Chocolate Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love a cookie that feels both classic and exciting, then this Chocolate Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. The rich buttery crumb pairs beautifully with the subtle earthiness of matcha and the deep chocolate flavor all rolled into one perfect bite. I absolutely love how these cookies come out crisp yet tender, and the little pops of color from the cocoa and matcha just make them so fun to bake and share. Stick around—I’m going to walk you through everything you need to make these showstopper cookies a total success in your kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here lies in a simple yet rich cookie dough base, enhanced with the earthy joy of matcha powder and the decadent depth of cocoa. I like to use good quality matcha—bright green and not bitter—and natural unsalted butter for the best flavor.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, it gives structure but keeps the cookie tender.
• Salt: Just a pinch to brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter ensures a smooth, creamy dough without over-softening.
• Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and contributes to a lovely crisp edge.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: A warm background note that complements both chocolate and matcha beautifully.
• Cocoa powder: Use natural unsweetened cocoa for a rich chocolate layer that’s not overpowering.
• Matcha powder: Pick a high-quality culinary grade for that fresh, vegetal taste and vibrant color.
• Decorations (optional): I like using coarse sugar crystals for sparkle, melted white and dark chocolate for drizzles, crushed pistachios for a nutty crunch, and even a bit of Nutella or jam for sandwich cookies.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Chocolate Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to amp up the chocolate or keep things light and leafy with extra matcha, there’s room to experiment. Plus, it’s a perfect base if you’re feeling festive or want to tone down the caffeine.

• Double Chocolate: Add more cocoa powder to the chocolate dough and sprinkle mini chocolate chips for extra fudgy bites—my kids adore this twist.
• Matcha Mint: Stir a few drops of peppermint extract into the matcha dough for a refreshing holiday vibe.
• Nut-Free Swap: Skip the pistachios in decorations and use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch, perfect for allergy-friendly treats.
• Sandwich Cookies: Use jam, Nutella, or white chocolate ganache to sandwich two cookies together for extra indulgence and fun.

How to Make Chocolate Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Basic Dough (Magic Starts Here!)

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour and salt—this ensures your salt is evenly distributed and helps avoid salty pockets later. In a larger bowl, beat the room temperature butter using an electric mixer until it’s super creamy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes at medium speed. Then gradually add the sugar and keep beating until fluffy and light, which is the crumbly dough’s secret to tender cookies. Add the egg and vanilla and mix just until combined. Finally, fold in your flour mixture on low, mixing until the dough just holds together but remains pleasantly crumbly. I usually give it a gentle squeeze—the dough should hold but still feel soft. It’s okay if some flour spots hang out; that just means you won’t overwork the dough.

Step 2: Divide and Flavor Your Dough

Split your dough into three roughly equal portions. Leave one bowl as is for the classic butter cookie base. To one bowl, add the cocoa powder and knead it gently into the dough wearing gloves (unless you want chocolate fingers—they’re fun too!). To the other, add the matcha powder and knead until the dough is evenly flecked with a vivid green tint. This step is where you get that lovely visual and taste contrast. I discovered this trick when I first wanted a cookie box with variety but no extra fuss.

Step 3: Roll and Chill for Perfect Texture

Place each dough portion between two sheets of parchment paper and roll out evenly until about 1/8 inch thick. This thickness lets the cookies bake crisp but not too hard. Chill the rolled-out dough flat in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours until firm—this step is crucial for clean cookie cutters and crisp edges. I like to prepare these in advance and find chilling really improves handling. Just don’t forget to set a timer; you don’t want these to dry out, so keep them covered or wrapped if chilling longer.

Step 4: Cut and Bake Your Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Start with one dough sheet: peel off the top parchment and use your favorite cookie cutters to punch out shapes, leaving about half an inch between cookies. Transfer those shapes gently onto the baking sheet, keeping scraps to re-roll later. Pop the sheet in the fridge while you repeat with the other doughs and re-roll scraps as needed. Baking chilled dough keeps cookies from spreading too much and helps preserve the shape. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges just turn golden—keep an eye on them because thinner cookies bake faster. Once out, transfer to a rack and cool completely.

I used to struggle with getting my cookies to bake evenly, but chilling both dough and cookie-laden sheets before baking made all the difference.

How to Serve Chocolate Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love dressing up these cookies with a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate—it adds a glossy finish and enough sweetness to balance the matcha’s earthiness. Crushed pistachios sprinkled over the chocolate give a satisfying crunch and a pop of color. Sometimes I dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, especially on sandwich cookies filled with jam or Nutella. You might find that a sprinkle of coarse sugar crystals before baking gives a pretty sparkle that’s just irresistible.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of green tea to echo the matcha, or a rich black coffee to contrast the sweet butteriness. I’ve also served them at brunch alongside fresh berries and a yogurt parfait—the combination always gets compliments!

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, I love arranging the cookies in decorative boxes layered with parchment paper, mixing the three colors for a cheerful effect. Making sandwich cookies with jam or Nutella and stacking them in cellophane bags tied with ribbons makes perfect homemade gifts. You could also use cookie cutters to create wreath shapes or stack cookies with alternating flavors—for example, a matcha cookie topped with a chocolate cutout cookie pressed gently on top for a fun look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment to keep them crisp. They generally last about a week at room temperature without losing that buttery crunch. If your kitchen’s humid, I recommend popping the container in the fridge for longer freshness.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing both dough and baked cookies. For dough, I wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge, then roll and bake as usual. Baked cookies freeze well too—pack them airtight with parchment layers—and thaw at room temp to retain texture.

Reheating

To refresh cookies, I lightly warm them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked aroma and crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soft or greasy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Matcha Butter Cookies Recipe has become a beloved classic in my kitchen. There’s something so satisfying about crafting cookies that look beautiful and taste like a little celebration in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies deliver that special blend of buttery softness, chocolate richness, and matcha freshness that your taste buds will thank you for. I can’t wait for you to try them and make your own delicious memories with this recipe—because trust me, once you do, these cookies will be on repeat!

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