Matcha Crinkle Cookies

There’s something magical about crinkle cookies—those little cracks in the powdered sugar that give them a frosty, wintery look. Now imagine that same magic, but with the earthy, delicate flavor of matcha. Matcha crinkle cookies combine the soft chewiness of a classic crinkle cookie with the aromatic bitterness of green tea, creating a unique treat that’s perfect for the holiday season or as an everyday delight. If you’re a fan of matcha or simply looking to add a new twist to your cookie platter, these matcha crinkle cookies will become a go-to!

My love affair with matcha started during a visit to Japan a few years ago. Every morning, I would find myself enjoying a bowl of traditional matcha tea with a small sweet treat, balancing the bitterness of the tea with the perfect touch of sweetness. When I returned home, I knew I had to bring that experience into my baking. These cookies were born out of a desire to blend the comfort of a classic cookie with the elegance of matcha. I first made them during the holidays, and now, they have become a festive staple. Their snowy appearance is just perfect for Christmas, and the taste never fails to transport me back to those serene moments in Japan.

Matcha Crinkle Cookies

Recipe by EmmaCourse: Cake Ideas

Servings

24

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

90

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
  

Steps

• Prepare the Dry Ingredients
  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. The matcha will give the flour a beautiful green tint, hinting at the flavor magic to come.
• Cream the Butter and Sugar
  In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The butter should look pale and airy.
• Add the Eggs and Vanilla
  Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract. This step adds richness and depth to the cookie dough.
• Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
  Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as you want your cookies to remain tender and soft.
• Chill the Dough
  Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle and helps achieve that distinctive crinkle look when baked.
• Preheat the Oven
  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Shape and Roll the Cookies
  Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar until fully coated. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake the Cookies
  Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies have spread slightly, revealing the crinkle pattern. The tops should remain soft, and the sugar will create a striking contrast with the vibrant green.
• Cool and Serve
  Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delicate matcha flavor with a slight crisp outside and soft, chewy interior!

Serving Information

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Prep time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Bake time: 10-12 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 90 per cookie

Emma’s Tips

• Matcha Quality: Use a high-quality culinary matcha for the best flavor and vibrant green color. Lower quality matcha may result in a dull color and overly bitter taste.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the cookies hold their shape and creates that lovely crinkle effect.
• Rolling in Powdered Sugar: Be generous with the powdered sugar coating; it helps achieve that snowy, festive look.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the dough. The matcha’s natural bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

• These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of warm matcha tea.
• For an extra special holiday touch, arrange them on a plate with other festive cookies like chocolate crinkles or gingerbread men. The contrast in colors makes for a beautiful dessert spread!
• You can also serve them with a light vanilla or matcha ice cream for a fun, indulgent dessert.

Until Our Next Recipe

These matcha crinkle cookies are the perfect way to introduce the unique flavor of matcha into your holiday baking repertoire—or any time you crave something sweet and different. With their striking green color and snowy crinkle tops, they’ll add a touch of elegance to your dessert table while delivering a flavor that’s both nostalgic and new. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag me—I’d love to see your matcha crinkle cookies.