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Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of unique, delicious cookies that bring a little zen to your sweet tooth, you’re going to absolutely adore this Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. This isn’t your standard chocolate chip cookie — there’s this gorgeous, earthy matcha flavor balanced perfectly with creamy white chocolate chips, and a nutty hint from brown butter that just elevates everything. When I first tried these, I was hooked instantly, and I bet you will be too once you get a bite of that chewy, fragrant cookie magic. Stick around, because I’m diving into every detail so you nail them on your very first try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unique Flavor Combo: The earthy matcha and sweet white chocolate make an irresistible pairing.
  • Brown Butter Boost: Brown butter adds a nutty depth that takes these cookies to the next level.
  • Chewy & Soft Texture: I love how these cookies stay tender but have a perfect little chew to each bite.
  • Easy to Customize: Whether you want more matcha, extra chocolate, or a gluten-free twist, this recipe can handle it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays an important role, creating that perfect balance between flavor and texture. Selecting quality matcha powder and using room temperature eggs will really make your cookies shine. Let me walk you through what you’re working with.

Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Ingredients
  • Unsalted Butter: I always recommend browning your butter here for that irresistible nutty aroma.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The trusty backbone to give structure and tenderness.
  • Baking Soda: Just enough to help your cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavors, balancing the sweetness.
  • Matcha Powder: Use a ceremonial grade for the best vibrant green color and the authentic earthy flavor that’s signature to these cookies.
  • Light Brown Sugar: For moisture and subtle caramel undertones that work beautifully with browned butter.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right crispness to the cookie edges.
  • Lemon Zest: This tiny pop of citrus adds unexpected brightness — trust me, don’t skip it!
  • Large Eggs (Room Temp): Ensures your dough comes together smoothly and your cookies bake evenly.
  • Vanilla Extract: A sweet and warm note to round all the flavors.
  • White Chocolate Chips: These pockets of creamy sweetness balance perfectly with the matcha’s earthiness.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to tweak this Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own — that’s part of the fun!

  • Matcha Intensity: I sometimes double the matcha powder when I want a bolder green tea kick — it’s a delight if you love matcha flavor as much as I do.
  • Chocolate Switch-Up: Substituting white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even a combo adds a deeper chocolate note that’s just dreamy.
  • Vegan Version: I’ve tested swapping butter for vegan butter and eggs for flax eggs — the texture is a bit different but still tasty!
  • Citrus Twist: Try orange zest instead of lemon for a subtly different brightness that pairs beautifully with matcha.

How to Make Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown Your Butter to Perfection

Start by melting your butter over low heat. This is my favorite part because the aroma that fills the kitchen is heavenly. Keep whisking as it foams — you’ll notice little browned bits forming at the bottom and a nutty scent developing. That’s your cue the butter is perfectly browned. Transfer it to a heat-safe bowl and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Patience here pays off with flavor!

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients Together

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder until everything is evenly combined. This step ensures your matcha is dispersed well so every bite has that lovely green tea goodness.

Step 3: Combine Brown Butter, Sugars, and Zest

In another bowl, whisk your warm brown butter with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until nice and smooth. The sugars melt into the warm butter, creating a silky base for the cookie dough.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until just combined. Using eggs at room temperature makes mixing easier and helps prevent cracking or uneven baking.

Step 5: Bring it All Together and Fold in the Chocolate

Slowly mix your dry ingredients into the wet mixture — gently does it! You want to avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender. Once the dough comes together, fold in the white chocolate chips with care.

Step 6: Chill Your Dough

Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them on a lined baking sheet or plate. Pop them into the fridge for 60 minutes — this step is key for preventing spread and helps those flavors bloom. I sometimes double wrap mine with plastic wrap to prevent any fridge smells sneaking in.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Arrange 5-6 chilled dough balls spaced at least 3 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Want extra gooeyness? I like to press a few extra white chocolate chips on top before baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. That short rest on the hot baking sheet helps them set up without getting too crispy.

