Brown Butter Matcha Cookies

Introduction

There’s something magical about matcha. Its earthy flavor is both bold and subtle, creating a unique depth that elevates any dessert. Now, imagine pairing that with the rich nuttiness of brown butter—absolute perfection! These Brown Butter Matcha Cookies are a heavenly combination of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds, no judgment here).

This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I first baked these cookies on a whim, inspired by a small bakery I stumbled upon during a trip. Their matcha desserts were like tiny works of art, and I couldn’t get enough. When I got home, I decided to recreate that same flavor experience but with my own twist—enter brown butter. That decision? Game-changing.

These cookies are crispy on the edges, chewy in the middle, and packed with the rich, earthy tones of matcha. The brown butter gives them a toasty, caramel-like depth that perfectly balances the slight bitterness of the matcha. Trust me, they’re worth every step, and once you try them, they might just become your new favorite cookie.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these Brown Butter Matcha Cookies are going to steal the show in your dessert lineup:

• Rich and Flavorful: The nuttiness of the brown butter perfectly complements the earthy matcha, creating a cookie that’s deeply flavorful and satisfying.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies strike the ideal balance—crisp on the outside and soft, chewy centers.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant green hue from the matcha makes these cookies stand out at any gathering. They’re almost too pretty to eat…almost.
• Easy to Make: Don’t let the fancy flavors fool you! This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Versatile: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea, a glass of milk, or even as a unique gift for your matcha-loving friends.

Whether you’re a long-time matcha fan or just dipping your toes into the green tea world, these cookies are the perfect place to start.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (30 minutes prep, 30 minutes baking and cooling)
• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies.

Nutrition Facts (per cookie):

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these magical cookies:

Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter: To be browned for a rich, nutty flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookie dough.
• 1 tbsp culinary-grade matcha powder: For that earthy, vibrant flavor and color.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and texture.
• 2 large eggs: For structure and richness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the brown butter and matcha flavors.

Optional Toppings:

• White chocolate chips: Adds sweetness that complements the matcha.
• Sea salt flakes: For a gourmet finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Butter

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir constantly as it foams, then turns golden brown with a nutty aroma.
• Immediately transfer the browned butter to a heatproof bowl to cool slightly.

Pro Tip: Watch the butter carefully—it can go from browned to burnt quickly!

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, whisk the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Bring It Together

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
• If you’re using white chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.

Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and chewy.

5. Chill the Dough

• Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

6. Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

7. Shape the Cookies

• Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form the dough into balls and place them on the baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake

• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The centers will look soft—that’s perfect!
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Optional: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top while the cookies are warm for a gourmet finish.

How to Serve

These cookies are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to serve them:

• Classic Style: Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk.
• Tea Pairing: Serve with a cup of hot matcha latte or green tea for a cozy treat.
• Dessert Platter: Add them to a dessert board with other cookies and sweets for gatherings.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies as the base for a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Their rich flavor and vibrant color make them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a festive celebration.

Additional Tips

Here’s how to make sure your cookies turn out perfect every time:

1. Use High-Quality Matcha: Culinary-grade matcha is ideal for baking, as it delivers the best flavor and vibrant green color.
2. Chill the Dough: This step is essential for keeping the cookies thick and chewy.
3. Don’t Skip the Brown Butter: It’s the secret to the deep, nutty flavor that makes these cookies special.
4. Adjust Baking Time: For softer cookies, bake on the lower end of the time range. For crispier edges, add an extra minute or two.
5. Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Recipe Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:

• Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup of white chocolate chips for a sweet contrast.
• Nutty Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts for extra crunch.
• Citrus Kick: Add 1 tsp of orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
• Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan butter, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free white chocolate.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Freezing and Storage

Storing:

• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
• To maintain freshness, place a slice of bread in the container to prevent the cookies from drying out.

Freezing:

• Unbaked Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Baked Cookies: Let the cookies cool completely before freezing in a single layer. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use drinking matcha instead of culinary matcha?
Yes, but it’s not ideal. Drinking matcha is typically more expensive and has a milder flavor suited for beverages, while culinary-grade matcha is more affordable and provides the bold, earthy flavor you need for baking.

2. What can I substitute for matcha if I don’t have it?
If you don’t have matcha, you can’t fully replicate its unique flavor. However, you can try adding 1-2 teaspoons of green tea powder for a similar aesthetic and a subtle tea flavor. Alternatively, leave out the matcha for brown butter cookies without the green tea twist.

3. Why is my cookie dough too soft?
Soft dough can result from warm butter or insufficient chilling. Ensure the brown butter is completely cooled before mixing, and always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.

4. Can I skip browning the butter?
Technically, yes, but you’ll miss out on the rich, nutty flavor that makes these cookies special. If you’re short on time, you can use softened butter instead, but the flavor profile will be less complex.

5. Why didn’t my cookies spread?
If your cookies didn’t spread, the dough might have been too cold. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before baking. Over-measuring flour can also make the dough too dense—use the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.

6. How can I make the cookies softer?
For softer cookies, bake them for the shorter end of the baking time (10-11 minutes) and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just bring the dough to room temperature slightly before baking if frozen.

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Conclusion

There you have it—your new favorite cookie recipe: Brown Butter Matcha Cookies! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable, fun, and delivers on flavor. With their irresistible texture and bold flavors, these cookies are sure to impress at any occasion.