Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe (with Brown Butter)

These Easy Matcha Cookies with Brown Butter are an absolute dream for cookie lovers and matcha fans alike. They’re soft, chewy, nutty, and filled with the rich, earthy depth of premium matcha paired with the irresistible nuttiness of brown butter. The best part? They come together with minimal fuss, making them perfect for a quick weekday bake or a last-minute treat that feels seriously fancy. Whether you’re craving something a little different or trying to impress a tea-loving friend, this is the cookie recipe you didn’t know you needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Fuss-Free: These cookies come together faster than you think, especially with brown butter already cooled and ready. No chilling required!
• Incredible Flavor Combo: The rich nuttiness of brown butter balances the earthy, slightly bitter matcha for a complex, delicious bite every time.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies stay chewy in the center with just the right crisp edge. They’re bakery-level cookies without the bakery-level effort.
• Aesthetic and Unique: That natural green color makes them stand out on any cookie tray—and they taste even better than they look.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make your matcha magic happen:

• Unsalted Butter: Browned for a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the matcha beautifully.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and a lightly crisp edge.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and chewiness with a subtle caramel flavor.
• Egg: Binds the dough and helps give the cookie structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a hint of warmth and sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie, giving it structure without being too dense.
• High-Quality Matcha Powder: Culinary-grade matcha gives the best color and earthy taste—don’t skimp here!
• Baking Soda: For just the right rise and soft, spreadable texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Optional Add-Ins: White chocolate chips or chopped macadamia nuts are amazing additions.

Variations

Feel like switching things up? Here are a few fun ways to play with this recipe:

• White Chocolate Dream: Add white chocolate chips for a creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with matcha.
• Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped macadamia or pistachios for extra crunch and richness.
• Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut for a tropical spin.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—these cookies hold up really well!

How to Make Easy Matcha Cookies (with Brown Butter)

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently as it foams and then turns golden with a nutty aroma. Once it’s browned (not burned!), remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Line Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with both sugars. Mix until well combined and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix again until smooth.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms. Don’t overmix!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Scoop out cookie dough balls and place them on the lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look a bit soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll continue to set as they cool—so don’t worry if they look a little soft at first!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Quality Matcha: A good culinary-grade matcha makes all the difference in flavor and color.
• Let Brown Butter Cool: Don’t rush this step. Hot butter will mess with your dough texture and cook the eggs too early.
• Don’t Overbake: Take them out when the centers are still soft. They’ll finish setting as they cool and stay perfectly chewy.
• Rest the Dough: If you have time, a 30-minute rest in the fridge deepens the flavor, but it’s optional.

How to Serve

These cookies are just as good warm out of the oven as they are cooled the next day.

On Their Own:

Serve with a hot cup of green tea, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.

As a Dessert Base:

Turn them into ice cream sandwiches using vanilla or matcha ice cream.

For Entertaining:

Stack them on a dessert platter alongside other colorful treats—these green gems make everything look more exciting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy the whole time.

Freezing

Freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

Pop a baked cookie in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

FAQs

Can I use ceremonial grade matcha?
Yes, but it’s not necessary. Ceremonial matcha is higher quality and more expensive, but for baking, a good-quality culinary matcha is perfect and more cost-effective.

Why brown the butter instead of using regular melted butter?
Browned butter brings a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these cookies to the next level. It pairs especially well with the earthiness of matcha and gives the cookies depth.

What if I don’t have matcha?
If you’re out of matcha, this recipe won’t have the same signature flavor or color, but you could substitute with cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.

Why did my cookies turn out dry or crumbly?
Most likely, the flour was overmeasured. Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid packing it in.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Matcha Cookies with Brown Butter are everything a great cookie should be—flavorful, soft, and just a bit unique. They’re simple enough for weeknight baking but special enough to share (if you’re feeling generous). Give them a try and fall in love with this delicious matcha and brown butter combo!

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