Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies

This matcha chocolate chip cookie recipe brings together the earthy complexity of Japanese green tea with classic chocolate chip cookie comfort. The vibrant green cookies deliver a unique flavor experience that's both familiar and exotic—perfect for those looking to elevate their cookie game with superfood benefits.

I first made these cookies for a friend's Japanese-themed dinner party and they were such a hit that they've become my signature contribution to any gathering. The subtle bitterness of the matcha balances the sweetness perfectly, creating what my nephew calls "fancy Hulk cookies."

Ingredients

• ¾ cup flour: Provides the structure for these cookies while keeping them tender
• ½ Tbsp Aiya Culinary Grade Matcha: Delivers vibrant color and earthy flavor; look for bright green powder with a fresh aroma
• ¼ tsp baking powder: Gives just enough lift without making them cakey
• 4 ½ Tbsp butter: Makes these cookies rich but not overly greasy; quality matters here
• 1 egg: Binds everything together and adds richness
• ⅓ cup sugar: Balances the slight bitterness of the matcha
• 1 oz chocolate chips: Create pockets of sweetness throughout the cookie; choose high quality chips for the best flavor contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the dry ingredients:

Sift the matcha, baking powder, and flour together thoroughly to ensure the matcha is evenly distributed and there are no lumps. This step is crucial for that uniform green color throughout your cookies.

Create the butter base:

Allow the butter to come to room temperature and stir until completely creamy and smooth. This usually takes about 5 minutes of hand mixing. Gradually incorporate the sugar in three portions, ensuring each addition is fully integrated before adding more. The mixture should become lighter in color and slightly fluffy.

Add the egg:

Beat the egg separately in a small bowl until uniform, then mix it into your butter sugar mixture until fully incorporated. The batter will become smoother and more glossy at this stage.

Incorporate the dry ingredients:

Gently fold the sifted matcha flour mixture into your wet ingredients using a spatula. Use a cutting and folding motion rather than vigorous stirring to maintain tenderness. Continue until no dry spots remain but be careful not to overmix.

Add chocolate and rest:

Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough. Allow the dough to rest for about 15 minutes; this relaxes the gluten and allows the matcha flavor to fully integrate with the other ingredients.

Shape the cookies:

Roll small balls of dough between your palms, about 1 tablespoon each. Place them on a parchment lined cookie sheet with at least 2 inches between each cookie. Gently flatten each ball slightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass.

First bake:

Preheat your oven to 340°F. Place the cookie sheet in the middle rack of the oven and bake for exactly 10 minutes. The cookies will begin to set but won't look fully done.

Second bake:

Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F and continue baking for approximately 10 more minutes. This two temperature approach creates the perfect texture: crisp exterior with a slightly softer center.

Cool and enjoy:

Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. Transfer to a wire cooling rack immediately and allow to cool completely. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

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The matcha is truly the star ingredient here. When I first started baking with matcha years ago, I used culinary grade but discovered that ceremonial grade, while more expensive, creates an even more vibrant color and nuanced flavor profile. My grandmother who had never tried matcha before became completely obsessed with these cookies and now requests them for every family gathering.

Storage Tips

These matcha cookies maintain their freshness remarkably well when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place the cooled cookies in a freezer safe container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. The matcha flavor actually becomes more pronounced after the first day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of green tea for a perfectly harmonious flavor combination. For an elegant dessert presentation, sandwich two cookies with a thin layer of white chocolate ganache or matcha cream cheese frosting. They also make an impressive addition to a cookie platter where their vibrant green color stands out beautifully against traditional cookies. During summer months, try crumbling these cookies over vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert with contrasting textures.

Cultural Context

Matcha has been central to Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, valued for both its meditative preparation process and health benefits. These cookies represent a modern fusion of Eastern ingredients with Western baking traditions. The vibrant green color of matcha has symbolic significance in Japanese culture, representing nature, harmony, and growth. Originally consumed by Buddhist monks for sustained energy during meditation, matcha has now found its way into global culinary applications. This recipe honors that tradition while making it accessible to home bakers everywhere.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What type of matcha works best?

A culinary-grade matcha is ideal for baking as it provides a deep flavor and vibrant green color without overpowering the cookies.

→ Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even add nuts like almonds or pecans for variation.

→ How do I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Why is there a two-step baking process?

The two-step baking process ensures the cookies are baked evenly and achieve a perfect crunchy texture without burning.

→ Can I adjust the matcha flavor intensity?

Yes, you can increase or decrease the matcha powder depending on your taste preference for a stronger or milder flavor.