Do yourself a favor and immediately make these matcha white chocolate macadamia nut cookies!

They are the perfect combination of all the best things — matcha, white chocolate, and macadamia nuts. They are soft and chewy and can convert even the non-cookie lovers of the world over.

Why you'll love adding matcha to your homemade cookies from now on

White chocolate macadamia nuts are a classic cookie -- and for a good reason. They are heavenly. But we love adding a touch of high-quality matcha to a classic macadamia cookie recipe for a number of reasons.

• Adding matcha adds such a pop of bright-green coloring to your cookies. 
• Matcha's slightly vegetal yes sweet and earthy flavor pairs perfectly with the notes of vanilla in white chocolate and the buttery flavor of macadamia nuts. 
• This recipe is simple and easy for individuals new to baking. You definitely don't need to be a pastry chef.
• The cookie dough keeps well in the freezer, so you can make a big batch and then bake a couple of cookies at a time here and there.
• These cookies are the perfect treat to pair with your morning matcha or a cup of warm hojicha before bedtime.
• Even though cookies are a treat, we love the combined health benefits of matcha and macadamia nuts this recipe has. (2)
• Learn more about the health benefits of matcha green tea here. (2)

The surprising health benefits of macadamia nuts

Like many other nuts, Macadamia nuts are high in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, as well as healthy monounsaturated fats — yet they are very low in carbohydrates and sugar. (4)

Macadamia nuts are well-researched to be supportive of several health benefits that help safeguard the body against cellular damage and disease. For example. Studies have shown consuming macadamia nuts may help improve heart health, balance out blood sugar levels, protect again diabetes, boost heart health, and even help you maintain a healthy weight. (3) (1)

Macadamia nuts are also readily available at most supermarkets and easily ordered online. It’s quite simple to incorporate macadamia nuts into your diet — especially in the form of a tasty treat of a matcha macadamia cookie! (4) (1)

Ingredients you will need for matcha macadamia cookies: 24 (2 dozen) large cookies

• 3/4 c brown sugar
• 1/2 c white sugar
• 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temp (equivalent to 2 sticks of butter- salted is also fine if you only have that.)
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp maple syrup extract 
• Two eggs 
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 3.5 c flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp matcha (add an extra teaspoon for a stronger matcha flavor) 
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup halved macadamia nuts 

Equipment you will need:

An electric mixer, A spatula or spoon, 2 Bowls, baking paper, and two baking sheets. (If you don't have baking paper just butter your tray and spread a small amount of flour on top before setting the cookies.)

9 Step-by-step directions for matcha macadamia cookies

1. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and sifted matcha. Stir to combine and set aside. 

2. Using a mixer, cream softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy.  

3. Then add egg, vanilla, and maple extract to your butter sugar mixture and precede to mix until just incorporated. Do not overmix. 

4. Slowly stir in your dry ingredients mixture (flour, baking soda, and matcha) and mix until combined using a spoon or spatula.

5. Using your spoon or spatula, fold in white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts. 

6. ** If you have the time, refrigerate the cookie dough for an hour. This will make your cookies fluffier and thicker! If refrigerating, scoop onto the parchment-lined cookie sheet and set in your refrigerator. **

7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your cookie sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick mat. Place cookie dough balls 2 inches apart and bake until tops are slightly browned. About 10-12 minutes. Do not over bake! Stay close by.

8. Cool on a cookie sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to continue cooling.

9. Enjoy!

Tips to keep in mind while baking your matcha cookies:

Look out for the tops to be ever so slightly golden, and that's how you'll know they are done. You can also use a toothpick or fork and stick it into the center of a cookie. If it comes out 'clean' and without cookie dough, then they are ready.

Smaller cookies will bake faster, while bigger ones need a few extra minutes. Your batch of cookies will cook more evenly when they are all relatively the same size.

If you find you have the time (and the patience), do try and throw your raw cookie dough in the refrigerator for about an hour. If you don't have room in the fridge, the freezer for 20-30 minutes also can help. You'll wind up with a thicker and fluffier cookie by chilling the dough before baking. If waiting an extra hour to enjoy these cookies sounds outrageous, not to worry. You can throw them immediately into the oven and then into your mouth once they are done. 

When to use culinary matcha vs. ceremonial matcha

This recipe calls for using culinary matcha instead of ceremonial. While both grades of matcha would work well, culinary matcha gives the cookie a slightly more robust matcha flavor, but don't worry. It doesn't taste bitter. You want that matcha flavor to pull through when cooking or baking, hence the need for culinary matcha. Both ceremonial and culinary matcha grades have enormous health benefits. If you like a richer matcha flavor, add an extra teaspoon to your cookie dough. Remember, it's always best to sift your matcha to ensure your dough is clump free. 

The Bottom line — An easy cookie recipe with a healthy twist that is always a crowd pleaser.

This recipe takes a few minutes to make and is quick to bake, making it an excellent choice for bakers of all levels. You do not have to be a professional pastry chef to end up with delicious and chewy matcha macadamia cookies. 

Looking for more recipes that incorporate matcha green tea? Check out our recipe library here!

This post and recipe is By Diana Weil, Matcha.com's Integrative Nutritionist and Food Relationship Specialist.

References:

1. Garg, M. L., Blake, R. J., Wills, R. B., & Clayton, E. H. (2007). Macadamia nut consumption modulates favourably risk factors for coronary artery disease in hypercholesterolemic subjects. Lipids, 42(6), 583–587. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11745-007-3042-8
2. Kochman, J., Jakubczyk, K., Antoniewicz, J., Mruk, H., & Janda, K. (2020). Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(1), 85. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010085
3. Liana C Del Gobbo, Michael C Falk, Robin Feldman, Kara Lewis, Dariush Mozaffarian, Effects of tree nuts on blood lipids, apolipoproteins, and blood pressure: systematic review, meta-analysis, and dose-response of 61 controlled intervention trials, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 102, Issue 6, December 2015, Pages 1347–1356, https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.115.110965
4. Tu, X. H., Wu, B. F., Xie, Y., Xu, S. L., Wu, Z. Y., Lv, X., Wei, F., Du, L. Q., & Chen, H. (2021). A comprehensive study of raw and roasted macadamia nuts: Lipid profile, physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties. Food science & nutrition, 9(3), 1688–1697. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.2143