The Best Soft & Chewy Matcha Cookie Recipe (Not Bitter)
Why You’ll Love These Matcha Cookies
If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make soft and chewy matcha cookies at home, this recipe is the perfect place to start. These cookies bake up tender in the center with lightly crisp edges, delivering that cozy, bakery-style texture without being dry or crumbly. Instead of complicated techniques or overpowering flavors, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and high-quality matcha for a smooth green-tea finish. As a result, the cookies feel bakery-inspired while still being easy enough for everyday baking.Soft & Chewy (Bakery-Style Results)
Because these matcha cookies are carefully balanced and baked just right, they come out soft and chewy every time. There’s no chilling marathon or fussy steps involved, making them perfect for relaxed baking sessions or last-minute cravings. At the same time, the texture stays rich and satisfying thanks to the right ratio of butter, sugar, and flour. In other words, you get that classic bakery cookie feel—without the effort.A Gentle Matcha Flavor That Never Turns Bitter
High-quality matcha gives these cookies their natural green color and smooth, earthy depth. However, the matcha is intentionally balanced so it enhances the cookies without overpowering them. Instead, each bite is lightly sweet, warm, and comforting—making these cookies ideal alongside coffee, tea, or a quiet afternoon treat.Why This Recipe Works
First, the Texture Is Soft and Perfectly Chewy
To begin with, these matcha cookies use a carefully balanced dough rather than excess flour or sugar. As a result, the centers stay soft and chewy while the edges bake up lightly crisp—never dry or crumbly.
Additionally, using room-temperature ingredients helps the dough mix evenly, creating consistent texture and shape from the first cookie to the last.
Next, the Matcha Flavor Stays Smooth — Never Bitter
Instead of overpowering the dough, high-quality matcha is measured precisely and evenly incorporated. This ensures a clean green-tea flavor that feels refined rather than sharp.
At the same time, butter, vanilla, and just the right amount of sweetness soften the earthy notes, creating a balanced flavor that feels warm, calm, and approachable.
Finally, the Baking Method Is Simple and Reliable
Because these cookies are baked using a consistent temperature and timing, the results are predictable and stress-free. There’s no chilling marathon or complicated steps involved.
Most importantly, the cookies spread evenly and hold their soft centers, giving you bakery-style results every single time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon high-quality matcha powder
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Directions
-
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
-
Next, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder in a medium bowl. Set aside.
-
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
-
Sponsored ContentYour ad will appear here.
-
Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
-
After that, scoop the dough into evenly sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Finally, bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers look slightly soft. Let cookies cool briefly on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Nutrition Note:
These matcha cookies are a rich, buttery treat designed to be enjoyed in moderation. While they’re an indulgence, matcha contributes natural antioxidants and a gentle lift of calm, focused energy. Balanced with sugar and butter, each cookie delivers comfort, sweetness, and a smooth green-tea finish without feeling overly heavy.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands, sugar ratios, and cookie size.
Why This Recipe Works
First, the dough is carefully balanced to create cookies that bake evenly with soft, chewy centers and lightly crisp edges. As a result, each cookie has that classic bakery-style texture without feeling dry.
Next, high-quality matcha delivers smooth green-tea flavor without bitterness. Because it’s paired with butter, vanilla, and just the right amount of sweetness, the matcha shines without overpowering the cookies.
Finally, mixing the dough just until combined prevents tough or dense cookies. This simple step keeps the texture tender and ensures consistent, reliable results every time.
- Soft, chewy centers with lightly crisp edges
- Balanced matcha flavor without bitterness
- Simple method with bakery-style results
Flavor Profile
These matcha cookies are soft, chewy, and gently sweet, with a smooth green-tea depth that feels refined rather than overpowering. The matcha flavor is well balanced and never bitter, allowing its natural earthiness to come through cleanly.
Finished with rich butter notes and a hint of vanilla, each cookie feels comforting yet elevated — the kind of treat that pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a quiet afternoon break.
What kind of matcha should I use for cookies?
Use a high-quality culinary matcha, or ceremonial grade if you want the smoothest, most refined flavor. Fresh, bright-green matcha gives the best color and helps prevent bitterness.
Why did my matcha cookies turn out dry?
Dry cookies usually come from too much flour or baking a little too long. Measure flour by spooning and leveling (not scooping), and pull cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
How do I keep matcha cookies from tasting bitter?
Use fresh matcha, don’t overdo the amount, and avoid overbaking. Butter, vanilla, and the right sweetness balance matcha’s earthy notes so the flavor stays smooth and gentle.
Why didn’t my cookies spread?
Cookies may not spread if the dough is too cold or has too much flour. Let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes and make sure you’re measuring flour accurately.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Over-spreading often happens when butter is too warm or the baking sheet is hot. Chill the dough briefly if needed, and always scoop onto a cool, parchment-lined tray.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours for even better flavor. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes before scooping so it’s easier to work with.
How do I store matcha cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. For the softest texture, add a small piece of bread to the container and replace it as needed.
Can I freeze matcha cookies?
Yes. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months, or freeze dough balls and bake straight from frozen (add 1–2 minutes to the bake time).
- White Chocolate Matcha: Fold white chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet, bakery-style contrast.
- Vanilla Bean: Add vanilla bean paste (or extra vanilla) for a warm, elevated finish.
- Strawberry Matcha: Sprinkle freeze-dried strawberry pieces on top before baking for a fruity pop.
- Dark Chocolate Chunk: Swap chips for chopped dark chocolate to balance the matcha’s earthiness.
- Citrus Bright: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, vibrant matcha note.
- Almond Cozy: Replace ½ tsp vanilla with almond extract for a subtle nutty warmth.
- Sesame Luxe: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before baking for a refined, nutty finish.
- Mini Cookies: Scoop smaller portions and start checking for doneness at 8–9 minutes.
Printable Recipe Card
Soft & Chewy Matcha Cookies (Not Bitter)
Prep: 15 min • Bake: 10–12 min • Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- Flour, baking soda, salt
- High-quality matcha powder
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, matcha).
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, then mix in eggs and vanilla.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers remain soft. Cool before serving.
About The Matcha Table
The Matcha Table began with a moment I still think about often: in 2012, I traveled to Japan to visit my sister and we shared matcha at a beautiful onsen—quiet, steamy air, soft light, and that first sip that felt both grounding and special.
That experience shaped how I see matcha today: not just as an ingredient, but as a ritual—calm, intentional, and quietly luxurious.
Here, you’ll find tea-forward recipes where elevated flavor meets everyday ease—desserts and drinks that are balanced, refined, and thoughtfully crafted for slow mornings, cozy afternoons, and moments worth savoring.
Benefits of Ceremonial-Grade Matcha
A soulful, antioxidant-rich powder known for calm focus, steady energy, and an overall feel-good, bakery-style glow.
- Calm, Focused Energy – gentle lift from L-theanine and caffeine, without the jitters or crash.
- Rich in Antioxidants – concentrated catechins, especially EGCG, help fight everyday oxidative stress.
- Supports Metabolism – may gently support metabolism and fat-burn when paired with a balanced lifestyle.
- Steady Mood & Clarity – the L-theanine + caffeine duo is loved for promoting clarity, focus, and a more centered state.
- Everyday Ritual – turning matcha into a small daily ritual can encourage slower mornings and intentional self-care.
"> Matcha isn’t a medical treatment, but it can be a beautiful part of a balanced lifestyle. Learn more about potential matcha benefits from this evidence-based overview .