If you’re craving something that beautifully balances earthy and sweet flavors with a hint of floral charm, the Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat. These delicate, tender cookies combine the vibrant, grassy notes of matcha with luscious white chocolate chunks, all topped with a luscious, creamy strawberry frosting that’s wonderfully light and bursting with berry goodness. Each bite is a celebration of color, flavor, and texture that’s as delightful to look at as it is to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these cookies lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each contributing to the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and that stunning green and pink glow. From the rich nuttiness of butter to the subtle zing of matcha powder, every component is essential to crafting these beauties.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookie dough richness and tenderness, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the earthiness of matcha perfectly.
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Brings a subtle caramel note and extra moisture to the cookies.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances depth of flavor, making the cookies incredibly aromatic.
- 1 egg, room temperature: Binds the dough and adds structure without dryness.
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet tender base of the cookies.
- 1 tbsp matcha powder (culinary grade): Infuses the dough with vibrant green color and signature rich, grassy taste.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and accentuates other flavors.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a light, soft rise.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Works with the acidic elements to create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup white chocolate, chopped: Adds pockets of creamy sweetness and a luxurious texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for matcha frosting): Ensures a smooth, rich base for the matcha frosting.
- 1½ to 2 cups icing sugar, sifted (for matcha frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
- 1 tbsp matcha powder (for frosting): Delivers that unmistakable matcha flair to the frosting layer.
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream, as needed: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to spreadable perfection.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for strawberry frosting): Provides creaminess and body for the strawberry frosting.
- 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened: Injects tanginess and smooth richness into the strawberry topping.
- 1½ to 2 cups icing sugar, sifted (for strawberry frosting): Sweetens and balances the cream cheese perfectly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for strawberry frosting): Boosts flavor and adds subtle warmth.
- 3–4 tbsp freeze-dried strawberry powder: Packs intense strawberry flavor and that pretty pink hue into the frosting.
How to Make Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the cookie dough
Start by creaming the butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this is key to a tender, airy cookie. Then, add the vanilla extract and egg, beating until fully incorporated for a smooth, unified dough.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, matcha powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This thorough mixing not only distributes the leavening agents evenly but also ensures that every bite has an equal hit of that beautiful matcha flavor. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently to keep the dough tender.
Step 3: Fold in white chocolate
Chunky pieces of white chocolate give these cookies delightful pockets of melty sweetness. Carefully fold the chopped chocolate into the dough until dispersed evenly. Then, pop the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes; this chill time is crucial for easier handling and helps prevent spreading while baking.
Step 4: Bake the cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and scoop out tablespoon-sized dollops of dough, placing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just set and the centers still look slightly soft — this guarantees a chewy, soft center once cooled. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the matcha frosting
While the cookies bake and cool, whip up the matcha frosting by beating softened butter until creamy, then gradually adding icing sugar and matcha powder. Add milk or cream a little at a time to reach the perfect spreadable consistency — smooth but thick enough to hold its shape on the cookies.
Step 6: Frost the cookies with matcha layer
Once cooled, spread a thin, even layer of matcha frosting on each cookie. This layer is delicate and flavorful, setting the stage for the next luscious topper. Chill the frosted cookies for 10–15 minutes to let the frosting firm just a little.
Step 7: Make the strawberry frosting
In a clean bowl, beat butter and icing sugar until light and fluffy, then add vanilla extract and the vibrant freeze-dried strawberry powder. Finally, beat in softened cream cheese until the frosting becomes silky smooth and perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy.
