The kitchen filled with the warm aroma of melting chocolate, contrasting beautifully with the vibrant green hue of matcha as I whisked the ingredients together. That’s when it hit me—Matcha Shortbread Cookies are not just another festive treat; they’re a delightful marriage of earthy matcha flavor and rich chocolate. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are the perfect show-stopper for your holiday cookie exchange or any gathering of loved ones. Plus, they’re effortlessly simple to whip up, making them an ideal choice for busy bakers looking to impress. Curious about how to elevate your cookie game with this elegant recipe? Let’s dive into the art of crafting these irresistible treats! Why Choose Matcha Shortbread Cookies? Irresistible Flavor: The combination of earthy matcha and rich chocolate creates a delectable treat that your taste buds will adore. Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are perfect for bakers of any level. Versatile Options: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or spices for a personal touch, making every batch unique! Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant green hue paired with the chocolate dip ensures these cookies will be the star of your holiday gatherings. Fantastic for Gifting: Package them beautifully—a thoughtful gift that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether for a festive cookie exchange or a cozy family get-together, these cookies are bound to please everyone at the table. For more delightful cookie ideas, check out my Brown Butter Cookies or my Chocolate Oat Cookies. Matcha Shortbread Cookies Ingredients For the Cookies Butter – Gives a rich, buttery flavor and needs to be softened for easy mixing. Confectioner’s Sugar – Sweetens the cookies while ensuring a tender crumb; consider reducing for less sweetness. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile; substitute with almond extract for a twist. Matcha Powder – Infuses the cookies with a delightful earthy taste and vibrant green color; opt for culinary grade for best results. Cornstarch – Lightens the texture to achieve the perfect melt-in-your-mouth effect; can swap with more all-purpose flour. All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to these delicious cookies; use a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Adds a rich sweetness when dipped; dark chocolate chips will intensify the cocoa flavor. Vegetable Oil – Helps create a smooth chocolate dip; you can switch to coconut oil for an extra layer of flavor. For the Topping Additional Matcha Powder – Lightly dust over chocolate-dipped cookies for that signature look and extra matcha flavor. These Matcha Shortbread Cookies are not only a beautiful addition to your holiday spread but also a delightful treat that will leave everyone coming back for more! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Matcha Shortbread Cookies Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar Begin by placing softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat it together with confectioner’s sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, resulting in a wonderfully tender texture for your Matcha Shortbread Cookies. Step 2: Add Flavorings Once the butter and sugar are creamed, mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add in cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and matcha powder, mixing on low speed to avoid a floury mess. Continue until the dough comes together, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated and the vibrant green color of the matcha is evenly distributed throughout. Step 3: Chill the Dough Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading during baking, helping them maintain their shape and enhancing the overall texture of the Matcha Shortbread Cookies. Step 4: Preheat the Oven After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will prepare your workspace for baking the Matcha Shortbread Cookies when they are ready to be cut and placed on the baking sheet. Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough Take one portion of the chilled dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/3 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and gently transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will allow the cookies to spread slightly while baking without sticking together. Step 6: Bake the Cookies Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just set and the tops appear slightly firm. Once finished, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Step 7: Melt the Chocolate In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. This decadent coating will elevate your Matcha Shortbread Cookies with a delightful layer of rich chocolate. Step 8: Dip and Decorate Once the cookies are completely cool, dip each one halfway into the melted chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then place the dipped cookies on parchment paper. Dust with additional matcha powder before the chocolate hardens for a beautiful presentation that showcases the unique matcha flavor of your cookies. Step 9: Set the Cookies Let the chocolate-dipped Matcha Shortbread Cookies sit on the parchment paper at room temperature until the chocolate is completely set. This process ensures that your cookies not only look stunning but also remain intact when serving or packaging as a festive treat for gatherings or thoughtful gifts. How to Store and Freeze Matcha Shortbread Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delicious crispness. Fridge: Keep cookies in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, ensuring they are sealed well to prevent moisture loss. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container after they are frozen. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Reheating: To enjoy your Matcha Shortbread Cookies warm, thaw refrigerated or frozen cookies at room temperature, then place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes before serving. Matcha Shortbread Cookies Variations Make your Matcha Shortbread Cookies uniquely yours with these delightful twists and substitutions! Dairy-Free: Swap butter with vegan butter to create a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor. Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate shortbread with a hint of matcha. The combination is like a sweet hug—perfect for chocoholics! Nutty: Stir in finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, into the dough for added texture and a delicious crunch. Each bite brings a delightful surprise! Citrus Zest: Brighten up the flavor by incorporating the zest of an orange or lemon. This vibrant twist adds a refreshing brightness that pairs perfectly with the earthy matcha. Spiced: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom, adding warmth and complexity to each cookie. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket! Herbal Twist: Replace a portion of the flour with finely ground dried herbs like rosemary for a sophisticated flavor experience. The aromatic essence in each bite will enchant your palate. