Name: Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup + 2 tbsp gluten free all-purpose flour, with xanthan gum; 1 tbsp matcha powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, or semisweet chocolate chips

There’s something so magical about the blend of earthy matcha and sweet white chocolate in these treats. This Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is one I return to again and again when I want a soft, chewy cookie that feels special yet easy enough to whip up anytime.

A group of round green cookies with white chips are shown on a silver wire cooling rack. Each cookie has a rough, cracked surface that shows their soft texture inside. The green color is even and vibrant, while the white chips are scattered across each cookie, sticking out slightly and adding contrast. The cooling rack is on a white marbled surface, adding a clean look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I first made these cookies, I was hooked by how the matcha’s bright green and subtle bitterness balanced out the creamy sweetness of white chocolate. Plus, they stay soft and chewy longer than most cookies I know, which is a game changer.

Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy, and slightly crisp at the edges—these cookies hit that sweet spot every time.
Beautiful Color: The vibrant green from quality matcha powder makes these cookies instantly eye-catching.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need, and the gluten-free option makes them accessible too.
Customizable: You can easily swap white chocolate for semisweet or try a few mix-ins for your twist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe plays an important role, from the buttery richness to the subtle bitterness of matcha and that sweet hit of white chocolate. Choosing good quality matcha and chocolate makes a noticeable difference in flavor and look.

Flat lay of a small mound of soft, pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white granulated sugar, one whole uncracked brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, a neat pile of white gluten free all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing vibrant green matcha powder, a small white bowl with fine white baking soda powder, a tiny mound of coarse sea salt crystals, and a small white bowl filled with glossy white chocolate chips, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Use room temperature butter that’s soft but not melted to get a tender and chewy cookie texture.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the earthy matcha and keeps the cookies softly sweet.
Egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for chewiness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and complements matcha’s natural notes.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour with Xanthan Gum: Keeps these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing texture.
Matcha Powder: Use high-quality, finely sifted matcha for vibrant color and smooth flavor without bitterness.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough and creates that light texture.
Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and accentuates flavors.
White Chocolate Chips: Adds melty pockets of sweet contrast that pair perfectly with matcha.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting a little with this Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe depending on my mood or the season. You really can’t go wrong, and that’s part of its charm. Feel free to make it suit what you enjoy most.

Try Semisweet Chocolate Chips: When I need less sweetness, I swap in semisweet chips—they offer a richer chocolate contrast that deepens the flavors.
Nutty Variation: Adding chopped macadamia nuts or toasted almonds brings a fun crunch and buttery note I adore.
Chill the Dough: I often chill my dough for 20 minutes before baking on warmer days to help cookies keep their shape and avoid spreading too thin.
Make Vegan: You can swap butter for a vegan alternative and use a flax egg to make these dairy-free and still just as delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The image shows six round matcha green cookies with white chocolate chunks inside. One cookie is broken in half with its inside visible, showing a soft, green textured dough dotted with white chocolate pieces. The cookies are arranged on white parchment paper placed over a white marbled surface. The cookies have a slightly rough surface with some cracks and a rich green color mixed with creamy white spots from the chocolate chunks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer and beat the room temperature butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. It’s key to get that aeration going so your cookies have that soft, chewy texture we all want.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly—this binds everything together and adds depth to the sweetness. I always crack the egg into a small bowl first to avoid any shell surprises!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sifted matcha powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Sifting the matcha here is a little trick I picked up—it prevents clumps and guarantees that beautiful even green color throughout the dough.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed just until the dough comes together—try not to overmix to keep the texture tender. Fold in the white chocolate chips gently by hand to avoid breaking them up.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball. Place on the baking sheet with at least 2 inches between each since they'll spread slightly. If you want to add some fun, like I did for a holiday batch, pop a heart sprinkle on top of each ball before baking. Bake for 11-13 minutes, just until the edges start turning golden. The center might look soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the parchment-lined sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They’re delicate when hot, so use a spatula carefully. Cooling completely will set their perfect soft-chewy consistency.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, here are a few nuggets of wisdom to make sure your Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out just right every time. I learned these over several batches—some hits, some misses—and they’ll save you time and frustration.

Sift the Matcha: This removes clumps and helps maintain that vibrant green, so your cookies don’t end up with bitter patches.
Don’t Overbake: Pull cookies out as soon as the edges are lightly golden — the center will look soft but sets perfectly as it cools.
Butter Consistency Matters: Use butter that’s just soft enough to press a fingerprint into. Too soft and your cookies spread too thin and lose chewiness.
Chill Dough in Warm Weather: If your kitchen is warm, pop your dough in the fridge for 20 minutes to help cookies hold their shape better while baking.

How to Serve Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually leave these cookies unadorned because the matcha’s natural color and white chocolate speaks for itself. But if I’m feeling festive, I like sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or colorful sprinkles on top right before baking — it adds a fun visual and an extra flavor pop I really enjoy.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a simple cup of green tea, which amplifies the matcha flavor without overpowering it. For brunch or afternoon treats, I love serving them alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of lightly whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or gifting, arranging cookies on a bamboo tray with a small bowl of matcha powder and extra white chocolate chips around looks stunning. Wrapping them individually in translucent parchment paper tied with green twine adds a charming touch that friends appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy for up to a week, and honestly, the matcha flavor deepens and becomes even more enjoyable the next day.

Freezing

If I want to make a big batch ahead, I freeze the dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, just bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This method keeps everything fresh and convenient.

Reheating

Leftover cookies reheat wonderfully in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back that soft texture and revives the subtle aroma of matcha without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, which can make them too soft and crumbly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular all-purpose flour one-for-one if gluten isn’t a concern for you. The cookies will be just as delicious and have a similar texture.

How do I prevent my matcha from tasting bitter?

Using high-quality, fresh matcha powder is key. Also, avoid overbaking as excessive heat can bring out bitterness. Finally, sifting the matcha with the flour helps distribute it evenly so every bite is smooth and balanced.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Replace the butter with a vegan buttery spread and swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoon water, chilled for 5 minutes). The texture may vary slightly but will still be soft and tasty.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This often happens if the butter is too soft or melted, or the dough is too warm. Stick to using butter that’s just soft enough to press a fingertip into, and chill the dough for 20 minutes if your kitchen temperature is high.

Final Thoughts

This Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is one of those cozy, satisfying bakes I love sharing with friends over coffee or a glass of milk. Its unique flavor combo feels both familiar and slightly exotic—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. Give them a try, and I bet you’ll be adding it to your go-to cookie list, just like I have.