matcha flavor in baking? ›

Ways to Make Matcha Powder Less Bitter in Baking?
  1. 24 ounces of cream cheese.
  2. 8 ounces of sour cream.
  3. 1 cup of granulated sugar.
  4. 2 tablespoons of matcha powder.
  5. 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
  6. 3 eggs.
Oct 1, 2019

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.

What kind of matcha is best for baking? ›

There are two main grades of matcha: culinary and ceremonial. Culinary matcha is best for baking, while ceremonial matcha is best for drinking. The difference between ceremonial and culinary-grade matcha comes down to the time of harvest.

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

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.

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.

Can I use any matcha powder for baking? ›

Due to being a powder made from the entire ground tea leaf, matcha retains all the nutrients, antioxidants, caffeine, and flavor of the leaf. Please stick to the culinary grade matcha and not the ceremonial matcha for baking purposes.

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.

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 is my shortbread cookie dough so dry? ›

To avoid this, try using as little flour as possible while preparing to roll your dough. Dry – “Dry” or “Crumbly” dough is a product of over-mixing or using too much of any ingredient during the mixing process. This can be reversed by adding one to two tablespoons of liquid (water, milk or softened butter) to your mix.

Is Starbucks Matcha really matcha? ›

Not quite — your favorite chain coffee shops like Starbucks and Dunkin' do use real green tea powder in their matcha drinks but with all the added sugars used in their powder blend, it's technically not traditional Japanese matcha green tea powder and therefore it lacks a lot of the health benefits that real ceremonial ...

Why do Japanese like matcha so much? ›

Matcha tea is also known to boost metabolism, increase energy levels, and improve mental clarity. In conclusion, matcha tea is much more than just a beverage. Its rich history and cultural significance make it an integral part of Japanese culture, and its numerous health benefits have made it a popular drink worldwide.

Is Starbucks Matcha sweetened? ›

According to the Starbucks website, their matcha lattes are made with a blend of "sweetened, premium matcha green tea, milk, and ice." This indicates that the matcha powder used in Starbucks' matcha lattes is sweetened, likely with sugar or another sweetener.

Can I use matcha tea powder for cooking? ›

So, it is reasonable if you wonder, “Can I cook with Matcha?” The answer is yes, you can! To the contrary to the misunderstanding, EGCG, the most potent of the Green Tea antioxidants, is quite heat-resistant. It is easy to use Green Tea powder or Matcha in your cooking.

Can I use green tea instead of matcha for baking? ›

But both can work well for baking—whether you only have matcha on hand or simply prefer to use loose tea leaves, either can be incorporated into freshly baked bread. Just be aware of the potency in both aroma and flavor of the amount of tea you choose to bake with.

What does matcha taste like in baking? ›

Matcha tastes quite earthy yet complex in that you get grassy notes with a hint of sweet nuttiness and savory overtones. Some describe the taste as 'umami,' which tastes similar to seaweed. The plants are shade-grown which contributes to the umami essence and increases the chlorophyll, caffeine and L-theanine.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Chrissy Homenick

Last Updated:

Views: 5422

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Chrissy Homenick

Birthday: 2001-10-22

Address: 611 Kuhn Oval, Feltonbury, NY 02783-3818

Phone: +96619177651654

Job: Mining Representative

Hobby: amateur radio, Sculling, Knife making, Gardening, Watching movies, Gunsmithing, Video gaming

Introduction: My name is Chrissy Homenick, I am a tender, funny, determined, tender, glorious, fancy, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.