Matcha Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for unique yet delightful treats, then this Matcha Crinkle Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Picture a soft, chewy cookie infused with the earthy, slightly sweet flavor of vibrant green matcha powder, all wrapped in a snowy layer of powdered sugar that cracks beautifully when baked. These cookies are not just a feast for your taste buds but also a joy to look at, with their irresistible crinkle patterns and vivid hue. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a peaceful afternoon pick-me-up, this recipe blends simple ingredients into a divine experience that captures the essence of matcha in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together effortlessly, each playing a vital role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and that enchanting green color that makes this recipe shine. You’ll find that none of these require a trip to a specialty store, making it all the more convenient to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes.

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure to your cookies while keeping them tender.
• 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder: This is the star ingredient, lending the cookies their signature earthy flavor and vibrant green glow.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy without spreading too thin.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the matcha flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping achieve a tender crumb.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add depth to the dough’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a warm, fragrant undertone that harmonizes beautifully with matcha.
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates that iconic crackled, sweet crust and contrasts with the green interior.

How to Make Matcha Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step is crucial to evenly distribute the vibrant matcha, giving your cookies that stunning green tint while ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This process aerates the dough, resulting in a delicate crumb and a tender cookie.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse your dough with subtle warmth that complements the matcha beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the butter and egg mixture, stirring on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as too much mixing can make the cookies tough rather than soft and chewy.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and ensuring those signature crinkle patterns form beautifully during baking.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup, so you can focus on enjoying your cookies rather than scrubbing pans.

Step 7: Shape and Roll the Cookies

Scoop tablespoons of dough and gently roll each into a ball. Then roll each ball thoroughly in powdered sugar, which will give you that striking, snowy crackle effect once baked. Place the balls 2 inches apart on your baking sheets to allow room for spreading.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake your Matcha Crinkle Cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until their edges are just set and the cookies have spread slightly, revealing the iconic crinkled tops. The sugar coating contrasts with the vibrant green interiors, making these cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let your cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step allows them to firm up gently while keeping that perfect balance of a crisp outside and chewy inside, accented by subtle matcha flavor.

How to Serve Matcha Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of additional powdered sugar right before serving adds an extra touch of elegance and enhances the sweet, snowy look. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of matcha powder on top for an intensified color pop and flavor boost.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot green tea or a creamy latte to highlight the earthy notes of matcha. For a more indulgent pairing, try them alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—pure bliss in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these Matcha Crinkle Cookies into delightful gifts by stacking them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon or nesting them in decorative tins. For parties, arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and edible flowers to create an inviting, colorful spread your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Matcha Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps retain their soft center and crinkled outer texture, so every bite tastes freshly baked.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies in advance, freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a tray and then transferring to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from frozen with an extra minute or two added to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too—just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

To revive stored cookies, warm them in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain softness and fresh-baked aroma. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can make the cookies too soft or soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this Matcha Crinkle Cookies Recipe?

All-purpose flour is ideal because it provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. Using whole wheat or gluten-free flour might change the texture and color, but you can experiment if you prefer a healthier or allergy-friendly option.

How important is chilling the dough?

Chilling the dough is a key step to developing the classic crinkle look and a chewy texture. It firms the dough for easier shaping and helps control spreading during baking, ensuring those beautiful cracks form on top.

Where can I find good-quality matcha powder?

You can find culinary-grade matcha powder in most health food stores, Asian markets, or online. Look for a bright green color and fine texture for the best flavor and appearance in your cookies.

Can I make the cookies vegan?

While the original recipe uses butter and eggs, you can substitute vegan butter and egg replacers like flax eggs. The texture may differ slightly, but with careful adjustments, you can still enjoy a delicious vegan version of the Matcha Crinkle Cookies Recipe.

Do these cookies taste very green tea-like?

Yes! The matcha powder gives these cookies a distinctive and delightful earthy flavor, mild bitterness, and a subtle sweetness that matcha lovers will adore, while still being approachable for those new to green tea flavors.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about baking with matcha, and this Matcha Crinkle Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. With simple ingredients, an inviting process, and stunning results, these cookies are sure to brighten your day and impress anyone lucky enough to try them. Go ahead, bake a batch, and savor the beautiful flavors and textures that only matcha can bring to your cookie jar.

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