The Best Matcha Crinkle Cookies (Soft, Chewy & Not Bitter)
Why You’ll Love These Matcha Crinkle Cookies
If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make soft and chewy matcha crinkle 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 classic bakery-style crinkle without any complicated steps. Instead of heavy techniques or specialty tools, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and high-quality matcha for a smooth, balanced green tea flavor. As a result, the cookies feel bakery-worthy while still being easy enough for everyday baking.Soft, Chewy Centers with Perfect Crinkles
Because these matcha crinkle cookies are rolled and baked just right, they develop beautiful crackled tops while staying soft and chewy inside. There’s no chilling marathon or fussy shaping, which makes them ideal for stress-free baking sessions. At the same time, the texture stays rich and tender thanks to the balanced dough and gentle bake time. In other words, you get that nostalgic crinkle-cookie look with a refined matcha twist.A Smooth Matcha Flavor That’s Never Bitter
Ceremonial-grade or high-quality culinary matcha gives these cookies their signature green hue and earthy depth. However, the matcha is carefully balanced so it enhances the cookie rather than overpowering it. Instead, each bite is lightly sweet, cozy, and comforting—making these cookies perfect alongside coffee, tea, or a quiet afternoon treat.Why This Recipe Works
First, the Texture Is Soft, Chewy, and Bakery-Perfect
To begin with, these matcha crinkle cookies are made with a carefully balanced dough that bakes up soft and chewy in the center with lightly crisp edges. As a result, you get that classic bakery-style cookie texture without dryness.
Additionally, allowing the dough to rest briefly helps the cookies hold their shape, creating those signature crinkles while keeping the centers tender.
Next, the Matcha Flavor Stays Smooth — Never Bitter
Instead of overpowering the dough, high-quality matcha is measured precisely and evenly mixed. This ensures a gentle green-tea flavor that feels refined rather than sharp.
At the same time, sugar and vanilla soften the earthy notes, creating a balanced, cozy flavor that’s easy to love.
Finally, the Method Is Simple and Foolproof
Because these cookies are rolled and baked with no complicated techniques, the process stays approachable and stress-free. There’s no frying, shaping, or guesswork involved.
Most importantly, the cookies bake evenly and crack beautifully on top, giving you soft, chewy matcha crinkle cookies every single time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon high-quality matcha powder
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Rolling
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Directions
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First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and matcha in a medium bowl. Set aside.
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Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
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Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
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After that, scoop the dough and roll each portion into a ball, then coat generously in powdered sugar.
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Finally, place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until puffed and crinkled on top. Let cool briefly, then transfer to a rack.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Nutrition Note:
These matcha crinkle cookies offer a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, fats, and a touch of protein, making them a comforting treat without feeling overly heavy. The matcha provides antioxidants and a gentle lift, while the soft, chewy texture delivers that classic bakery-style indulgence in every bite.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands, sugar coating, and portion size.
Why This Recipe Works
First, the cookie dough is carefully balanced to create a soft, chewy center with lightly crisp edges. As a result, each cookie bakes up tender on the inside while keeping that signature crinkle texture on top.
Next, ceremonial-grade matcha delivers smooth green-tea flavor without bitterness. Because it’s paired with the right amount of sugar and vanilla, the matcha stays mellow, earthy, and bakery-perfect.
Finally, mixing the dough just until combined prevents tough cookies. This simple step keeps the crumb soft and chewy, giving you crinkle cookies that feel indulgent yet refined.
- Soft, chewy centers with crisp edges
- Balanced matcha flavor that’s never bitter
- Easy method with consistent bakery-style results
Flavor Profile
These matcha crinkle cookies are soft and chewy at the center with lightly crisp edges, offering a balanced green-tea flavor that feels smooth and comforting rather than sharp. The matcha comes through gently, never bitter, with just enough earthiness to feel refined.
Finished with a delicate sweetness and subtle vanilla warmth, each cookie feels cozy yet elevated — the kind of treat that pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a quiet afternoon break.
What kind of matcha should I use for crinkle cookies?
Use a high-quality culinary matcha for baking. If you prefer a smoother, more refined flavor, ceremonial-grade matcha works beautifully and gives a brighter green color.
Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?
Crinkles form when the dough is properly chilled and coated generously in powdered sugar. Make sure the dough is cold before baking and don’t skimp on the sugar coating.
How do I keep matcha cookies from tasting bitter?
Use fresh matcha, measure carefully, and avoid overbaking. A balanced amount of sugar and vanilla helps soften matcha’s natural earthier notes.
Why are my cookies dry instead of chewy?
Dry cookies usually mean too much flour or overbaking. Measure flour gently (spoon and level), and remove cookies when the centers still look slightly soft.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be chilled for up to 24 hours. In fact, chilling helps deepen the flavor and improves the crinkle effect.
How should I store matcha crinkle cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For the best texture, keep them away from excess moisture.
Can I freeze matcha crinkle cookies?
Yes. Freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Thaw baked cookies at room temperature, or bake dough balls straight from frozen with a slight time adjustment.
- Extra Crinkle: Roll dough twice in powdered sugar for a thicker, dramatic crinkle top.
- White Chocolate: Fold white chocolate chips into the dough for creamy contrast.
- Strawberry Matcha: Dust baked cookies with freeze-dried strawberry powder.
- Vanilla Bean: Add vanilla bean paste for a warmer, bakery-style flavor.
- Citrus Matcha: Add a pinch of lemon or orange zest for brightness.
- Almond Matcha: Swap ½ tsp almond extract for vanilla.
- Sesame Sugar: Mix toasted sesame seeds into the powdered sugar coating.
- Mini Cookies: Roll smaller dough balls and bake 1–2 minutes less.
Printable Recipe Card
Matcha Crinkle Cookies (Soft, Chewy & Not Bitter)
Prep: 15 min • Bake: 10–12 min • Yield: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour, baking powder, salt
- Ceremonial or culinary-grade matcha
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Butter or neutral oil
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, matcha, salt).
- Mix wet ingredients (sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla) until smooth.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
- Roll dough into balls, coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Bake 10–12 minutes until crinkled and set. Cool on rack.
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 .