Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies
Delicate buttery shortbread cookies infused with earthy matcha powder for a subtle tea flavor and light green hue. This japanese-inspired desserts ready in about 33 minutes layers all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, unsalted butter, softened into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp matcha green tea powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 tbsp matcha green tea powder to remove lumps.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 tsp fine sea salt until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1 tsp pure vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the sifted flour and matcha powder mixture into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined into a soft dough.
- Step 6: Roll dough into a log about 2 inches in diameter, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Step 7: Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 8: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain pale and soft.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies?
Japanese desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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