Matcha Cookies With White Chocolate

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a soft spot for cookies that feel a little different than the usual chocolate chip. That’s how I fell in love with matcha cookies.

The first time I made them, I was skeptical — green cookies? But after one bite, I understood. They’re soft, chewy, slightly earthy, and just sweet enough. Add a handful of white chocolate chips, and suddenly you have a cookie that feels both elegant and comforting.

The best part? You can whip them up in under 30 minutes with basic ingredients.

Why Matcha Works in Cookies

Matcha isn’t just for lattes — it works beautifully in baked goods. Its flavor is earthy, slightly grassy, and just a little bitter, which makes it the perfect partner for sweet cookie dough. The balance keeps these cookies from being overly sugary and adds a depth of flavor that feels sophisticated.

Another bonus? The natural green color. These cookies look striking on a plate of assorted baked goods, and they’re especially fun to make for spring gatherings or holidays when you want something eye-catching.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons high-quality matcha powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Creaming the Base

Start by beating the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This step is what gives the cookies their soft, chewy texture, so don’t rush it. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract.

There’s something comforting about this step — watching butter and sugar whip together feels like the beginning of every great cookie recipe.

Adding the Matcha Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. The quality of your matcha really matters here. A good culinary-grade powder will give the cookies a vibrant green color and a clean, earthy taste without bitterness.

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. At this point, your dough will have a gorgeous pale green hue that already hints at how fun these cookies will look once baked.

White Chocolate (Optional but Wonderful)

If you’re a fan of matcha lattes with a little sweetness, white chocolate chips are your best friend here. Fold them gently into the dough to add creamy, sweet pockets that balance out the earthy matcha.

That said, the cookies are delicious on their own too. Skipping the chocolate gives you a purer matcha flavor and a slightly less sweet cookie. It’s nice to know you can go either way depending on your mood.

Scoop and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, spacing them a couple of inches apart.

Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. As with most cookies, they’ll continue to cook a little on the baking sheet after you pull them out. Let them cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

A Cookie with Style and Substance

One of the things I love most about these cookies is how they look. The green color from the matcha paired with specks of white chocolate makes them stand out on any cookie tray. But they’re not just pretty — they taste incredible too.

The edges are slightly crisp, the centers are chewy, and every bite has that subtle matcha flavor that makes you want to go back for another.

Tips for Baking the Best Matcha Cookies

• Use quality matcha: Cheap powder can taste bitter and dull the color.
• Don’t overbake: Soft centers make these cookies irresistible.
• Chill the dough (optional): A 30-minute chill helps the cookies bake thicker.
• Adjust sweetness: If you’re skipping the white chocolate, you can add 2 extra tablespoons of sugar.
• Store well: Keep in an airtight container to preserve the chewy texture.

Fun Variations to Try

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to get creative:

• Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate chips for a richer cookie.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top right after baking for a sweet-salty kick.
• Mix in chopped macadamia nuts for extra crunch.
• Turn them into ice cream sandwiches with vanilla or green tea ice cream.

These small twists can make the cookies feel brand new while keeping the base recipe the same.

Why This Recipe Always Works

The balance of butter, sugar, and flour ensures a soft, chewy texture, while the matcha adds complexity and a pop of color. The recipe is straightforward enough for beginners but delivers results that look and taste professional.

It’s also flexible — you can keep it classic with just matcha, or add white chocolate for an indulgent twist. Either way, you end up with cookies that are unique, flavorful, and fun to share.

Storing and Freezing

These cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer — just thaw at room temperature before serving.

You can also freeze the dough itself. Scoop it into balls, freeze until solid, and store in a bag. That way, you can bake a few cookies at a time whenever the craving hits.

Your New Favorite Cookies

Matcha cookies are proof that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. They’re simple to make, gorgeous to look at, and delicious enough to stand out in any cookie lineup. The earthy flavor of the matcha and the sweetness of white chocolate (if you choose to add it) make every bite feel balanced and satisfying.

For me, they’ve become a new go-to when I want to bake something that feels just a little different than the usual cookies. They’re familiar yet unique, playful yet sophisticated. And the best part? They taste just as good with coffee in the morning as they do with tea in the afternoon.

So grab some matcha powder, preheat your oven, and give these cookies a try. Whether you add the white chocolate or keep them pure, you’ll end up with a batch of cookies that’s both fun and unforgettable.