Matcha shortbread cookies are easy, delicious, and make for the perfect cookie in our humble opinion. Shortbread cookies should be perfectly sweet, have a delightful crips texture, and melt in your mouth with all that buttery-goodness. This matcha shortbread cookie recipe ticks all those boxes, but with the tasty boost of matcha green tea powder.
Matcha has a delicious and rich flavor often described as being somewhat earthy, umami, and slightly sweet. It perfectly balances these shortbread cookies and, one could say, makes them even better.
Find other delicious matcha recipes here.
Tips for making matcha shortbread cookies:
- Make sure your dough is COLD. You want to chill the dough for at least an hour before using. You may even want to refrigerate your cut-out cookies for 10 minutes before baking in the oven if they’ve taken a bit to roll out and cut into shapes.
- Use unsalted butter. Different manufacturers add different amounts of salt to their salted butter. Using unsalted butter and adding in salt allows more precise measurement.
- If you don’t have cookie cutters, use a glass or mug.
- You can make the dough ahead of time and keep in the freezer until you’re ready to use. When ready to use, let thaw just enough that you can roll out the dough and cut it.
- Matcha shortbread cookies make for a wonderful base- feel free to add toppings like drizzled chocolate, toasted nuts or spices.
- Culinary grade matcha works great in this recipe. Just be sure to sift your matcha before adding it to the flour.
Learn more about the different types of matcha here.
Ingredients:
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10 tbsp unsalted butter
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp matcha powder
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1/2 tsp salt
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, beat butter and vanilla together until creamed.
2. Add sugar and salt and mix until combined.
3. While beating on low, add flour and matcha powder. Mix until combined.
4. Shape dough into a ball and then press until it forms a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and let chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
5. Heat oven to 350 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll the dough out 3/4 inch thick and use either a cookie cutter or a glass to create as many cookies as possible. Roll out any excess dough and continue making cookies until all dough has been used.
7. Arrange on cookie sheet about 1 inch apart. Optional: return to refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes to reduce spreading.
8. Bake for 10 minutes, rotating sheet halfway. Bottoms should be a golden brown.
9. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea that is ground into a very fine powder. Unlike traditional green tea, matcha tea leaves are shaded the last few weeks before harvest. This allows the tea leaves to concentrate more of the nutrients in the leaves.
Young leaves are then harvested and pan fried. This process prevents oxidation and gives matcha the bright green hue it's so famous for. Because the entire tea leaf is consumed, matcha contains a high number of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds like polyphenols and vitamins and minerals.
What’s the difference between shortbread cookies and sugar cookies?
While they can look pretty similar, shortbread cookies and sugar cookies are actually quite different. Sugar cookies will be a bit lighter and sweeter while shortbread cookies are denser and have a more melt in your mouth feel. Sugar cookies contain a levening agent (baking soda or powder) which makes them ideal for cutting a decorating. Shortbread cookies tend to be less sweet, have a more buttery flavor and melt in your mouth. 
These matcha shortbread cookies have a rich, buttery, umami flavor that make for a delicious treat no matter the season. With their vibrant green hue and delicate texture, these cookies are a testament to the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication in baking. So, roll up your sleeves, get ready to sprinkle a bit of matcha magic, and savor these delectable cookies.
If you love these matcha shortbread cookies, give these other recipes a try:
