Name: Matcha Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 cup softened butter (vegan or regular); 3/4 cup white sugar; 1/4 cup apple sauce; 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste; 1 3/4 cup gluten free all purpose baking flour (can also use regular all-purpose flour); 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2-3 teaspoons matcha powder; 2/3 cup white chocolate chips; Sanding sugar for rolling

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 78 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines a subtle earthy flavor with classic sweetness, this Matcha Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies perfectly balance the vibrant green hue and unique bitterness of matcha with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you reaching for one after another. Whether you’re a matcha lover or just discovering this beautiful ingredient, these cookies bring joy in every bite and are sure to become a fast favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a rough, soft dough mixture that is a light green color with small darker green specks. A pink silicone spatula with a wooden handle is resting inside the bowl on the right side, partially covered with the dough. The texture of the dough looks thick and slightly crumbly, and the scene is lit brightly with soft shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Matcha Sugar Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a cookie bursting with flavor, the perfect texture, and a gorgeous green color. Each component contributes its own special touch, whether it’s the creamy softness from the butter or the delicate bite from the matcha powder.

1/2 cup softened butter (vegan or regular): Provides richness and a tender crumb, so make sure it’s properly softened for easy mixing.
3/4 cup white sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with the cookie’s slight crunch.
1/4 cup apple sauce: Acts as a moisture enhancer and a subtle naturally sweet substitute for eggs or more butter.
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste: Brings warm, aromatic depth that plays beautifully with matcha’s earthy notes.
1 3/4 cup gluten free all purpose baking flour (can also use regular AP): The base that gives structure — spoon and level carefully for consistent cookies.
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch: Adds softness and delicate texture to the cookies.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for that perfect bite.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for balanced leavening.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and matcha flavors wonderfully.
2-3 teaspoons matcha powder: The star ingredient that gives those vibrant green specks and unique flavor.
Sanding sugar for rolling: Creates a sparkly, sugary crust that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Optional: 2/3 cup white chocolate chips: For an extra sweet and creamy surprise in every bite.

How to Make Matcha Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Start by softening the butter — either just left out at room temperature or briefly warmed — then beat it together with the sugar for about a full minute. This step is crucial because it aerates the butter to give your cookies a light, tender texture, while beginning to dissolve the sugar for a perfect balance of crisp and chew.

Step 2: Add Apple Sauce and Vanilla

Next, mix in the apple sauce and vanilla bean paste. The apple sauce not only contributes moisture to the dough but also keeps the cookies soft without adding extra fat, making them subtly healthier yet irresistibly delicious. The vanilla enhances the depth of flavor, harmonizing beautifully with matcha’s unique taste.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients — the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and of course, the matcha powder. It’s important to spoon and level the flour to avoid packing too much, which could make the cookies dense. Gradually add the dry mix to your wet ingredients and gently fold everything until perfectly combined. If you choose to add white chocolate chips, now’s the time to stir them in for little pockets of creamy sweetness.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Pop your cookie dough into the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes. This chilled rest time makes the dough easier to handle and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It’s also key to getting those nice, thick, soft centers that make these cookies so special.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. A properly heated oven ensures your cookies bake evenly with that perfect outside crunch and soft interior.

Step 6: Scoop, Roll, and Sugarcoat

Remove the dough from the fridge and use a medium cookie scoop to form uniform balls. Roll each ball in sanding sugar — this creates a sparkling, lightly crunchy finish and contrasts beautifully with the smooth cookie dough. Place the sugar-coated dough balls on parchment-lined baking sheets, giving them plenty of space as they will spread a little during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 15 minutes, with 13 minutes being the sweet spot in most ovens. Keep an eye on them — they should be lightly golden at the edges while still soft in the center. Remember, they firm up as they cool, so avoid over-baking to retain that tender texture.

Step 8: Shape and Cool

As soon as the cookies come out warm from the oven, use a round cookie cutter to gently nudge their edges for perfectly circular shapes. Let them cool completely before enjoying so they reach the ideal chewy-soft contrast with a slight crisp on the outside.

How to Serve Matcha Sugar Cookies Recipe

The image shows two round green cookies on a white piece of crumpled parchment paper placed on a metal cooling rack with a white marbled surface underneath. Each cookie has a cracked texture on top with large sugar crystals sprinkled over. One cookie is whole while the other has a bite taken out of it, showing its soft inside. There are small green powder sprinkles scattered around on the parchment and the marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

If you want to elevate these cookies for a special occasion, sprinkle a tiny pinch of matcha powder on top or drizzle a bit of white chocolate for added visual appeal and flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy touch that contrasts beautifully with the green.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with simple beverages like a hot cup of green tea or a frothy matcha latte to amplify their flavors. For an indulgent twist, serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their delicate sweetness and earthy undertones.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these Matcha Sugar Cookies Recipe beauties stacked on a rustic wooden board with fresh flowers or green leaves for a natural, elegant look that matches their color and flavor. They also make adorable gifts—package a dozen in a pretty tin or jar, and add a handwritten note about the love baked inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The key is to avoid moisture to maintain that lovely crispy edge while the centers stay soft and chewy.

Freezing

You can freeze both the raw dough and baked cookies! For the dough, shape into balls and freeze on a sheet before transferring to a freezer bag — bake directly from frozen with a minute or two added to baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature and they taste freshly baked.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the cookies warm again, heat them gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This will soften the interior and refresh the texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of sanding sugar?

Yes, regular white sugar works perfectly for rolling the dough balls; sanding sugar just offers a bit more sparkle and texture but the taste remains delightful either way.

How much matcha powder should I use for the best flavor?

The recipe suggests 2-3 teaspoons depending on how green and strong you want the matcha flavor. Start with 2 teaspoons if you prefer a milder taste, and increase to 3 for a more pronounced earthy note.

Are these cookies vegan?

They can be! Using vegan butter and ensuring your white chocolate chips are dairy-free makes this recipe suitable for vegans without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I substitute apple sauce with something else?

If you don’t have apple sauce, mashed banana or even a bit of yogurt can be used to maintain moisture, but keep in mind that it might slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firms up the fats, which reduces spreading and helps the cookies hold their shape. It also improves texture, making the cookies thicker and more tender.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Matcha Sugar Cookies Recipe a try — it’s a wonderful way to brighten your baking routine with something a little different yet incredibly satisfying. These cookies bring a touch of elegance to any occasion, with their vibrant color and irresistible flavor combo. Happy baking!