Matcha White Chocolate Swirl Cookies

These Matcha White Chocolate Swirl Cookies are an elegant fusion of earthy matcha and sweet, creamy white chocolate. With their eye-catching green-and-white swirls, they are as beautiful as they are delicious—perfect for gifting, tea parties, or simply enjoying with a warm drink.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Matcha White Chocolate Swirl Cookies bring together the bold, slightly bitter notes of matcha green tea with the smooth sweetness of white chocolate, creating a balanced and unique flavor. Their striking spiral pattern adds a touch of sophistication, making them ideal for special occasions. The recipe is also simple enough for novice bakers and can be customized with ease.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Matcha powder (culinary grade recommended)
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• White chocolate chips or chunks

directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half. To one half, mix in the matcha powder until fully incorporated.
6. Roll out both dough halves into rectangles of equal size on parchment paper.
7. Layer the matcha dough over the plain dough and gently roll them together into a log.
8. Chill the dough log in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Slice the dough log into ¼-inch rounds and place on a lined baking sheet.
11. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
12. Remove from oven and immediately press white chocolate chips into the warm cookies.
13. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes

Variations

• Add a touch of lemon zest to the plain dough for a citrusy contrast.
• Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate instead of white for a different flavor profile.
• Mix chopped pistachios into the matcha dough for added texture.
• Use a cookie cutter to make themed shapes instead of swirl rounds.

storage/reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. These cookies do not require reheating, but can be warmed in a low oven (300°F) for a few minutes to restore a just-baked feel.

FAQs

What kind of matcha should I use for baking?

Culinary-grade matcha is ideal for baking, as it’s more affordable and stable under heat compared to ceremonial-grade matcha.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough log can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Why does my matcha dough look dull?

Using lower quality matcha or exposing it to too much light and air can cause the color to fade. Store matcha in an airtight, opaque container.

Can I skip the chilling step?

No, chilling is essential for the swirl shape to hold during slicing and baking.

What can I use instead of white chocolate?

Dark or milk chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts, can be used as a substitute.

How do I get a perfect swirl?

Ensure both doughs are rolled to the same thickness and size before layering and rolling tightly into a log.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, by using plant-based butter, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water), and dairy-free white chocolate.

Are these cookies overly sweet?

No, the slight bitterness of matcha balances the sweetness of the white chocolate and sugar.

Can I use matcha latte mix instead of pure matcha?

It is not recommended, as latte mixes often contain sugar and milk powders that affect texture and taste.

How should I slice the cookies cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and slice straight down, cleaning the blade between cuts for the neatest swirl pattern.

Conclusion

Matcha White Chocolate Swirl Cookies are a stunning and flavorful treat that marry aesthetics with taste. Their distinct green tea flavor, paired with sweet white chocolate, makes them a standout among traditional cookies. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or simply indulging in a creative afternoon project, this recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic cookie.

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