Imagine the delicate scent of lavender gently wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the vibrant notes of matcha, a touch of sweetness, and the warmth of freshly baked cookies. It was a rainy afternoon when I decided to experiment with these flavors, combining two of my favorites into one delightful treat: Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies.
This recipe transforms a classic cookie into an elegant dessert that’s both visually appealing and irresistibly flavorful. The lovely green hue from the matcha brings not just a pop of color but also a unique twist that will intrigue your friends and family. And the lavender-infused frosting? It’s like a dreamy hug for your taste buds!
Whether you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or just want to indulge in something special at home, these cookies deliver on every front. You may think gourmet baking requires hours in the kitchen, but I promise you, this recipe is simple enough to make even on a whim. So, let’s get started and create a batch of cookies that’ll have everyone coming back for more!
Why are Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: The delicate blend of matcha and lavender creates an exquisite flavor profile that’s both refreshing and soothing.
Stunning Presentation: With their vibrant green hue and lavender frosting, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them perfect for gatherings or gifting.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of any skill level, so you can whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes.
Unique Twist: Elevate your cookie game with this innovative combination that offers a delightful surprise to traditional flavors.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for tea parties, birthdays, or simply for enjoying at home, these cookies will please guests of all ages.
Indulge in a delightful treat that transforms ordinary moments into something special with these unique cookies!
Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
- All-purpose flour – A vital base for a chewy texture.
- Cornstarch – Helps create a tender crumb for your cookies.
- Baking powder – Ensures your cookies rise beautifully.
- Baking soda – Adds a touch of lift and crispness.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of your baked cookies.
- Culinary-grade matcha powder – Infuses vibrant color and an earthy taste into your cookies.
- Unsalted butter, softened – Provides richness and moisture for a soft texture.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s lovely structure.
- Egg – Acts as a binder to hold the ingredients together.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt – Adds moisture and a hint of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – Infuses warm flavor and complements the other ingredients.
For the Lavender Frosting
- Unsalted butter, softened – Creates a rich and creamy base for your frosting.
- Powdered sugar, sifted – Adds sweetness while ensuring a smooth frosting consistency.
- Whole milk or heavy cream – Helps achieve the ideal creamy texture for your frosting.
- Culinary lavender buds – Delivers a floral aroma and flavor that brightens the frosting.
- Light purple gel food coloring (optional) – Adds a whimsical touch that ties in with the lavender theme.
Get ready to bake these Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies and delight your loved ones with every bite!
How to Make Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl: flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder. Whisk thoroughly and set aside to blend the flavors.
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Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light, fluffy, and creamy, about 2–3 minutes. This step is key for a tender cookie texture!
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Incorporate the egg, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Beat until everything is smooth and well-blended, creating a luscious base.
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Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, using a rubber spatula or mixer on low speed. Blend until a soft, thick dough forms, making sure not to overmix.
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Shape the dough by scooping 2-tablespoon-sized portions and rolling them into balls. Slightly flatten the tops before chilling the dough in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
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Bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are just set and the centers look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
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Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial to prevent melting the frosting when applied.
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Prepare the lavender frosting by heating the milk or cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 10–20 seconds. Add culinary lavender buds and let steep for 4–5 minutes to infuse flavor.
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Strain the lavender buds from the milk using a small strainer. Discard the buds, retaining the fragrant milk for frosting.
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Beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a clean bowl. Gradually add the lavender-infused milk until your frosting is smooth and spreadable, adjusting to your desired consistency.
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Color the frosting with a drop or two of purple food coloring (if using), and mix until uniform. Frost the cooled cookies as desired, making them as pretty as they are tasty!
Optional: Sprinkle a few lavender buds on top for an elegant finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies
Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid compacting the flour, ensuring your cookies don’t turn out dense.
Chill Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step; it makes rolling easier and helps maintain the cookie shape while baking.
Check Bake Time: Keep an eye on your cookies the first time you make them. They should look slightly underdone in the center for a chewy texture.
Use High-Quality Matcha: Culinary-grade matcha is best for baking, as it has a vibrant color and deep flavor, making your cookies stand out.
Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool fully before frosting; otherwise, the heat can melt the frosting and ruin the presentation.
