Name: Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup (30 g) cake flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon (10 g) matcha powder (ceremonial grade); 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter (room temperature); 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar; 2 egg yolks; 2 teaspoons (10 g) vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons (30 g) whole milk

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 8 reviews

If you’ve ever wished for a cookie that dances perfectly between delicate sweetness and a vibrant, earthy zing, then you are going to adore this Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the creamy richness of butter with the enchanting green tea flavor of matcha powder, creating a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Crispy at the edges with a melt-in-your-mouth texture inside, these cookies are just the kind of bake you want to share with friends or savor alongside a warm cup of tea. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will have a permanent spot on your baking rotation!

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a clear glass mixing bowl on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, smooth, bright green dough-like mixture. A woman's hand is holding a white spatula visible above the bowl, slightly blurred in motion as it stirs the dough. The green mixture has a soft, creamy texture with some grooves and swirls from stirring, and bits of the mixture stick lightly to the bowl's sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Using straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients is what makes this Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe so approachable. Each element plays a key role—flour provides structure, matcha gives that signature color and flavor punch, and butter ensures tender, rich cookies that almost melt on your tongue.

All-purpose flour (2 cups/240 g): The base that holds everything together with just the right amount of structure.
Cake flour (¼ cup/30 g): Adds a delicate softness for a wonderfully tender crumb.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the earthy matcha flavor.
Matcha powder (1 tablespoon/10 g, ceremonial grade): The star ingredient that brings vibrant green color and a nuanced, grassy flavor.
Unsalted butter (1 cup/227 g, room temperature): Brings richness and a creamy texture that’s essential for perfect cookies.
Granulated sugar (½ cup/100 g): Sweetens just enough without overpowering the matcha’s earthiness.
Egg yolks (2): Help bind the dough and add richness for a tender bite.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons/10 g): Rounds out the flavors with a touch of warmth and sweetness.
Whole milk (2 tablespoons/30 g): Adds moisture to create a dough that pipes beautifully and bakes evenly.

How to Make Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep your refrigerator and baking sheets

Start by clearing some space in your refrigerator to chill the shaped cookies later—this is a key step to help them keep their shape during baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats; having these ready will make the final steps smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Sift dry ingredients

Sift the all-purpose flour, cake flour, salt, and matcha powder into a medium bowl. Whisk them together gently to ensure even distribution of the vibrant green matcha, which will give your cookies that beautiful, consistent color and flavor. Setting this aside prepares you for easy incorporation in the next steps.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter on medium speed until smooth and soft, about a minute. Slowly add in the granulated sugar while mixing on low, then increase speed to medium and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this aeration is why your cookies get that lovely tender crumb. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl down for even mixing.

Step 4: Incorporate egg yolks, vanilla, and milk

Keeping the mixer running at medium speed, add the egg yolks one at a time, then pour in the vanilla extract and whole milk. These enrich the dough while adding moisture, helping your cookies maintain that perfect balance of melt-in-your-mouth softness and hold their delicate shape.

Step 5: Combine dry ingredients

Add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two parts. Mix on low speed until just combined and no flour streaks remain. Avoid overmixing here to maintain the tender texture we all want from these matcha butter cookies.

Step 6: Pipe the cookies

Transfer the dough into a large piping bag fitted with a ½-inch open star tip for charming shapes like rosettes, pretzels, or circles. Pipe onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about an inch apart as they will not spread much. For a festive touch, feel free to sprinkle coarse sugar or sprinkles on top. Chill the shaped cookies in the fridge for 1 hour to set them up for perfect baking.

Step 7: Prepare the oven

While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the middle for even heat circulation. This ensures your cookies bake evenly with just the slightest golden edges.

Step 8: Bake and cool

Bake the cookies one tray at a time for 9 to 11 minutes, watching closely for the edges to develop a faint golden hue. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time finishes off the baking process, letting the cookies firm up just right.

How to Serve Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe

A white scalloped plate holds ten bright green cookies shaped like roses with detailed spiral petals, arranged in a slightly overlapping circular pattern. To the left is a small white bowl filled with green powder, matching the cookies' color. Above the plate, there is a glass cup filled with milk and two stacked white scalloped plates. On the right side, there is an orange bamboo whisk and the edge of a cream-colored textured cloth. All items rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are stunning on their own with their vibrant green hue, you can elevate their presentation by dusting a little extra matcha powder on top or garnishing with a sprinkle of coarse sugar for a subtle sparkle. A light drizzle of white chocolate can also add a lovely sweet contrast with an elegant look.

Side Dishes

Matcha butter cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot green tea or a milky matcha latte, doubling down on the flavor theme. For a completely indulgent treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their refined sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider arranging these cookies in a decorative tin with parchment paper for gifting or layering them between sheets of wax paper in a glass jar for a centerpiece-worthy display at your next gathering. Their intricate piped shapes also make them perfect for tea parties or festive celebrations where charm is as important as taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and fully cooled, store your Matcha Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed well preserves their delicate texture and prevents any moisture from making them soft or stale.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked piped cookie dough by chilling it on baking sheets first, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven–just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To refresh frozen baked cookies, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes. This brings back the buttery aroma and crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cookies rubbery.

FAQs

Can I substitute matcha powder with regular green tea?

Regular green tea leaves won't give the same flavor or vibrant color because matcha is finely ground and concentrated. For best results and that signature look and taste, stick to ceremonial grade matcha powder.

What if I don’t have cake flour? Can I use all-purpose flour instead?

While all-purpose flour alone will work, using cake flour makes the cookies more tender and delicate. If needed, you can approximate cake flour by replacing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup with cornstarch.

Why do the cookies need to chill before baking?

Chilling firms up the butter and helps the cookies maintain their piped shapes during baking, preventing them from spreading too much. It also enhances the flavors, making the cookies taste even more delicious.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

These cookies rely on butter and egg yolks for texture and richness, so vegan substitutions would require experimenting with plant-based butter and egg replacers. The texture might differ, but it’s definitely a fun baking adventure if you want to try!

How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by parchment paper if stacking, to keep them crisp and fresh for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out faster.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly rewarding about making a batch of homemade Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe—from the way the buttery dough pipes so beautifully to the delicate, flavorful treat that emerges from the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to try a new twist on classic cookies, this recipe offers simplicity, elegance, and unforgettable taste. Go ahead and give it a try; I promise it will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!

Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe