Colorful Matcha and Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been on the lookout for a cookie recipe that’s not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes, you’re in the right place. I’m excited to share my Colorful Matcha and Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe with you—a fun, vibrant twist on the classic butter cookie that blends delicate matcha and rich chocolate flavors, all nestled in buttery goodness. These cookies are a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for gifting, celebrations, or simply treating yourself to something a little extra special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients come together to create a dough that’s easy to work with and results in cookies with that signature buttery snap. Plus, the matcha and cocoa powders add their unique flavors without overwhelming the dough. When possible, quality ingredients make all the difference here—so pick good butter and fresh matcha.

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the dough; sift it for lighter cookies and easier mixing.
• Salt: Just a bit to balance sweetness and bring out flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened but not melted for proper creaming.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds crunch and sweetness; I prefer regular sugar for texture.
• Large Egg: Brings moisture and structure; room temperature is key to avoid curdling the butter.
• Vanilla Extract: A warm background note that pairs perfectly with both matcha and chocolate.
• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened for deep chocolate flavor without extra sugar.
• Matcha Powder: Look for high-quality culinary matcha for that beautiful green and mild grassy flavor.
• Coarse Sugar Crystals: For sprinkling on top to add sparkle and a little crunch.
• White and Dark Chocolate (melted): For dipping and drizzling to amp up the indulgence.
• Pistachios (roughly crushed): Adds a nice nutty contrast and a pop of color.
• Nutella or Biscoff Spread (warmed): My personal favorite fillings for sandwich cookies.
• Jam: Tart or sweet—your choice—to balance the richness.
• Powdered Sugar: For that classic dusted look on top of sandwich cookie lids.

Variations

I love how versatile this Colorful Matcha and Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe is. You can mix and match flavors or adjust textures depending on your mood or the occasion. Don’t hesitate to get creative—each batch can be a little different, and that’s part of the fun!

• Adding Citrus Zest: I once added a teaspoon of lemon zest to the matcha dough, and it added an unexpected but delightful brightness.
• Using Almond Flour Substitute: For a nuttier flavor and subtle texture change, swap part of the flour with almond flour (but reduce overall flour slightly).
• Gluten-Free Version: Try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The dough might behave a touch differently, but chill time helps firm it up.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use a vegan butter alternative and a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) to keep the cookies buttery and tender.

How to Make Colorful Matcha and Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking your all-purpose flour and salt together in a medium bowl. This helps distribute the salt evenly in the dough and prevents clumps. Set this aside so you’re ready for the wet mix. I always sift the flour to keep the dough light—it really makes a difference in the texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Like a Pro

Using your stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it’s super creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Then, add the granulated sugar and keep beating until the mixture looks fluffy and pale—that’s your cue that the air is well incorporated, which leads to those tender cookies I know you’ll love.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla, Then Gently Mix Flour

Next, crack in your room-temperature egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix until combined, making sure everything is smooth. Now, add your flour and salt mixture, but lower your mixer speed to low as you add it—this helps prevent overworking the dough. The dough will look crumbly but should hold together when you squeeze it—if it’s too dry, just keep mixing gently; some flour patches are perfectly okay.

Step 4: Divide and Color Your Dough

Split the dough evenly into three bowls. Leave one plain, add cocoa powder to the second, and matcha powder to the third. I like to wear disposable gloves here and knead the powders in gently—don’t overdo it or your dough could get tough. You want the colors to be vibrant and the flavors well blended.

Step 5: Roll Out and Chill the Dough

Sandwich each dough portion between sheets of parchment paper and roll it out to about ⅛-inch thickness—thin but sturdy enough for cutting shapes. Chill all three sheets flat in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours until firm. I’ve found that chilling sets the dough perfectly and makes it easier to handle when cutting out cookies later on.

Step 6: Cut, Chill, and Bake Your Cookies

Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Starting with one dough sheet, peel off the top parchment layer carefully but leave the dough on the bottom sheet. Use cookie cutters—your favorites—to cut out shapes, then gently transfer the shapes to the baking sheet, spacing them about ½ inch apart. Pop the whole tray back in the fridge while you preheat your oven to 350°F to help the cookies keep their shape. Don’t toss the scraps—roll them between parchment again and chill before repeating.

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, depending on size, until you see the edges just start to turn golden. Transfer immediately to a cooling rack and resist the urge to decorate too soon; letting them cool completely keeps the chocolate from melting when you dip or drizzle.

Step 7: Decorate and Assemble Your Cookie Box

Now for the fun part! Dip some cookies into melted white or dark chocolate, drizzle the chocolate over others with a piping bag, and sprinkle crushed pistachios or coarse sugar on top. For sandwich cookies, spread Nutella, Biscoff, or your favorite jam on half, dust the others with powdered sugar, then press together gently. Arrange your cookies in decorative boxes or tins—the colorful layers look stunning side by side, and your family will think you bought them at a fancy bakery.

How to Serve Colorful Matcha and Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of sprinkling coarse sugar crystals on some cookies before baking—they catch the light and add a satisfying crunch. For decoration, crushed pistachios pair beautifully with the earthy matcha cookies, and a drizzle of dark chocolate on the cocoa ones adds that extra wow factor.

Side Dishes

These cookies are awesome alongside a hot cup of green tea or coffee, which complements the buttery sweetness. If you’re serving for a party, I like offering fresh fruit or lightly whipped cream to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or gifting, I arrange the cookies in festive tins layered with parchment paper. Using different sized cookie cutters lets you make wreath and sandwich cookies that really stand out. You can even stack the cookies with colorful ribbons between layers for a super cute presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually stay fresh and crispy for about a week, although the chocolate drizzle will set a little softer over time. For best texture, keep them away from humid areas in your kitchen.

Freezing

If you want to make these in advance, you can freeze unbaked cut-out dough wrapped in parchment and plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual. You can also freeze fully baked cookies in a sealed container—just separate layers with parchment so they don’t stick.

Reheating

To refresh cookies that have softened a bit, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This crisps them up nicely without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Colorful Matcha and Chocolate Butter Cookies Recipe turns out every time—whether I’m making it for family, friends, or just a cozy afternoon treat. There’s something about the combination of buttery crispness, the subtle hint of matcha, and rich chocolate that just clicks. Plus, it’s a real joy to get creative with the decorations and watch others’ faces light up seeing the colorful spread. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, give these cookies a try—you won’t regret it!

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