Experiment with Frosting Color: Feel free to adjust the food coloring to create a whimsical look, enhancing the appeal of your Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies.
What to Serve with Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies?
Imagine the gentle indulgence of sweet desserts mingling with calming floral notes, creating a memorable experience for your taste buds.
- Earl Grey Tea: This fragrant brew echoes the floral notes in the cookies, making it the perfect companion for a cozy afternoon.
- Matcha Latte: Complement the matcha flavor while enjoying a creamy, frothy beverage that’s equally delightful and soothing.
- Fresh Berries: The burst of tartness from strawberries or blueberries balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
- Lavender Lemonade: The floral twist enhances the lavender notes in your cookies, creating a refreshing drink for warm days.
- Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for an extra level of indulgence that pairs well with the cookie’s texture.
- Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dark chocolate brings a rich and contrasting flavor that elevates each bite.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent touch, serve your cookies warm alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
- Citrus Shortbread: The crispy, buttery texture contrasts beautifully with the soft cookies, while their citrus flavor enhances the overall experience.
- Herbal Infusions: For a unique twist, serve with chamomile or mint teas to create a calming, aromatic atmosphere.
- Lemon Zest Cookie: Add zest to your plate with lemon-flavored cookies that uplift the flavors with their zesty brightness.
How to Store and Freeze Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: For extended freshness, keep your cookies in the fridge for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking whenever you crave freshly baked cookies!
Reheating: If you’re enjoying leftover baked cookies, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft texture and flavor.
Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and adapt these cookies to suit your taste and dietary needs!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delightful gluten-free version that maintains texture.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and a plant-based milk alternative to make these cookies dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
- No Egg: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly option.
- Herb-Infused: Consider adding a touch of lemon or rosemary along with the lavender for a refreshing aromatic twist that brightens each bite.
- Texture Twist: Try incorporating chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an exciting crunch or sweetness alongside the creamy frosting.
- Matcha Level: Adjust the amount of matcha powder to enhance earthiness, either by increasing for a stronger flavor or reducing for a lighter touch.
- Cookie Sizes: Experiment with smaller or larger cookie sizes, maintaining bake time flexibility. Mini cookies make for a fun bite-sized treat!
- Flavored Frosting: Jazz up the frosting with a hint of citrus zest or swap in a different extract, like almond or mint, for a personal flavor profile.
Make Ahead Options
These Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies are fantastic for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy delightful treats with minimal last-minute effort! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply scoop and shape the dough, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The lavender-infused frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to re-whip it gently before frosting the cookies! When you’re ready to bake, simply remove the dough from the refrigerator, chill for the recommended time, and bake for the perfect balance of softness and chewiness. Enjoy these beautiful cookies without the rush!
Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best matcha for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting matcha for baking, opt for culinary-grade matcha. It’s specifically designed for cooking and has a vibrant color and rich flavor that will really elevate your Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies. Avoid ceremonial-grade matcha for this purpose as it’s more delicate and best enjoyed as a tea.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
For cookies to maintain their freshness, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to let them get back to room temperature for the best flavors before serving!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, definitely! If you want to freeze unbaked dough, wrap the shaped dough balls tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with baking as usual! This way, you can have freshly baked Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Why did my cookies turn out flat?
Very! If your Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to a few factors. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted when you mix it with sugar. Additionally, ensure you’ve correctly measured your flour, as using too little can cause them to spread. Lastly, chilling the dough for at least 20 minutes is crucial, so don’t skip that step!
Are these cookies suitable for a dairy-free diet?
While this recipe includes butter and milk, you can absolutely adapt it! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter and use almond or coconut milk in place of whole milk for the frosting. Also, a plant-based egg replacer can work in place of the egg. This way, you can still enjoy delicious Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies with dietary restrictions in mind!
Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies for a Blissful Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine the dry ingredients: flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the egg, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls and flatten slightly. Chill the dough for at least 20 minutes.
- Bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underdone. Cool on a wire rack.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the milk or cream for 10-20 seconds. Add lavender buds and steep for 4-5 minutes.
- Strain the lavender buds, retaining the infused milk.
- Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar. Gradually add lavender milk until you achieve a smooth frosting consistency.
- Color the frosting with food coloring if desired. Frost the cooled cookies as preferred.