Matcha has long since made its way from the tea ceremony into the bakery. The green tea powder transforms simple butter cookies into a real eye-catcher. Combined with white chocolate, it creates a pastry that perfectly balances bitter and sweet flavors.

Ingredients (for one baking sheet, approx. 12 cookies)

  • 175 g all-purpose flour
  • 100 g soft butter
  • 70 g sugar
  • 35 g brown sugar
  • 1 egg (room temperature)
  • 1.5 tbsp matcha powder (baking quality, approx. 8 g)
  • 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/3 tsp baking soda
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 120 g white chocolate, roughly chopped

Cooking utensils: Baking sheet, parchment paper, mixing bowl, hand mixer, dough scraper, sieve, kitchen scale, measuring cup, sharp knife

Preparation (35 minutes)

  1. Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F) conventional heat and line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat the soft butter with both types of sugar in a mixing bowl for several minutes until light and fluffy.
  2. Add the egg and mix in completely with the vanilla extract until a smooth, glossy cream forms. Sift the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt over the mixture.
  3. Fold in the dry ingredients just until a uniformly green, smooth dough forms. Work in the chopped white chocolate.
  4. Using two spoons, scoop out walnut-sized portions, shape into balls, and place on the baking sheet with plenty of space between them, as the cookies will spread during baking. Press each ball slightly flat.
  5. Bake the cookies for 11-13 minutes until the edges are firm but the center remains soft. Let rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

Stack the green cookies on a simple, light-colored platter so their color stands out fully. If desired, drizzle melted white chocolate in fine threads over the top.

Beverage Recommendations

  • A chilled Umeshu, Japanese plum wine, balances the bitter matcha note with its sweetness.
  • A creamy Hojicha latte adds a nutty, warm aroma.

Recipe Variations

  • For a fruity version, dried raspberries or cranberries and optionally some berry powder are worked into the dough, creating a sweet-tart contrast to the matcha.
  • Lemon or lime zest provides a fresh, slightly tart note that brightens the matcha flavor.