Strawberry Matcha Cookies Recipe Easy Swirled Treat for Baking

Imagine biting into a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. These strawberry matcha cookies are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. With their vibrant green and pink swirls, they’re the kind of treat that makes you pause for a photo before diving in. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, looking for a unique gift, or just want to bake something extraordinary, these cookies are a must-try. The balance of earthy matcha and sweet strawberry creates a flavor combination that’s both sophisticated and fun.

If you’ve ever wanted to bake something that feels fancy without being overly complicated, this recipe is for you. Trust me—your kitchen will smell incredible, and these cookies are guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special!

The Story Behind Strawberry Matcha Cookies

The idea of combining matcha and strawberry isn’t new, but it’s been gaining popularity in recent years—and for good reason. Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. Its earthy, slightly bitter flavor pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of strawberries. Together, they strike a perfect harmony that feels both indulgent and balanced.

Personally, I discovered this combination during a trip to a Japanese dessert cafe years ago. They served a strawberry matcha parfait that completely blew my mind. Ever since, I’ve been experimenting with ways to bring those flavors into my baking. These cookies are the result of that inspiration.

Beyond the flavor, the swirled design adds a playful touch. It reminds me of those colorful marbled desserts you see in fancy bakeries, but with a homemade charm. And let’s not forget the seasonal appeal—these cookies are perfect for spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak, but they’re just as delightful any time of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that make these strawberry matcha cookies so special, along with tips for selecting the best ones and making substitutions if needed.

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough. For a softer texture, you can substitute part of the flour with cake flour.
• Unsalted butter: Room-temperature butter is key for creaming. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
• Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and structure. You could use a mix of white and brown sugar for a slightly chewier texture.
• Matcha powder: Use high-quality culinary-grade matcha for the best color and flavor. Avoid lower grades, as they can be too bitter or dull in color.
• Strawberry powder: Freeze-dried strawberries ground into powder work perfectly here. You can find these in most grocery stores or online. Alternatively, finely chop freeze-dried strawberries and blend them into the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
• Eggs: These bind the dough together. Make sure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Baking powder: Helps give the cookies a slight rise.
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

If you’re looking to make these cookies vegan, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Gluten-free flour blends also work well if you’re avoiding gluten.

Equipment You’ll Need

Making these cookies doesn’t require anything too fancy, but here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few different bowls for separating the dough and mixing the strawberry and matcha layers.
• Whisk and spatula: For mixing wet and dry ingredients. A silicone spatula is great for scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Creaming the butter and sugar is much easier with an electric mixer.
• Rolling pin: To flatten the dough before swirling.
• Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
• Sharp knife: For slicing the swirled cookie dough.

If you don’t have a rolling pin, a clean wine bottle works in a pinch. And for the baking sheets, I’ve found heavy-duty ones bake more evenly.

How to Make Strawberry Matcha Cookies

Here’s the step-by-step process to create these stunning cookies:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream 1 cup (226g) of unsalted butter and 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (315g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Divide and flavor: Split the dough into two equal portions. To one portion, mix in 2 tablespoons of matcha powder. To the other, mix in 2 tablespoons of strawberry powder.
4. Create the swirl: Roll out each dough portion into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Layer the strawberry dough on top of the matcha dough, then roll them together tightly from one edge to form a log.
5. Chill the dough: Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
6. Slice and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled dough log into ¼-inch rounds and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy their buttery, slightly crisp texture!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to make sure your strawberry matcha cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Chill the dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use parchment paper: This makes cleanup easier and ensures the cookies don’t stick to the baking sheet.
• Don’t overmix: Once you’ve added the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer less sweet cookies, you can reduce the sugar by ¼ cup without affecting the texture.

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun ways to adapt this recipe:

• Chocolate twist: Add a layer of cocoa-flavored dough for a triple swirl effect.
• Holiday version: Use red food coloring instead of strawberry powder for a festive green and red swirl.
• Keto-friendly: Substitute the sugar with a low-carb sweetener and use almond flour in place of all-purpose flour.

I once tried adding a lemon-flavored layer, and it added a bright, zesty note that paired surprisingly well with the matcha and strawberry!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies are best served at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee. Their vibrant colors make them a great addition to dessert platters or gift boxes. For storage:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the unbaked dough log for up to 2 months. Thaw slightly before slicing and baking.
• Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each cookie is approximately 100 calories, with 5g of fat, 12g of carbs, and 2g of protein. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, and the strawberry adds a dose of vitamin C. While they’re definitely a treat, these cookies have some sneaky benefits thanks to their wholesome ingredients.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these strawberry matcha cookies are a winner. With their unique flavor combination and eye-catching swirls, they’re perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. I hope you enjoy baking (and eating!) them as much as I do.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media—I’d love to see your swirly masterpieces. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit powder instead of strawberry?

Absolutely! Raspberry or blueberry powder would work well and add their own unique flavor.

What if I don’t have matcha powder?

You can substitute it with green food coloring for the visual effect, though the flavor will be different.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours or frozen for longer storage.

Do I need special tools to make the swirls?

Nope! A rolling pin and a sharp knife are all you need to create the swirled effect.

How do I ensure my cookies stay soft?

Be careful not to overbake them, and store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.

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