Matcha Cinnamon Cookies

Matcha Cinnamon Cookies are the perfect treat to elevate your cookie game this holiday season. Combining the earthy taste of matcha with the warmth of cinnamon, these cookies are not only visually stunning with their vibrant green hue but also boast a flavor profile that is as comforting as it is sophisticated. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore why these cookies deserve a spot in your holiday baking lineup.

Why Matcha and Cinnamon Make the Perfect Pair

Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, offers a rich, slightly grassy flavor with a hint of natural sweetness. Adding cinnamon into the mix brings warmth and a touch of spice, creating a beautifully balanced cookie that feels festive yet elegant.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Cinnamon Matcha Cookies:

For the Matcha Cookies:

• Butter: Provides a rich base for the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a perfect texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise.
• Baking Soda: Aids in the rising process.
• Matcha Powder: Adds a unique green tea flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.

For the Cream Topping:

• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess.
• Vanilla Extract & Powdered Sugar: Adds sweeteness and delicious flavor.
• Cinnamon: Complements the matcha flavor.

You’ll need the following tools for making the Cinnamon Matcha Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the cookie dough ingredients and smaller ones for measuring.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars, and mixing the dough.
• Spatula: To fold in the dry ingredients and combine the mixtures.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
• Cookie Scoop: To evenly portion out the dough.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.
• Piping Bag: To add the frosting to the cookies.
• Sieve: For dusting the cookies with some cinnamon.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Matcha Cookies:

• 110 g (1/2 cup) butter, melted and cooled
• 170 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp matcha powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cream Topping:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 120 g (1/2 cup) heavy cream
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional: use edible glitter for dusting)

Directions:

Matcha Cookies:

1. Melt Butter: Melt the butter in the microwave on low-medium heat without letting it bubble. Let it cool to room temperature in the fridge.
2. Mix Butter and Sugar: Once the butter is cool, add the granulated sugar and whisk together for 1 minute. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, matcha powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, scoop out 10 cookies and place them on a tray lined with baking paper. Roll them into balls and press lightly to flatten slightly. Chill the prepared cookies in the fridge for 30 minutes.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF) and prepare a baking sheet with baking paper. Bake the cookies one tray at a time for 10-11 minutes. Let them cool on the baking tray for 3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Cream Topping:

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar and cinnamon.
2. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overwhip, as you want a light and fluffy consistency.
3. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream onto the cooled cookies. For a festive look, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to create elegant swirls.
4. Finish the cookies with a dusting of cinnamon or edible glitter. This simple addition elevates the look and adds a touch of holiday warmth. The contrast between the matcha and the spiced cinnamon creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Tips and Tricks:

Tips for the Cookies:

• Use High-Quality Matcha: Opt for culinary-grade matcha powder to ensure the best flavor and vibrant color. Higher quality matcha will give you a richer, more authentic taste.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading. Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
• Proper Cream Consistency: When making the cream topping, make sure it’s smooth and not too runny. If it’s too thin, it may not stay on top of the cookies. You can thicken it by adding a little more powdered sugar or reducing the cream.

General Tips:

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies (without the cream) for up to 3 months.
• Uniform Size: For even baking, make sure to scoop the cookie dough into uniform-sized balls. This will help all the cookies bake at the same rate.
• Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be just set around the edges and soft in the center. Overbaking can cause them to lose their soft texture.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before adding the cream topping. This prevents the cream from melting into the cookies and keeps the presentation neat.

Variations and Add-Ons

1. Matcha-Cinnamon Glaze: For a lighter option, skip the frosting and drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, matcha, cinnamon, and a touch of milk.
2. Add Some Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts, like almonds or pistachios, into the dough for added texture.
3. Chocolate Dip: Dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant finish.

Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Matcha Cinnamon Cookies offer a creative way to celebrate the season. The earthy matcha and warm cinnamon blend seamlessly into a cookie that’s both nostalgic and new, making it a standout addition to your holiday repertoire. So grab your apron, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a batch (or two!) of these delightful cookies. Happy holidays!

More Christmas Baking Ideas:

• Grinch Crinkle Cookies – These bright green cookies are fun, festive, and finished with a sweet sugar heart, making them the perfect treat to spread Christmas cheer.
• Santa Hat Cookies – Adorable and delicious, these Linzer-style cookies are filled with fruity jam and topped with icing for the perfect Santa hat look.
• Melted Snowman Cookies – Fun and whimsical, these sugar cookies feature melted marshmallows and chocolate decorations for a snowman that’s sure to melt your heart.
• Marbled Chocolate Christmas Cookies – Elegant and easy, these buttery cookies are decorated with swirls of white and dark chocolate for a dazzling holiday treat.
• Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne) – A German Christmas classic, these star-shaped cookies are made with almonds, hazelnuts, and a sweet glaze, delivering a taste of tradition with every bite.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: