Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you are searching for a cookie that perfectly balances earthy, floral, and sweet notes, look no further than these Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies. Each bite melts in your mouth with a delightful harmony of vibrant matcha green tea flavor and the delicate, fragrant hint of lavender in the frosting. These cookies not only look stunning with their subtle green and pastel purple hues but also offer a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie that will captivate every cookie lover’s heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary flavor and texture. From the nuttiness of all-purpose flour to the bright, herbal notes of matcha and lavender, each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting these irresistible cookies.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for the cookie dough, providing structure and softness.
• Cornstarch: Adds tenderness to keep the cookies soft and delicate.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your cookies rise perfectly with just the right texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Culinary-grade matcha powder: The star ingredient, delivering vibrant color and earthy flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Brings richness and a creamy texture for luscious cookies and frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just right, melting in every bite.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for soft cookies.
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the matcha.
• Vanilla extract: Provides a warm, sweet aroma to balance the floral and earthy notes.
• Powdered sugar: For the silky, smooth frosting that sings of lavender.
• Whole milk or heavy cream: Used to infuse the frosting with lavender and achieve the perfect consistency.
• Culinary lavender buds: The fragrant floral infusion that makes these cookies truly special.
• Light purple gel food coloring (optional): Enhances the visual appeal of the lavender frosting.

How to Make Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder. This mix forms the flavorful, green foundation of your cookies and ensures an even distribution of the matcha throughout the dough.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this step is crucial because it introduces air that helps produce tender cookies. It usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes using an electric mixer. The sweet, creamy blend will set the perfect stage for the next ingredients.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Now, mix in the egg, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and a subtle tang that perfectly complements the earthy matcha flavors. Stir until you get a smooth, cohesive mixture ready to be combined with the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into your wet ingredients. This process should be gentle but thorough, resulting in a thick, beautiful green dough. The dough will be a bit firm, which is perfect for shaping your cookies.

Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out approximately 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Slightly flatten the tops to encourage even baking. Pop the trays in the fridge for about 20 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and prevents spreading in the oven, so your cookies hold their gorgeous shape.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers remain soft. This balance keeps the cookies tender but sturdy, and the matcha flavor shines through with every bite. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Lavender Frosting

For the enchanting frosting, gently heat the milk and steep the culinary lavender buds for 4 to 5 minutes, then strain to remove the buds. Beat the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar until fluffy, then slowly add your lavender-infused milk to reach a luscious consistency. If you’re feeling whimsical, add a drop or two of light purple gel food coloring to enhance the visual charm. Finally, frost your cooled cookies using a knife or piping bag and prepare to wow everyone with your baking skills.

How to Serve Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

These cookies are beautiful on their own, but adding a few lavender buds on top of the frosting or a light dusting of extra matcha powder can elevate their presentation. Edible flowers also make a stunning garnish, adding a fresh, garden-inspired touch.

Side Dishes

Pairing the Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies with a cup of hot green tea or an Earl Grey tea is simply divine. The tea’s subtle bitterness balances the cookies’ sweetness, creating a harmonious tasting experience. For a decadent treat, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side provides a creamy counterpoint to the floral flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cookies on a rustic wooden board adorned with sprigs of fresh lavender or a soft linen napkin for a chic afternoon tea party vibe. Gift them in a pastel-colored box with delicate ribbons to surprise friends and family. You could even sandwich two cookies with extra frosting in between for an elegant Matcha Lavender cookie sandwich that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Keeping them away from heat and sunlight preserves the vibrant matcha color and the delicate floral notes of the frosting.

Freezing

You can freeze both the unfrosted cookies and the frosting separately. Place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Similarly, store the frosting in an airtight container. When ready, thaw overnight and frost as desired for fresh-tasting cookies anytime.

Reheating

For a freshly baked taste, warm individual cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain softness and prevent the frosting from melting excessively.

FAQs

Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

Yes! Plain Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute as it provides the same tanginess and moisture. You can also use buttermilk, but reduce the amount slightly to keep the dough from becoming too wet.

Where can I find culinary-grade matcha powder?

Culinary-grade matcha is widely available at specialty tea shops, well-stocked grocery stores, and online retailers. Make sure to choose one labeled ‘culinary-grade’ for the best flavor and color in baking.

Is it necessary to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough is important because it helps firm up the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much and ensuring they keep their shape. It also allows the flavors to meld for a more balanced taste.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for edges that are set and slightly firm, while the centers should still be soft to the touch. Overbaking will dry them out, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly underbaked.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

With some adjustments, you can! Substitute the butter with vegan butter alternatives, use flaxseed or chia eggs, and swap sour cream for a plant-based yogurt. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you want to add a touch of elegance and unique flavor to your cookie repertoire, you simply must try these Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies. They’re a whimsical treat that not only tastes incredible but also makes any occasion feel extra special. Bake a batch, share with loved ones, and watch these green tea and lavender-infused delights become an instant favorite!

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