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Pro Tips for Making Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

  • Use Ceremonial Grade Matcha: For vibrant color and authentic flavor, skip cooking grade and go ceremonial; it’s worth it.
  • Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling your dough isn’t just about spread—it deepens the flavor and improves texture dramatically.
  • Watch Your Oven Closely: Cookies can go from perfectly chewy to overbaked fast—take them out when edges look golden but centers are soft.
  • Extra Zest Boost: Adding fresh lemon zest balances matcha’s earthiness unexpectedly well, try it once and you’ll want it every time.

How to Serve Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I sometimes dust the tops with a sprinkle of extra matcha powder for a finished look — it emphasizes that beautiful green hue and adds an extra hint of matcha flavor. For special occasions, I like to drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a touch of elegance and sweetness.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of hot green tea or a rich matcha latte to amp up the flavor experience. If you want a simple treat, a scoop of vanilla or matcha ice cream alongside makes it next-level indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gift-giving or parties, I like to stack these cookies in a pretty glass jar with layers of parchment paper sprinkled with matcha powder or edible gold dust for a festive feel. They also make the cutest favor when wrapped in cellophane tied with a green ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature — they stay fresh and chewy for up to a week. I’ve learned that placing a slice of bread inside the container helps keep them soft since the bread absorbs excess moisture.

Freezing

If you want to make ahead, the cookie dough freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in a freezer bag for up to two months. Then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. The baked cookies also freeze well; just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To revive leftover cookies, I gently warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference, trust me!

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular melted butter instead of brown butter?

    Yes, you can! Brown butter adds a lovely nutty depth to the flavor, but if you’re short on time or prefer a milder taste, melting unsalted butter without browning it will still give you tasty cookies. Just use ¾ cup of melted butter to replace the browned butter amount.

  2. What kind of matcha powder should I use?

    For the best flavor and vibrant color, I recommend ceremonial grade matcha powder. Culinary grades work, but they tend to be less vibrant and slightly more bitter, so ceremonial grade really brings that authentic green tea taste.

  3. How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?

    Chilling the dough is key! It prevents spreading and helps develop texture. Bake just until edges turn golden and centers still look a bit soft. Also, storing with a slice of bread keeps moisture balanced for soft cookies later.

  4. Can I substitute white chocolate chips?

    Absolutely! You can try dark chocolate chips or even matcha-infused chocolate for a different twist. Just keep in mind white chocolate offers a sweet creaminess that balances the earthy matcha nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites — it’s a delightful change from classic cookies, with vibrant color and flavor that impresses every time. I love pulling these out when friends come over or when I want a comforting, special treat to enjoy alongside my tea. If you love matcha or creative cookies, I highly recommend giving this recipe a go. You’ll find yourself reaching for these sweet green gems again and again, trust me!

Print
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Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 111 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 18 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These chewy Matcha Cookies combine the earthy, vibrant flavor of ceremonial-grade matcha green tea with the rich nuttiness of brown butter and sweetness of white chocolate chips. Perfect for matcha lovers looking for a unique and flavorful treat, these cookies offer a lovely balance of texture and taste with a subtle lemon zest brightness.


Ingredients

Brown Butter Base

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (240 g) all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 tablespoons matcha powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 2 large eggs (US), room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup (140 g) white chocolate chips


Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Allow it to foam, whisking frequently as the foaming subsides and the butter releases a nutty aroma with browned bits at the bottom. Remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe bowl to cool for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder until evenly combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk the warm brown butter with light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and lemon zest until smooth. Then whisk in the eggs one at a time and add the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Form the Dough: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips gently to distribute evenly.
  5. Chill the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of dough onto a lined baking sheet or plate. Refrigerate the dough balls for 60 minutes to firm up.
  6. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange 5-6 dough balls on each sheet about 3 inches apart, optionally topping each with extra white chocolate chips.
  7. Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden brown but centers remain soft and chewy.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies sit for 3 minutes on the hot sheet. Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely to room temperature before enjoying.

Notes

  • Matcha Powder: Use ceremonial grade matcha powder for the best vibrant green color and authentic green tea flavor.
  • Brown Butter Tip: The brown butter adds a toasty, nutty flavor. To use regular melted butter, substitute ¾ cup melted unsalted butter instead of 1 cup to achieve similar consistency.
  • Storing Cookie Dough: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Storing Baked Cookies: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

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