These Marbled Matcha Black Sesame Cookies are a delightful fusion of Japanese flavors and classic cookie texture. Vegan and gluten-free, they feature a chewy, soft interior with crispy edges and a beautiful marbled look from three distinct doughs—matcha, black sesame, and vanilla. Perfectly balanced between sweet, earthy, and nutty, they’re a sophisticated and visually stunning treat that tastes as good as it looks.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• ½ cup cashew butter (130g)

• 3 tbsp aquafaba (45g) or non-dairy milk

• ¼ cup maple syrup (80g)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5g)

• 3 tbsp raw cane sugar (36g)

• ⅓ cup almond flour (37g)

• ⅓ cup fine oat flour (30g)

• 2 tbsp sweet rice flour (20g)

• 2.5 tbsp black sesame seed powder (18g)

• 1 tsp matcha powder (5g)

• ½ tsp baking powder (2.5g)

• ½ tsp baking soda (2.5g)

• ½ tsp salt (2.5g)

Directions

1. Prepare Base Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk cashew butter, aquafaba, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Add oat flour, sweet rice flour, cane sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix to combine.

2. Divide & Flavor Doughs:

   • Transfer 1/3 of the dough to a separate bowl and mix in black sesame powder. Chill.

   • To the remaining dough, add almond flour and mix. Divide this into two equal parts. To one part, sift in the matcha powder and mix. Chill all doughs for 30 minutes.

3. Shape Cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take 1 tbsp of each dough and lightly roll together to form a marbled ball. Place on the baking sheet.

4. Bake: Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Let cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.

5. Serve or Store: Enjoy once cooled. Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze and reheat for best texture.

Nutrients (per cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 273

• Fat: 15.4g

• Saturated Fat: 2.6g

• Unsaturated Fat: 11g

• Carbohydrates: 30.1g

• Sugar: 16.1g

• Fiber: 2.3g

• Protein: 6.6g

• Sodium: 151.9mg

• Cholesterol: 0mg

The Story Behind the Cookie

Inspired by traditional Japanese flavors and modern baking techniques, these cookies marry the bold, nutty profile of black sesame with the vibrant bitterness of matcha green tea and the comforting sweetness of vanilla. Both matcha and black sesame have been staples in Japanese and East Asian cuisine for centuries, often used in desserts like mochi, ice cream, and sponge cakes. In this recipe, they’re elevated and reinterpreted in a contemporary Western cookie format—resulting in a beautiful visual swirl and a surprisingly balanced flavor in each bite.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

These cookies check every box: they’re stunning to look at, rich in complex flavor, and packed with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. The marbled look adds an artisanal, homemade touch, yet the process is incredibly approachable, even for beginner bakers. They’re naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them an inclusive treat for gatherings, gifting, or everyday enjoyment. The texture is another highlight—crisp on the edges, soft and chewy in the center—achieved without eggs, butter, or traditional flour.

Flavor Profile: Balanced, Bold, and Not Too Sweet

Each component of these cookies plays a distinct role in the overall flavor. The matcha dough provides a grassy, slightly bitter note that complements the earthy nuttiness of the black sesame. The vanilla dough brings just enough sweetness to tie everything together, creating harmony without overwhelming the palate. A touch of maple syrup adds natural sweetness and moisture, while cashew butter gives the dough its creamy richness and chewy bite.

A Healthier Indulgence with Plant-Based Power

These cookies are a great example of how dessert can be mindful and indulgent at the same time. Cashew butter provides healthy fats and plant-based protein, while oat and almond flours offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals without gluten. Black sesame seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants, known for supporting bone health and promoting radiant skin. Matcha, made from finely ground green tea leaves, is packed with catechins—powerful antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and boost metabolism.

Perfect for Gifting or Gathering

Whether you’re baking a thoughtful gift or bringing something unique to a party, Marbled Matcha Black Sesame Cookies stand out. Their distinctive green, gray, and beige swirls look like something from a boutique bakery, and they pack beautifully for gift boxes or cookie tins. Serve them at tea parties, brunch spreads, holiday tables, or simply alongside your favorite hot drink. They’re also a conversation starter, thanks to their unique flavor combo and artistic appearance.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies shine when paired with beverages that highlight their complexity. A warm matcha latte, jasmine tea, or black coffee creates a perfect flavor match. Serve them slightly warm for extra softness, or even chilled for a firmer bite and enhanced chewiness. They also make a fun addition to ice cream sandwiches or a plated dessert with whipped coconut cream and fruit compote. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with dark chocolate or dust with extra matcha for a visual flourish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overbaking, as these cookies can dry out quickly due to their gluten-free base. They should be just set at the edges and still soft in the middle when removed from the oven. Another key step is properly chilling the dough—this helps the marbling hold its definition and prevents excessive spreading. Be careful not to overmix the doughs when combining them into a ball; a light roll is enough to create that iconic swirl without blending the colors too much.

Tips for the Perfect Marble Effect

For a visually striking result, take one teaspoon of each dough and gently press them together without kneading or over-rolling. Rotate the dough slightly as you form a ball to stretch the swirl. Using a cookie scoop ensures even portion sizes. For a bakery-style finish, press the dough balls lightly before baking for a more uniform shape. Chilling the doughs not only improves texture but also makes them easier to handle and shape.

Variations to Try

You can experiment with different nut butters—try tahini for a more pronounced sesame profile, or almond butter for a lighter flavor. Switch out the maple syrup for agave or brown rice syrup if preferred. Add mini vegan chocolate chips to the vanilla dough or a few chopped pistachios to the matcha for added texture. For a spiced twist, a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the base dough can create new flavor dimensions.

Ingredient Spotlight: Black Sesame Powder

Black sesame powder is made from finely ground black sesame seeds and delivers a deep, roasted nut flavor. Often used in Asian desserts, it brings not only taste but a rich gray hue that contrasts beautifully with the green of matcha and the pale beige of vanilla dough. Beyond flavor, black sesame seeds are nutrient-dense, offering iron, calcium, and heart-healthy fats. Look for it in Asian grocery stores or make your own by grinding toasted black sesame seeds in a spice grinder.

Conclusion

Marbled Matcha Black Sesame Cookies are the perfect treat for those who appreciate bold flavors, eye-catching presentation, and mindful baking. They bring together the best of Japanese-inspired ingredients with a modern, health-conscious twist—vegan, gluten-free, and utterly delicious. With their chewy interior, crispy edges, and balanced flavor, these cookies are more than just a sweet—they’re a culinary experience that celebrates creativity, culture, and plant-based goodness in every bite.