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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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 are my shortbread cookies tough? ›

It's important to avoid over-mixing shortbread dough, which will develop gluten and make the finished product tough, not tender. To make sure that the flour mixes completely with little effort, sift the flour first to get out all of the lumps.

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.

What is the nutritional info of Matcha cookies? ›

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 making 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 are common mistakes when making shortbread? ›

The most common mistakes when making shortbread are over-working the dough, and incorporating too much flour. The less you work the dough, the more crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth your shortbread cookies will be.

Should you chill shortbread before baking? ›

After shaping the cookies, don't rush to the oven! Instead, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so (overnight is OK, too). A short stay in the fridge will firm up the cookies and solidify the butter. This will help keep them from spreading too much.

What happens if you add too much butter to shortbread cookies? ›

Butter is an emulsifier and it makes cookies tender. It also adds in the crispy-around-the-edges element. Adding too much butter can cause the cookies to be flat and greasy. Adding too little butter can cause the cookies to be tough and crumbly.

What is the difference between shortbread and Scottish shortbread? ›

As mentioned above, the main differences between the two styles of cookies are butter content and inclusion of leavening agents. These differences result in very different texture and taste experiences. No matter your preference, you can be sure to get a quality product from Walkers Shortbread.

What is so special about matcha? ›

Matcha is rich in caffeine and amino acids. Like green tea, matcha is high in antioxidants, including catechins, which may help prevent cell damage and lower your risk of certain diseases. Some studies also suggest that the catechins and caffeine found in matcha may have a mild benefit in weight loss and management.

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? ›

What's special about Matcha is: the presumed health benefits (high antioxidants content), and the caffeine + L- theanine combo that is believe to produce a “calming focus” or “calming alertness”. Many people drink matcha for the way it makes them feel, not for the health benefits.

Is too much matcha unhealthy? ›

Possible side effects of matcha Matcha doesn't appear to cause significant side effects when consumed in moderation, but high doses providing large amounts of caffeine may cause headaches, diarrhea, insomnia, and irritability. Pregnant women should use caution.

Is matcha good or bad for your health? ›

Including matcha in your diet could increase your antioxidant intake, which may help prevent cell damage and lower your risk of several chronic diseases ( 3 ). Matcha contains antioxidants, which may reduce cell damage and prevent chronic disease.

Is matcha more healthy or unhealthy? ›

In general, Dr. 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.

Why is my shortbread hard and chewy? ›

Check doneness by looking for an even, light brown colour across the top of the biscuits, with slight darkening at the edges. Begin checking at the tail end of the cooking time. Undercooked shortbread will be doughy and chewy. Slightly overcooked and it will become chalky, brittle and hard.

How do you soften hard shortbread cookies? ›

Microwaving them. If you cover your cookies with a wet paper towel and nuke them for a few seconds, they should soften up enough to eat.

Are shortbread cookies supposed to be 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.

Why are my cookies tough and chewy? ›

Adding too little butter can cause the cookies to be tough and crumbly. You should use unsalted butter to control the salt content, but if you only have salted on hand, reduce the amount of added salt accordingly. Sugar sweetens the cookies and makes them an enticing golden brown.

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