Delicate Matcha Shortbread Cookies
Indulge in the refined taste of these Delicate Matcha Shortbread Cookies, where the distinctive flavor of high-quality matcha melds beautifully with the buttery richness of traditional shortbread. This delightful recipe allows you to adjust the matcha intensity to suit your palate, making it perfect for both matcha enthusiasts and those new to its unique taste. Typically enjoyed as an adult treat, these cookies have been a surprising favorite among children, particularly when paired with creamy vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the vibrant green hue reminiscent of lush spring grass, an inviting aroma, and the delicate balance of sweetness with a hint of bitterness from the green tea. Ideal for tea parties, dessert trays, or simply an afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy them.
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bleached All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (sifted)
Matcha Green Tea Powder
1-2 tablespoons (sifted (see Note 1))
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Unsalted Butter
1 cup (at room temperature (see Note 2))
Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup (more if tea is intense)
Instructions
1
Begin by sifting together the bleached all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, and salt in a mixing bowl to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
2
In a separate mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3
Carefully add the sifted flour mixture to the butter mixture in increments, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms.
4
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and gently shape it into a log, approximately 2 inches in diameter.
5
Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes or until it’s firm to the touch.
6
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat.
7
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the freezer and slice it into rounds that are about 1/4 inch thick. Arrange the slices on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
8
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes, or until they begin to golden slightly at the edges. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even cooking.
9
After baking, carefully transfer the cookies from the baking sheet to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or wrapped well in the freezer for later enjoyment.
11
For a fun twist, you can roll out the well-chilled dough and use cookie cutters to create various shapes before baking.
Nutrition Information
2.2g
Fat
4.8g
Carbs
0.4g
Protein
1.6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delicate Matcha Shortbread Cookies?
They are a refined treat where the distinctive flavor of high-quality matcha melds with the buttery richness of traditional shortbread.
Can I adjust the intensity of the matcha flavor?
Yes, the recipe allows you to adjust the amount of matcha green tea powder to suit your personal palate.
Are these cookies suitable for children?
While typically considered an adult treat, these cookies are a surprising favorite among children, especially when served with vanilla ice cream.
What color are the finished cookies?
The cookies feature a vibrant green hue reminiscent of lush spring grass.
What is the first step in preparing the dough?
The first step is to sift together the bleached all-purpose flour, matcha green tea powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
How long should I beat the butter and powdered sugar?
Use an electric mixer on medium speed for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
What type of butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of unsalted butter at room temperature.
How should the flour mixture be added to the butter mixture?
Add the sifted flour mixture in increments, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms.
How do I shape the cookie dough?
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and gently shape it into a log, approximately 2 inches in diameter.
Does the dough need to be chilled?
Yes, wrap the dough log in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes until firm.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 165 degrees Celsius.
How thick should I slice the cookie rounds?
Once the dough is chilled, slice it into rounds that are about 1/4 inch thick.
How far apart should I place the cookies on the baking sheet?
Arrange the slices on the prepared cookie sheet approximately 1 inch apart.
How long do the cookies bake for?
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 16 to 18 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when they begin to golden slightly at the edges.
Should I rotate the baking sheet during cooking?
Yes, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
What is the best way to cool the cookies?
Carefully transfer the cookies from the baking sheet to a wire rack to cool completely.
How should I store the matcha shortbread cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, the cookies can be wrapped well and stored in the freezer for later enjoyment.
Can I use cookie cutters for different shapes?
Yes, you can roll out the well-chilled dough and use cookie cutters to create various shapes before baking.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses bleached all-purpose flour for the best texture.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 40 calories.
What is the fat content per cookie?
Each cookie contains 2.2 grams of fat.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There is 1.6 grams of sugar per cookie.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a cookie?
Each serving contains 4.8 grams of carbohydrates.
Is there any protein in these cookies?
Yes, each cookie provides about 0.4 grams of protein.
What are the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: flour, matcha powder, salt, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar.
Are these cookies considered vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, these cookies are vegetarian.
What occasions are these cookies best for?
They are ideal for tea parties, dessert trays, holiday baking, or as a simple afternoon treat.
Should I use more powdered sugar if the matcha is intense?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can add more powdered sugar if the tea flavor is particularly intense to balance the bitterness.