Description
Delight in these delicate Matcha Butter Cookies, a Japanese-inspired treat combining the rich, buttery texture of traditional cookies with the vibrant, earthy flavor of culinary grade matcha powder. Perfectly soft and subtly sweet, these cookies are a delightful twist on classic butter cookies, ideal for tea times or a special dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon culinary grade matcha powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Topping
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which creates the perfect base texture for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture until fully combined, ensuring a smooth and cohesive batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, culinary grade matcha powder, salt, and cornstarch evenly distributing the matcha and other dry elements.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten: Gently flatten each dough ball slightly using the bottom of a glass or your hand to shape the cookies uniformly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the cookies remain lightly colored for a soft texture.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting: Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish and added sweetness.
Notes
- Use culinary grade matcha powder for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain soft and lightly colored.
- If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping.
