Roasted Matcha Cookies

Winter is here, and there’s something magical about the season that calls for cozy moments by the fire, wrapped in a blanket with a warm drink and a sweet treat. These Roasted Matcha Cookies are the ultimate winter indulgence—earthy, fragrant, and topped with a dreamy cream topping dusted with cinnamon.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of matcha or just starting to explore its wonders, these cookies are an irresistible way to embrace the flavor while leaning into the season’s festive spirit. The roasted matcha gives these cookies a slightly smoky, nutty depth, which pairs beautifully with the light and fluffy cream topping. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make these wintery delights!

Why Roasted Matcha for Winter?

Matcha, known for its vibrant green hue and earthy flavor, is a beloved ingredient in many desserts. Roasted matcha, however, brings a deeper, nuttier flavor profile that feels particularly comforting in the colder months. It’s less grassy and more toasty, which makes it a perfect companion to winter spices and creamy toppings. These cookies marry the sophisticated flavor of roasted matcha with the cozy warmth of cinnamon, creating a treat that’s as festive as it is indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Roasted Matcha Cookies:

For the Roasted 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.
• Roasted 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 Roasted 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 roasted 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
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon 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, roasted 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 and powdered sugar.
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. This simple addition elevates the look and adds a touch of holiday warmth. The contrast between the roasted 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

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cream topping for a decadent touch.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or almonds over the whipped cream for extra texture and flavor.
• Holiday Decorations: Add edible glitter or festive sprinkles to the cream for a holiday party-ready look.

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: