I’ve been baking these Matcha White Chocolate Cookies on repeat ever since I first tested the recipe—and let me tell you, they’re something special. The earthy depth of high-quality matcha meets the creamy sweetness of white chocolate in every soft, chewy bite. I love how the vibrant green color makes them stand out on any cookie tray, but it’s the flavor that keeps people coming back for more.
These Matcha White Chocolate Cookies are perfect when you're craving something a little different—elegant, not too sweet, and just the right balance of bitter and buttery. Whether you’re baking for friends, a holiday cookie exchange, or just treating yourself, this Matcha White Chocolate Cookies recipe is easy to follow and always delivers. Trust me, once you try these Matcha White Chocolate Cookies, you'll be hooked.
Why Matcha White Chocolate Cookies Are So Popular
Matcha White Chocolate Cookies have totally earned their spotlight in the baking world—and I can see why! Ever since I started experimenting with matcha in my kitchen, I’ve been hooked on the way its earthy, almost savory notes blend so effortlessly with creamy white chocolate. This Japanese-inspired treat isn’t just trendy—it’s downright irresistible.
I especially love baking these Matcha White Chocolate Cookies around the holidays when their bold green color makes every cookie tray feel festive and fun. They’re cozy, comforting, and feel just a little bit fancy—especially alongside a warm mug of green tea or hot cocoa. Whether you're new to matcha or already a fan, these cookies are an absolute must-bake.
Jump to:
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Equipment for Perfect Results
- Storage Instructions
- The Secret Behind Perfectly Chewy Matcha White Chocolate Cookies
- FAQ
- Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Matcha White Chocolate Cookies
- Related
- Pairing
- Matcha White Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Matcha green tea powder (ceremonial grade recommended)
- Baking soda
- Salt
Wet Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- Brown sugar, packed
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs, room temperature
- Vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- White chocolate chips
- Chopped macadamia nuts (optional, for matcha macadamia cookies variation)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:
- Matcha Powder: Use ceremonial grade matcha for the best sweet matcha flavor. Culinary grade works too but may taste more bitter. For vegan matcha cookies, the Matcha White Chocolate Cookies recipe works the same.
- White Chocolate: High-quality white chocolate chips give the best creamy texture. For vegan white chocolate options, use dairy-free white chocolate chips.
- Flour: Swap with almond flour for gluten-free cookies, though texture will be slightly different.
- Butter: For vegan cookies, use plant-based butter that's suitable for baking.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare and Mix Dry Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha green tea powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Make sure the matcha is evenly distributed with no clumps – this gives you that beautiful, consistent green color throughout your cookies.
Create the Cookie Base
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars using an electric mixer.
- Beat for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy cookie texture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy.
Combine and Add Mix-ins
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Don't overmix – this keeps your cookies tender rather than tough.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- If you're making matcha macadamia cookies, add the chopped nuts now too.
Shape, Bake and Cool
- Scoop the dough into balls about 2 tablespoons each and place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes for soft cookies, or 10-12 minutes for slightly crispier edges. The centers should still look slightly underbaked when you remove them.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them finish cooking and prevents breaking.
- Step 1: Prepare and Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, matcha, baking soda, and salt together until well blended.
- Step 2: Create the Cookie Base
Cream butter and sugars, then mix in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
- Step 3: Combine and Add Mix-ins
Fold in the dry ingredients and white chocolate chips gently.
- Step 4: Shape, Bake and Cool
Scoop dough, bake briefly, and let cool on the pan.
Hints and Tips for the Best Matcha White Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Here's a game-changing tip: chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much and gives you those perfect thick Matcha White Chocolate Cookies with soft centers and slightly crispy edges.
For even better flavor, let your dough rest overnight in the fridge – the matcha flavor will develop and become more complex.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
These matcha white chocolate cookies aren't just delicious – they're also packed with antioxidants from the green tea powder! Matcha contains catechins and L-theanine, which may help with focus and provide a gentle energy boost without the jitters.
Serve these cookies alongside:
- Hot green tea or matcha lattes
- Vanilla ice cream for a matcha dessert sundae
- Fresh berries for a lighter finish
- A glass of cold milk for the kids
The rich and creamy white chocolate perfectly balances the earthy matcha, making these cookies appealing even to those new to green tea flavors.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Matcha White Chocolate Brownies Variation
Want something fudgier? Use this same flavor combo to make white chocolate matcha brownies by reducing the flour to 1½ cups and adding an extra egg.
Different Add-ins
- Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor
- Add dried cranberries for a tart contrast
- Include sesame seeds for authentic Japanese flavoring
- Try pistachios instead of macadamias for a beautiful color contrast
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter and vegan white chocolate chips
- Lower sugar: Reduce both sugars by ¼ cup each
Equipment for Perfect Results
- A stand mixer or electric hand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugars much easier and gives better results than mixing by hand.
- Large cookie scoops help create evenly sized cookies that bake uniformly. If you don't have one, use two spoons to portion the dough.
- Parchment paper is essential for easy removal and prevents sticking better than just greasing the pans.
- A fine-mesh sifter helps break up any clumps in the matcha powder for smooth, even color distribution.
Storage Instructions
Store your matcha white chocolate cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Pro tip: You can also freeze the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
The Secret Behind Perfectly Chewy Matcha White Chocolate Cookies
Here’s something I wish someone had told me when I first started baking Matcha White Chocolate Cookies—don’t wait until they look fully baked. The real magic happens after you pull them from the oven while they still look a little underdone.
I learned this trick the hard way, after a few too many overbaked batches! Letting them finish cooking on the hot pan keeps the centers soft and chewy, just how they’re meant to be. And don’t skip the room temperature ingredients—they help everything mix more evenly, giving your cookies that dreamy texture every time.
FAQ
How long do matcha cookies last?
Matcha cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months—just let them thaw at room temp before enjoying. Keep them away from direct sunlight to preserve their vibrant green color and signature flavor.
Why did my matcha cookies turn brown?
If your matcha cookies turned brown, it’s likely due to overbaking or using lower-quality matcha powder. Matcha is sensitive to heat, and baking too long can dull its green color. Always use high-quality ceremonial or culinary-grade matcha and pull cookies out slightly underdone to maintain their bright green hue and fresh, earthy flavor.
What does matcha white chocolate taste like?
Matcha white chocolate has a unique flavor that’s both earthy and sweet. The matcha brings subtle grassy, slightly bitter notes, while the white chocolate adds creamy richness. Together, they create a balanced, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s not overly sweet—just smooth, comforting, and a little luxurious. It’s a flavor combo that surprises and delights in every bite.
What is the nutritional info of matcha cookies?
Nutritional info can vary by recipe, but on average, one matcha white chocolate cookie contains about 150–200 calories, with around 8–10 grams of fat, 15–20 grams of carbs, and 2–3 grams of protein. They also offer a small antioxidant boost from the matcha. For exact values, check the nutrition label or use a recipe calculator.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Matcha White Chocolate Cookies
These Matcha White Chocolate Cookies are more than just a pretty treat—they’re a celebration of flavor and texture that hits all the right notes. The delicate bitterness of matcha paired with sweet, melty white chocolate creates a cookie that feels both comforting and elevated, making it a standout for holidays, gatherings, or cozy afternoons at home.
If you’re into creative cookie recipes like these, don’t miss our dreamy Blueberry Pie Cookies or the indulgent Tiramisu Cookies—both are absolute crowd-pleasers! Once you take your first bite of these green tea gems, you’ll understand why matcha baking is here to stay. If you try them, I’d love to hear how they turn out—drop a comment below and leave a star rating to help other home bakers!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Matcha White Chocolate Cookies recipe:
Matcha White Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer For best creaming texture
- Fine-mesh sieve To sift matcha and avoid clumps
- Baking sheets Lined with parchment paper
- Cookie scoop For even-sized cookies
- Wire cooling rack Helps cookies set evenly
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups All-purpose flour Can sub 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed
- 3 tablespoon Matcha powder Ceremonial grade for best flavor & color
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter Room temperature
- ¾ cup Brown sugar Packed
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs Room temperature
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1½ cups White chocolate chips Use high-quality or vegan chips
- ½ cup Chopped macadamia nuts Optional, for matcha macadamia variation
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Whisk dry ingredients
- Cream butter and sugars
- Add eggs and vanilla
- Mix in dry ingredients
- Fold in chocolate chips
- Chill dough 30 minutes
- Scoop and shape cookies
- Bake 8–10 minutes
- Cool before serving
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