Step 8: Top with strawberry frosting
Spread or pipe a generous layer of the strawberry frosting over the chilled matcha layer. This dual frosting creates a stunning visual contrast and flavor harmony. Pop the cookies back in the fridge for another chill to set the frosting cleanly for serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra touch of whimsy and flavor by garnishing with a light dusting of matcha powder or a few freeze-dried strawberry pieces. A tiny fresh strawberry slice or a white chocolate curl can also elevate the presentation and add subtle texture.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of green tea, which echoes the matcha undertones. A glass of cold milk or strawberry-infused herbal tea can also complement the sweet berry frosting while balancing the earthiness of the matcha.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies in little towers tied with a green silk ribbon for a gift-worthy look, or arrange them on a pastel-colored platter with fresh strawberries and edible flowers. For a party, serve with mini spoons and bowls of extra frosting as a delightful DIY topping station.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep the cookies soft and the frosting fresh. If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigeration is a safe option, though the texture will be best served slightly chilled rather than straight from the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 1 month by placing them in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. For frosted cookies, freeze them in a tightly sealed container with parchment layers between cookies to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
For a freshly baked feel, warm the cookies without frosting slightly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for around 5 minutes. Take care not to melt the frosting if applied. Alternatively, thaw frosted cookies at room temperature and enjoy them chilled or gently warmed to soften the frostings just a bit.
FAQs
Can I substitute cream cheese in the strawberry frosting?
Yes! You can swap cream cheese for mascarpone to maintain creaminess with a slightly different tang, or use softened butter only for a richer, less tangy frosting. Just note the flavor and texture will vary a bit from the original.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling helps the dough firm up, which prevents spreading during baking and yields a thicker, chewier cookie. It also enhances the flavors as the ingredients meld together—so while you might skip it in a pinch, chilling is highly recommended.
What’s the best matcha powder to use for this recipe?
Use culinary-grade matcha powder for baking to get that classic vibrant color and deep flavor without the expense of ceremonial-grade matcha. Culinary matcha is formulated specifically for cooking and holds up well to heat.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the frostings?
Absolutely! You can reduce or increase the amount of icing sugar to suit your taste. Just add gradually and taste as you go to avoid overly sweet or too thin frostings.
How do I prevent the frostings from mixing or melting into each other?
Chill the matcha frosting layer first to set it firmly, then add the strawberry frosting and chill again. Keeping the layers chilled avoids blending and keeps those beautiful, distinct layers visually appealing and texturally satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you fall in love with this Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies Recipe as much as I have. It’s a delightful way to indulge in matcha’s unique flavor wrapped in a sweet, creamy embrace of strawberry frosting. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, these cookies bring joy with every bite and a splash of color to your kitchen. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this irresistible baking adventure!
Print
Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Strawberry Frosted Matcha Cookies, featuring tender matcha-flavored cookies studded with white chocolate chunks and layered with vibrant matcha and creamy strawberry frostings. Perfectly balanced with the earthy bitterness of matcha and the sweet, tangy notes of freeze-dried strawberries, these cookies make a sophisticated treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp matcha powder (culinary grade)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 cup white chocolate, chopped
Matcha Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ to 2 cups icing sugar, sifted
- 1 tbsp matcha powder
- 1–2 tbsp milk or cream, as needed for consistency
Strawberry Frosting
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1½ to 2 cups icing sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3–4 tbsp freeze-dried strawberry powder
Instructions
- Make the cookie dough: Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, beating until well combined and smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in white chocolate: Gently fold the chopped white chocolate into the dough until evenly distributed. Wrap the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop portions of the chilled dough onto the sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the matcha frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar and matcha powder, mixing well. Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until the desired spreadable consistency is reached.
- Frost the cookies: Spread a thin, even layer of the matcha frosting on each cooled cookie. Place the frosted cookies in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to set.
- Make strawberry frosting: Beat the softened butter and icing sugar together until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and freeze-dried strawberry powder, mixing well. Then incorporate the softened cream cheese and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Top with strawberry frosting: Spread or pipe the strawberry frosting over the set matcha layer on each cookie. Chill the cookies again to allow the frosting to firm up and ensure clean, defined layers.
Notes
- Use culinary grade matcha for the best flavor and vibrant green color.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading during baking.
- Adjust milk or cream in the matcha frosting gradually to achieve desired thickness.
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder adds natural flavor and color without extra moisture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
