There’s something magical about biting into a warm cookie that’s crisp on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside. I still remember the first time I made matcha crinkle cookies, it was a chilly afternoon, and I had leftover matcha from testing a matcha of brownies. As the cookies baked, the kitchen filled with this earthy vanilla aroma that felt like a hug in dessert form. That bright green crackle effect was just the cherry on top.
If you’re new to baking with matcha, you might wonder if it’s too bold or too grassy. But don’t worry, when paired with the right ingredients like vanilla and white chocolate, it becomes a beautifully balanced flavor. These cookies are more than just a pretty face; they’re soft, chewy, and subtly sweet, with a crisp sugar-dusted crust.
What makes this recipe even more exciting is how versatile it is. You can even turn leftovers into toppings for matcha overnight oats. Talk about leveling up your breakfast! Plus, with matcha being packed with antioxidants (Healthline confirms it’s one of the healthiest green teas), this indulgence feels just a little more virtuous.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting a treat, or just want a twist on classic crinkle cookies, this version deserves a permanent spot in your recipe box. And with a simple mix, chill, roll, and bake method, they’re perfect for any skill level.
Table of Contents
The Cookie Chemistry & Matcha Magic
Why Matcha Works So Well in Cookies
The first time I made matcha crinkle cookies, it was a total kitchen experiment. I had some leftover matcha from making brownies, and curiosity led the way. What came out of the oven was unforgettable — a tray of green crinkles that looked festive and tasted even better. This is where the real magic happens: matcha’s flavor, color, and earthy warmth play perfectly with buttery dough and powdered sugar.
Matcha’s natural bitterness and umami bring out the best in sweet ingredients like sugar, vanilla, and even white chocolate. Unlike cocoa, it doesn’t overpower, instead, it enhances. When paired with granulated sugar and powdered sugar, the matcha flavor mellows into a softly sweet bite with a crisp edge. If you use high-quality culinary or ceremonial grade matcha, you’ll avoid any unpleasant bitterness or dull green hues.
The most important matcha cookie tip? Don’t rush. Whisk the matcha directly into the dry ingredients for even flavor and color. Then cream the butter and sugar well — this gives the dough that melt-in-your-mouth softness. These steps turn ordinary cookies into a bakery-style experience you can make at home.
To learn more about incorporating matcha in your baking, don’t miss our matcha brownies, they’re chewy, rich, and every bit as magical.
Texture, Taste & That Signature Crinkle Finish
One bite of a matcha crinkle cookie and you’re hooked. Imagine this: a soft, chewy center that gives way to a delicate sugar-crusted edge. The taste is gently grassy and sweet, not too strong, just enough to remind you that matcha is the star of the show.
The crinkle effect? It’s not just for looks. That iconic crackled top forms when dough balls are rolled in granulated sugar first, then powdered sugar. This double coating caramelizes slightly in the oven while the inside remains pillowy and soft. For the most dramatic crinkles, make sure to chill your dough for at least one hour before baking.
Want to pair these with a cozy morning routine? Crumble leftover cookies into your matcha overnight oats for a crunchy, antioxidant-rich topping. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels like dessert, and we’re not complaining.
How to Make the Best Matcha Crinkle Cookies at Home
Choosing the Right Matcha & Ingredients
Making the best matcha crinkle cookies begins with one non-negotiable: high-quality matcha powder. Look for vibrant green, culinary-grade or ceremonial matcha — the kind that smells fresh and slightly grassy. Anything dull or brown-tinged is likely stale and can give your cookies a bitter or “fishy” aftertaste.
Once you’ve got the matcha, it’s time to build flavor and texture using pantry staples:
- Butter: Use unsalted, softened butter for a rich base.
- Granulated sugar: For structure and subtle crispness.
- Powdered sugar: The key to the crinkle topping.
- Eggs: Provide moisture and binding.
- All-purpose flour: Keeps the texture soft, not dense.
- Vanilla extract: Balances the earthy flavor of matcha.
- Baking powder: Lifts the dough and helps with those signature cracks.
Optional add-ins like white chocolate chips take this cookie to the next level — pairing creamy sweetness with matcha’s earthy tone. If you want to make them more indulgent, you’ll also love the soft texture of our mochi cookies which deliver a similar chewy experience.
The Process: Chill, Roll, Bake, Perfect
Once the dough is mixed — starting by creaming butter and sugar, then incorporating eggs, matcha, and dry ingredients — the most important step is next: chill the dough.
Why chill? It prevents spreading and gives the cookies structure so they split beautifully in the oven. An hour in the fridge is enough, but overnight chilling enhances flavor and color.
Before baking, roll each dough ball in granulated sugar first, then a generous coat of powdered sugar. This two-step coating keeps the cookies from absorbing the sugar and losing their crinkle look.
Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes. They should look slightly underdone in the center, don’t overbake. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Creative Twists & Variations for Matcha Crinkle Cookies
Flavor Upgrades & Fun Add-Ins
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, matcha crinkle cookies become the perfect canvas for creative add-ins. Matcha’s naturally earthy flavor pairs beautifully with a range of textures and ingredients.
White chocolate chunks are a classic upgrade. Their creamy sweetness balances matcha’s slight bitterness and adds a gooey bite. For a crunchy texture, chopped macadamia or pistachios work beautifully. Almond extract brings an extra layer of warmth, and a light sprinkle of sea salt before baking enhances every flavor.
Looking for something bold? Try dusting your finished cookies with a mix of powdered sugar and a pinch of matcha. This deepens the green color and adds a more pronounced matcha flavor. Freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries folded into the dough offer tart bursts of flavor and create a beautiful color contrast.
For a gooey surprise, swirl a bit of cream cheese into the center of each dough ball before baking. It melts into the center for a soft, cheesecake-like finish that contrasts nicely with the crisp sugar coating.
These small changes bring a lot of personality and make every batch feel unique.
Gluten-Free, Vegan & Healthier Options
Matcha crinkle cookies are easy to adapt for different diets. A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be used in place of all-purpose flour, producing cookies that are just as tender and chewy.
For a vegan version, swap in dairy-free butter and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs. Plant-based white chocolate chips or chopped nuts can fill in for traditional mix-ins without compromising flavor.
To reduce sugar, consider cutting the granulated sugar slightly or using coconut sugar. Just keep in mind this may affect the cookie’s bright green hue. Chilling the dough remains essential for creating the signature crinkle texture.
Whether you’re baking for guests with dietary needs or looking for a lighter treat, these adjustments let you enjoy matcha crinkle cookies in all kinds of ways — without sacrificing taste or texture.
How to Store, Serve & Pair Matcha Crinkle Cookies
Best Ways to Store for Freshness
Matcha crinkle cookies store well, but only if you keep them away from air and moisture. Once fully cooled, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep the powdered sugar coating intact. Room temperature is ideal for up to 5 days.
If you need longer storage, freezing is a great option. Flash-freeze the baked cookies on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving — they’ll soften back to that chewy, delicate texture.
For unbaked dough, scoop and roll into balls first, then freeze. When ready to bake, roll in both sugars and pop them straight into a preheated oven. Just add 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
To preserve that vibrant green color, always store in a cool, dark space — exposure to light or heat can cause the matcha to fade.
Serving Tips & Delicious Pairings
There’s something truly inviting about a tray of matcha crinkle cookies on the table. They shine as an afternoon tea companion, a holiday treat, or a sweet surprise in lunchboxes. Their delicate appearance, thanks to the powdered sugar crackle, makes them equally fitting for casual and special occasions.
Serve them with hot matcha lattes, green tea, or even a lightly brewed jasmine tea. The floral notes pair wonderfully with the cookies’ earthy sweetness. If you’re entertaining, stack them in a tiered cookie tray for a striking visual presentation.
For dessert pairings, they go well with creamy elements. A scoop of vanilla or coconut milk ice cream alongside warm cookies creates a beautifully balanced bite. You can also crumble the cookies over yogurt or parfaits for a quick matcha-inspired twist.
No matter how you serve them, these cookies always manage to steal the spotlight with their unique flavor and irresistible texture.
Matcha Crinkle Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, matcha, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll chilled dough into balls, coat first in granulated sugar, then in powdered sugar.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
- Cool on tray 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!FAQs + Health Benefits of Baking with Matcha
What do matcha cookies taste like?
They’re soft and sweet with a mild earthy flavor from matcha, like a sugar cookie with green tea notes.
What does matcha taste like in baking?
Matcha tastes smooth and slightly grassy in baking—balanced by sugar and butter for a mellow flavor.
What can you not mix with matcha?
Avoid acidic ingredients like lemon and low-quality matcha, as they can dull the flavor and color.
Is baking with matcha healthy?
Yes, matcha is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that stay intact even after baking.
Does all matcha taste fishy?
No. Only old or low-quality matcha tastes fishy—fresh matcha should be grassy and clean.
Conclusion
Matcha crinkle cookies aren’t just beautiful—they’re a perfect blend of bold flavor and tender texture. Whether you’re already a matcha lover or just curious to try something new, these cookies offer a satisfying twist on a classic. With just a handful of ingredients and a few smart tips, you’ll get those perfect green crinkles every time.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with quality matcha and flavor pairings that suit your taste. From cozy tea-time treats to holiday cookie boxes, these cookies check every box. Once you bake a batch, you’ll see why they deserve to be called the best matcha crinkle cookies—and why you’ll keep coming back for more.