These Matcha Crinkle Cookies are a total game-changer for those who want a gourmet look without the wait. I’ve found that the earthy, slightly bitter notes of premium matcha are the perfect counterpart to a sweet, powdered sugar coating. Unlike traditional crinkle cookies that require hours of chilling to prevent spreading, this recipe is designed to be rolled and baked immediately! They come out with a brilliant green interior and a beautiful “Grinch-like” snowy crackle on top. Whether you’re a matcha obsessive or just looking for a striking addition to your cookie tray, these are consistently a crowd favorite.
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 11 min | Total Time: 26 min | Yield: 20 Cookies
Key Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (114g) Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and structure.
- 2 Large Eggs: Adds richness and helps the cookies rise.
- 2 cups (260g) All-purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough.
- 2 tbsp Matcha Powder: Use a high-quality culinary or ceremonial grade for the best color. (Increase to 3 tbsp if your matcha is mild).
- Leavening & Salt: 1 tsp baking powder, 1/8 tsp baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt for that perfect lift and flavor balance.
- The Coating: 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup powdered sugar (reserved for rolling).
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is homogenous.
- Sift and Mix: Sift the matcha powder into your flour (this prevents bitter green lumps!). Slowly pour the dry mix into the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
- Scoop: Using a cookie scoop, portion out roughly 1.5 tbsp balls of dough.
- The Double Roll: First, roll the dough ball in granulated sugar, then roll it generously in powdered sugar.Chef’s Tip: The granulated sugar layer creates a barrier that prevents the powdered sugar from melting into the dough, ensuring a bright white “crackle.”
- Bake: Place balls on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11 minutes.
- Cool: Let the cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
- Tea Time: These are naturally designed to be served with a hot cup of sencha or a creamy matcha latte.
- The Holiday Tray: The vibrant green color makes these perfect for Christmas or St. Patrick’s Day displays.
- White Chocolate Dip: For extra decadence, dip half of the cooled cookie in melted white chocolate.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- Dough Storage: While this is a “no-chill” recipe, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours if you need to bake later.
Tips & Tricks
- Matcha Quality: The color of your cookie depends entirely on your matcha. Look for a powder that is bright, electric green rather than dull olive or brownish-green.
- The “Green Snow” Effect: For a fun twist, sift a tiny bit of extra matcha powder into your powdered sugar before rolling.
- Sifting is Vital: Matcha tends to clump. If you don’t sift it with the flour, you may end up with tiny pockets of intense bitterness in your cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-baking: Matcha cookies can turn brown quickly if left in too long. Pull them out at exactly 11 minutes; they will look soft but will firm up as they cool.
- Skipping the Granulated Sugar: If you roll only in powdered sugar, the moisture in the dough often absorbs the sugar, leaving you with a “faded” look rather than a sharp crackle.
Nutrition Information Table + Disclaimer
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
| 1 cookie | 145 | 2g | 21g | 6g | <1g | 13g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated using standard online calculation tools and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods. For accurate dietary advice, consult a qualified nutrition professional.
