Matcha Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a cookie that feels just a bit extra, let me introduce you to Matcha Crinkle Cookies. These dazzling little treats combine the earthy, delicate notes of matcha with the satisfyingly sweet and soft chew of a classic crinkle. The result? A cookie that looks like a spring meadow dusted with the season’s first snowfall. Whether you’re a longtime matcha fan or just cookie-curious, Matcha Crinkle Cookies are a delectable fusion you’ll want to bake again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Matcha Crinkle Cookies lies in their simplicity, but every ingredient plays a starring role. From the vibrant matcha powder to the cloud of powdered sugar on top, here’s why each component matters for taste, color, and that signature crinkle effect.

• Granulated sugar: This brings sweetness and helps the cookies achieve those irresistible crackly tops.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Essential for richness and the perfect tender crumb.
• Large eggs: Eggs provide structure and just the right amount of moisture, holding everything together.
• Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla rounds out the earthiness of matcha with aromatic sweetness.
• Matcha green tea powder: The star of the show! Use a quality matcha for bold color and vibrant tea flavor.
• All-purpose flour: This gives the cookies their shape and soft, chewy bite.
• Baking powder: For lift and those beautifully puffed centers.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens the flavors and balance.
• Powdered sugar for coating: Rolling the dough in powdered sugar guarantees that gorgeous crinkled look and extra burst of sweetness.

How to Make Matcha Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Sugar and Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is crucial for those airy, cloudlike cookies we crave. Creaming introduces air, which partners up with the baking powder to give your Matcha Crinkle Cookies the perfect lift.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack those eggs in one at a time, mixing just until each is incorporated before adding the next. Stir in your vanilla extract for that warm, cozy aroma. This gentle mixing ensures your dough stays tender and the flavors meld beautifully with the matcha you’ll add soon.

Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift your matcha powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt directly into your wet mixture. Sifting helps avoid lumps (no one wants a floury bite!) and makes sure the matcha distributes evenly for color in every cookie. Gently fold everything together until you see a soft, dreamy green dough form—don’t overmix here, or your cookies might turn out a bit dense.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Slide your bowl of dough into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This chill time lets the butter firm back up, which is the secret behind cookies that puff up and crinkle instead of spreading into puddles. If you skip this part, you might not get those classic craggly tops Matcha Crinkle Cookies are famous for!

Step 5: Shape and Sugar-Coat

Once your dough is chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into neat little balls. Now comes the fun part: roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, making sure every bit of green dough is concealed. The sugar bakes into a crackly, snowy shell—pure magic!

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Arrange your cookies on the prepared baking sheet, giving them some space (about 2 inches apart) to expand. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops have spread and “crinkled”, but the centers remain soft to the touch. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to fully cool—this helps them set up perfectly chewy and tender.

How to Serve Matcha Crinkle Cookies

Garnishes

To dress up your Matcha Crinkle Cookies, a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving adds even more contrast and visual appeal. For a pop of elegance, try a sprinkle of edible gold flakes or a few white chocolate shavings for an extra-special occasion.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine brightest with simple accompaniments. Pair them with a cup of green tea for a double dose of matcha, or serve alongside a creamy latte, hot chocolate, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Fresh fruit—think strawberries or raspberries—offers a refreshing, tart note to balance the cookies’ sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Matcha Crinkle Cookies on a rustic wooden board for a pretty afternoon tea, or stack them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for charming edible gifts. I also love sandwiching a scoop of matcha or vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a playful twist—those crinkled tops look gorgeous peeking out from an ice cream center!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras (lucky you!), Matcha Crinkle Cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before packing them up to maintain their ideal texture—soft middles, crisp edges, and that signature sugary finish.

Freezing

You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough. To freeze cookies, let them cool completely and layer between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container; they’ll last up to 2 months. For unbaked dough, portion and sugar-coat as usual, then freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time for fresh Matcha Crinkle Cookies anytime.

Reheating

Bring your cookies back to life with a quick warm-up: 5-7 seconds in the microwave is all it takes to reawaken that bakery-fresh, chewy texture. Alternatively, a few minutes in a 300°F (150°C) oven will do the trick, and your kitchen will smell amazing too!

FAQs

Can I use culinary or ceremonial grade matcha for these cookies?

Absolutely! While ceremonial grade matcha offers the most vibrant color and delicate flavor, culinary grade is perfectly suited for baking and still delivers great taste in Matcha Crinkle Cookies. Just be sure to use a high-quality powder for the brightest green hue and smoothest finish.

Why did my Matcha Crinkle Cookies not form crinkles?

The magic crinkles come from rolling the dough generously in powdered sugar and properly chilling the dough beforehand. If the cookies didn’t crackle, it could be from warm dough or not enough powdered sugar coating, so don’t be shy with the sugar and chill time!

How sweet are these cookies?

Matcha Crinkle Cookies are balanced—a gentle sweetness from the sugar and powdered coating, plus the mellow bitterness of matcha. They’re far less sweet than traditional cookies, letting the tea flavor truly shine.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies will still bake up beautifully soft and chewy, but check the dough’s texture and add a splash of milk if it feels too stiff.

Do Matcha Crinkle Cookies contain caffeine?

Because matcha is made from powdered green tea leaves, there is a small amount of caffeine in each cookie, though much less than a typical cup of tea or coffee. If you’re highly sensitive, enjoy them earlier in the day or serve with a cup of herbal tea.

Final Thoughts

Give these Matcha Crinkle Cookies a try, and don’t be surprised if they become a new staple in your kitchen. From the unique green swirls to the pillowy, crinkled texture, they offer something irresistibly special for both matcha-lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike. Happy baking!