Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (2024)

Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (1)

Bake, Dessert

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Hey guys, it’s Sierra! Today I have for you an easy recipe to make amazing melt-in-your-mouth matcha green tea shortbread cookies!

Lately, I’ve been making a lot of different kinds of matcha cookies. As much as I love melty, chewy cookies, nothing beats the flaky, crisp ones — particularly the shortbread style. I’ve made this for my sister, my coworkers, Kevin, and his family, and I got an overwhelming amount of positive feedback. It was such a big hit that I wanted to share this simple, quick recipe with you.

Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (2)
Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (3)
Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (4)
Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (5)

What Is Shortbread?

Shortbread is a traditional Scottish biscuit, and it is not the same thing as sugar cookies! It’s called “shortbread” because the high proportion of butter creates a crumbly texture, in result, shortening the pastry. There are many variations and twists to baking shortbread cookies, but I stayed true to the classic way of making them, following the 321 ratio.

What is the 321 ratio? It’s the weight ratio of flour to butter to sugar (notice there is no egg in this recipe). These three are the main ingredients along with nothing else besides a pinch of salt, some vanilla extract, and matcha powder. Shortbread cookies also require the least amount of sugar among other types of cookies. Definitely a better choice if you are watching your sugar intake!

Getting the ratio right in a recipe is extremely important. Baking is no joke! In order for me to stay on top of these ratios, I did use a kitchen scale. But don’t worry–I have converted metric units to US Customary units for you.

One thing to keep in mind before getting started: feel free to substitute granulated sugar with powdered sugar for softer, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. I kept it as granulated sugar to keep mine a little crispier, but don’t worry, these will still melt in your mouth. Read more about it here.

Matcha Desserts

For this recipe, I decided to add an Asian twist to the traditional Scottish shortbread cookie recipe. Matcha has been a popular baking ingredient lately, and I can definitely understand why.

Unlike many Western desserts, for Asian desserts, the goal is to create a “not-too-sweet” dessert. When you buy something at an Asian bakery, the first flavor you notice should never be “sweet”. You’ll probably taste the main flavor, such as fruit or matcha, and the sweetness will be used to complement that flavor.

That was the goal with adding matcha to these shortbread cookies. The slightly bitter taste of the green tea powder helps offset the sweetness of the sugar, and it adds a bit more complexity to the flavor. The combination of the butter, matcha, and sugar creates an amazingly refreshing and light flavor compared to the normal richness of the classic shortbread cookie.

Now let’s get started on this addicting matcha green tea shortbread cookie recipe!

Looking for similar tea-based desserts? Check out our Earl Grey Pound Cake and Earl Grey Soufflé recipes!

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Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (6)

Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies

4 from 8 votes

Recipe by Sierra ParkCourse: DessertCuisine: FusionDifficulty: Intermediate

Servings

18

cookies

Prep time

1

hour

30

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

These matcha green tea shortbread cookies are so delicious that you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make! By enhancing the flavor of traditional shortbread cookies with matcha, this is a modern take on a classic cookie that won’t go out of style any time soon. You have the melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread complemented by the smooth taste of matcha, creating a perfectly balanced cookie.

Ingredients

  • 120 g unsalted butter, softened at room-temperature (8¼ tbsp)

  • 60 g granulated sugar (4 tbsp + 1½ tsp)

  • 180 g all-purpose flour (1 cup)

  • 1 g salt (¼ tsp)

  • 1 1/2 tbsp matcha powder add up to 2 tbsp for stronger flavor

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar (optional for decoration)

  • Equipment
  • Mixing bowls

  • Hand mixer

  • Silicone spatula

  • Baking sheet

Directions

  • Using a hand-mixer or a whisk, beat butter until creamy. Do not overbeat as you will add sugar and beat more. This step is just to make sure sugar will incorporate better into the butter
  • Add sugar and beat until light and fluffyClassic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (7)
  • Sift in all-purpose flour and salt into the creamed mixture.Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (8)
  • Add in matcha powder and vanilla extract and beat until crumbles have formed and there is no unmixed dry ingredientsClassic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (9)
  • Using your hands or spatula, press the mixture together until it combines into a doughClassic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (10)
  • Shape it to a rectangular block and wrap it in cling wrap. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight)Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (11)
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Lightly cover the top with powdered sugar, sifting in the process (optional)Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (12)
  • Slice the block into ⅓ inch-thick pieces and place them on the baking sheet. These cookies don’t rise you don’t need to put too much spacing between them, but make to leave some room between each cookieClassic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (13)
  • Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. After removing them from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to wire rack to cool them. Lightly cover the top with sifted powdered sugar if desired. Be sure they are completely cooled before storing them away! Best kept in freezer and defrost in room-temprature or baked at 350°F (175°C) for 1-2 minutesClassic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (14)

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Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (15)

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3 Comments

  1. Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (16)

    Jun

    April 28, 2020 at 10:45 am·Reply

    Like it a lot. Will try when I have a chance.

  2. Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (17)

    Yulie

    May 9, 2020 at 7:57 am·Reply

    Can testify to this recipe’s deliciousness~~

  3. Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (18)

    Lutie Park

    December 11, 2020 at 5:21 pm·Reply

    My nephew made these for me and they are so yummy.

