Easy Matcha Cookies Recipe (with Brown Butter)

These Easy Matcha Cookies with Brown Butter are everything you didn’t know you needed in a cookie. Earthy, nutty, just the right amount of sweetness—and they come together with minimal fuss! The brown butter brings a warm, toasty depth that pairs so beautifully with the slightly bitter, vibrant matcha flavor. Crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, and packed with a unique richness, these cookies are ideal for matcha lovers and cookie fanatics alike. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for when you want something a little different but incredibly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Fuss-Free: These cookies are super simple to make and don’t require fancy techniques or equipment.
• Unforgettable Flavor Combo: The nutty aroma of brown butter combined with earthy matcha creates a flavor that’s complex, comforting, and totally addictive.
• Chewy and Crisp: The texture hits that perfect sweet spot—crispy edges with a soft, chewy center.
• Unique but Approachable: If you’re new to matcha, this is a fantastic way to ease into it. The brown butter mellows out the bitterness and adds a rich backbone to the cookie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that elevates the cookies to a whole new level. Don’t skip this step!
• Granulated Sugar: Helps the cookies spread and adds crispness to the edges.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and chew, while deepening the overall flavor with a bit of molasses richness.
• Matcha Powder: Go for high-quality culinary grade matcha for the best color and flavor. It gives the cookies their signature green hue and earthy depth.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together. Keep it simple and reliable.
• Baking Soda: Gives the cookies a little lift and helps with spreading.
• Salt: Enhances every other flavor in the dough. Just a pinch makes a big difference.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and helps create that perfect chewy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Balances the earthy matcha with a little warmth and sweetness.

Variations

• Add White Chocolate Chips: A handful of white chocolate chunks gives these cookies a creamy sweetness that complements the matcha beautifully.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and the texture will still turn out wonderfully.
• Add a Citrus Twist: A bit of lemon or orange zest adds a fresh brightness that contrasts nicely with the matcha.
• Nuts for Texture: Mix in some chopped macadamia or pistachios for extra crunch and a buttery finish.

How to Make Easy Matcha Cookies

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting your butter in a pan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it foams, turns golden brown, and smells nutty. Pour into a bowl and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Whisk the cooled brown butter with both sugars until smooth and glossy. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Sift and Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. This removes any lumps and ensures even distribution.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon until a dough forms. The dough will be soft but should hold together.

Step 5: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes. You can skip this if you’re in a rush, but chilling helps intensify the flavors and control spread.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop out dough balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space in between. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and just lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool and become the perfect chewy delight.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Burn the Butter: Keep a close eye while browning. It goes from golden to burnt fast. The butter should smell nutty, not acrid.
• Use Good Matcha: The better the matcha, the better the cookie. Avoid anything dull or bitter—look for vibrant green, smooth powder.
• Sift the Matcha: Always sift matcha with the flour to prevent clumps in the dough.
• Slight Underbaking is Key: Pull the cookies when the centers look slightly underdone. They’ll set as they cool and stay soft and chewy.

How to Serve

These cookies are lovely on their own, but if you want to take things up a notch:

###With Tea or Coffee:
Serve alongside a hot cup of matcha latte, green tea, or a creamy cappuccino.

###Dessert Platter:
Add them to a cookie tray with chocolate chip, shortbread, and almond cookies for variety.

###Ice Cream Sandwiches:
Scoop some vanilla or matcha ice cream between two cookies for a dreamy homemade treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay chewy and flavorful!

Freezing

Freeze cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen with an extra minute or two.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, pop a cookie in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. Just enough to bring back that gooey, fresh-baked vibe.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of browning it?
You can, but brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that really elevates the cookies. It’s worth the extra 5 minutes.

Is there a substitute for matcha if I don’t have any?
Matcha is the star here, but if you’re in a pinch, try green tea powder. Just know the flavor won’t be quite as bold or earthy.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies often mean the butter was too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled. Let the dough firm up in the fridge before baking if needed.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! These cookies disappear fast, so doubling up is always a good idea. Just make sure to brown the butter in a slightly larger pan.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Matcha Cookies with Brown Butter are a fantastic way to shake up your usual cookie routine. They’re unique, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to whip up—even on a busy weekday. With bold flavor and the perfect chewy bite, they’re bound to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Give them a try—you might just fall in love with matcha in cookie form!

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