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these cookies perfect for gluten-sensitive friends. Everyone deserves a sweet treat! Candy Coated: After dipping in chocolate, sprinkle the cookies with crushed peppermint or festive sprinkles for a holiday touch. These playful toppings create an inviting visual and flavor celebration! For more delightful cookie ideas, consider trying these Brown Butter Cookies or some delicious Chocolate Oat Cookies. Enjoy exploring your creativity in the kitchen! What to Serve with Matcha Shortbread Cookies Creating a memorable meal often hinges on thoughtful pairings that can elevate your dining experience to new heights. Chai Latte: The warm spices in a chai latte perfectly complement the earthy tones of matcha, creating a cozy beverage pairing. Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, seasonal fruits add a refreshing contrast to the rich butteriness of the cookies, offering a balanced dessert course. Roasted Nuts: A mix of salted almonds and cashews brings a delightful crunch that enhances the texture experience of the delicate cookies. Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate can enhance the richness of your Matcha Shortbread Cookies, making them even more decadent. Green Tea: Brewed green tea amplifies the matcha flavor while providing a soothing, warm drink to accompany your treats. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm cookies, adding a classic touch that everyone loves. Peppermint Hot Cocoa: For a festive twist, serve with peppermint hot cocoa to bring in a holiday spirit and contrasting sweetness. Chocolate-Mint Tart: A slice of this luscious tart offers a rich, minty finish that pairs harmoniously with the earthiness of matcha. Enjoy these Matcha Shortbread Cookies alongside these delightful options for an unforgettably festive experience! Make Ahead Options These Matcha Shortbread Cookies are an excellent choice for meal prep fans! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Simply divide the dough into two portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and chill. If you’d like to go even further, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months—just defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting. When you’re ready to bake, slice the chilled dough and follow the normal baking instructions for cookies that are just as delicious as if they were made fresh. This way, you’ll have tasty treats on hand for all your holiday gatherings with minimal last-minute effort! Expert Tips for Matcha Shortbread Cookies Softened Butter: Use room-temperature butter to ensure it creams smoothly with the sugar, leading to a lighter cookie texture. Chill for Success: Always chill the dough for at least 2 hours to prevent spreading and ensure a perfect shape for your Matcha Shortbread Cookies. Precise Cookie Cutting: If you want clean edges, chill the rolled-out dough briefly before cutting. It makes a significant difference in presentation! Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely before dipping to achieve better chocolate adhesion; warm cookies may cause the chocolate to slide off. Dust for Decor: Don’t skip the extra matcha powder dusting after dipping in chocolate; it adds visual appeal and enhances the matcha flavor beautifully! Enjoy Mindfully: Each Matcha Shortbread Cookie is about 208 calories, a sweet treat to savor during the festive season. Enjoy them with a warm cup of tea! Matcha Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs What kind of matcha powder should I use? Absolutely! For baking, always choose culinary grade matcha powder. It’s finely ground and provides the best flavor and vibrant color for your Matcha Shortbread Cookies. Avoid ceremonial grade matcha, as it’s better suited for drinking. How do I store leftover cookies? Very! Store your Matcha Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Just ensure they’re sealed tightly to maintain their lovely texture! Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! To freeze your Matcha Shortbread Cookies dough, shape it into a disk after mixing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then roll it out and cut into shapes as usual. How can I prevent my cookies from spreading while baking? If you notice your cookies spreading too much, it’ll help to chill the dough for longer—around 3 to 4 hours can make a difference! Additionally, ensure that your butter is appropriately softened, not melted. Melted butter can lead to flat cookies, while soft butter helps retain shape during baking. Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets? Very! You can easily make gluten-free Matcha Shortbread Cookies by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just make sure your cornstarch is also gluten-free, which many brands are, to keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Matcha Shortbread Cookies: Festive Flavor to Delight Your Senses Matcha Shortbread Cookies are a delightful blend of earthy matcha flavor and rich chocolate, perfect for holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsChill Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 32 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: American, JapaneseCalories: 208 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookies1 cup Butter softened1/2 cup Confectioner's Sugar reduce for less sweetness1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or almond extract for a twist2 tablespoons Matcha Powder opt for culinary grade1/4 cup Cornstarch or more all-purpose flour2 cups All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free blend1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or dark chocolate chips1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil or coconut oil for flavorFor the Topping1 tablespoon Additional Matcha Powder for dusting Equipment mixing bowlhand mixerbaking sheetparchment paperCookie cuttersmicrowave-safe bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Matcha Shortbread CookiesBegin by placing softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat it together with confectioner's sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined. Gradually add in cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and matcha powder, mixing on low speed.Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/3 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to shape the cookies.Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until edges are set. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes.Combine chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a bowl, microwave until melted and smooth.Dip cooled cookies halfway into the melted chocolate, let excess drip off, and place on parchment paper. Dust with matcha powder.Let cookies sit at room temperature until the chocolate is set. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese Matcha Shortbread Cookies are beautifully festive and delicious treats perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting. Each cookie is delightfully buttery with a rich matcha flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