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Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (19)

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Classic Matcha Green Tea Shortbread Cookies Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why do you put cornstarch in shortbread cookies? ›

Cornstarch provides the shortbread with structure, but its biggest job is keeping the cookies extra soft, tender, and light. I love adding a small amount to chocolate chip cookies too. Optional Coarse Sugar Topping: For an optional sparkly crunch on your shortbread wedges, add a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking.

Do you eat shortbread cookies with tea? ›

While shortbread is traditionally Scottish, this type of biscuit has long been popular across the UK. Made with a lot of sugar and butter, these biscuits are dense and delicious, making an ideal dunking biscuit if you don't mind a few crumbs in your tea.

How many calories in a matcha sugar cookie? ›

One serving (3.5 oz / 100g) of this matcha cookies recipe has 426 calories, 19.9g total fat (12.1g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 131mg potassium, 57.5g total carbohydrates (1g dietary fiber, 28.1g sugars), and 5.3g protein.

What is the secret to good shortbread? ›

Tips To Make the Best Shortbread Cookies
  • Choose High Quality Butter. No matter what brand of butter you buy, if it's real butter, you can rest assured that it's the best. ...
  • Keep Ingredients Simple. ...
  • Add Flavor. ...
  • Don't Overwork. ...
  • Shape Dough. ...
  • Chill Before Baking. ...
  • Bake Until Golden. ...
  • Add Finishing Touches.

What happens if you don't put cornstarch in cookies? ›

If you don't have cornstarch on hand, there are a few alternative steps you can take to produce the cookie of your dreams. Go heavy on brown sugar. It has more moisture than its granulated counterpart, which means the cookie comes out less crispy. Unsurprisingly, more liquid retention guarantees a softer bite.

Why do my Matcha cookies turn brown? ›

A little browning on the matcha cookies is okay. It actually adds a nice caramel flavor. But if your matcha cookies get too brown, your oven may be too hot or you're baking the cookies too close to the heating element. Make sure your cookies are baked on the middle rack and the oven temperature is at 375°F.

Why does matcha turn brown when baked? ›

Matcha does not like heat. Prolonged baking time will cause Matcha turns brown. Do control the oven temperature, setting temperature too high will cause matcha turn brown too. Enzymatic browning that was occurring during the matcha's exposure to heat during baking.

Why is everyone obsessed with matcha? ›

EGCG is a catechin (a type of antioxidants) that is thought to have anti-inflammatory and protective properties. Matcha also improves relaxation and increases focus. It contains high levels of L-theanine, which promotes a sense of overall well-being and calmness.

Should shortbread be cold before baking? ›

Baking Shortbread Cookies

Place the cookies at least 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet pans and sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over each cookie. The dough should still be cool and firm to the touch. If it's not, chill both sheet pans in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before baking.

What tea goes well with shortbread? ›

Earl Grey tea pairs beautifully with shortbread cookies' buttery, crumbly texture. The light citrus notes in Earl Grey tea complement the rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavour of shortbread cookies. The tea's bergamot oil also adds a hint of floral notes, improving the overall tasting experience.

Should shortbread cookies be soft or hard? ›

Shortbread should always have a tender, melting texture, but be slightly crisp when you bite into it. It should not generally be damp or wet underneath. A classic shortbread recipe will also only have flour, butter and sugar as the ingredients (in a 3:2:1 ratio) and not egg, which could lead to excess moisture.

Does matcha have too much sugar? ›

There should be no sugar in pure organic matcha tea powder, added or otherwise. It is a zero-sugar product. Per serving of 1g per cup there are 0.39g of carbs per cup.

Is matcha still healthy with sugar? ›

Hu said, matcha can be a healthy addition to your diet, as long as you're mindful of how much sugar and other unhealthful ingredients you're consuming along with it. The amount of sugar and cream people add to their daily coffee or tea “has become so enormous that it really counteracts the health benefits,” Dr.

Is there a lot of sugar in matcha? ›

Starbucks offers matcha on its menu, but there's a catch: The average cup contains around 30 grams of sugar. If you're making matcha tea at home (using hot water), you don't need to be concerned with sugar. If you're using true, traditional matcha powder, there should be no added sugar.

What does adding cornstarch to a cookie recipe do? ›

What does cornstarch do in cookies? Like in this case, when the amount of cornstarch is higher than the flour, the texture of the cookies will get more crumbly, favoring that melt-in-the-mouth texture that we all love.

What is a substitute for cornstarch in shortbread cookies? ›

Nearly identical in texture and with a similarly neutral flavor, potato starch is one of the best cornstarch substitutes. It's a wonderful thickener for sauces and works just as well in baked goods, like shortbread.

What is a substitute for cornstarch in shortbread? ›

You can always substitute all-purpose flour in nearly all baking recipes that call for cornstarch, but you might miss out on some of that delightfully airy texture in whatever you're baking. Rice flour is particularly great in a shortbread and other cookies as it makes for a super delicate dough.

What makes a shortbread cookie extra short? ›

Shortbread is called short because of the traditional ratio of one part sugar to two parts butter that lends a high fat content to the dough. This yields a soft, buttery crumb that melts in your mouth, similar to short crust pastry. This ratio is also what makes shortbread so crave-worthy.

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