Best Matcha Baking Recipes To Try

Why Choose Matcha for Baking?

Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves, is not just a vibrant ingredient for drinks; it has become a favorite for baking as well. Its unique flavor profile, which balances sweetness with earthy undertones, can elevate a range of baked goods. Not only does matcha enhance the taste, but it also adds a pop of color and packs a variety of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, matcha can be a sneaky way to make your treats a little healthier!

Best Matcha Baking Recipes To Try

1. Matcha Green Tea Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful balance between sweet and earthy flavors, matcha green tea cookies are a must-try. These cookies are not only visually appealing with their beautiful green hue, but they are also an excellent way to introduce matcha to your baking repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons matcha powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
6. Drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool before serving.

2. Matcha Pound Cake

This rich and tender matcha pound cake is a great alternative to the classic version. It’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with tea. A light glaze can enhance its flavor and aesthetic appeal!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon matcha powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

3. Matcha Macarons

Macarons are exquisite French confections that can be customized in endless ways, and matcha adds a wonderful twist. With a little practice, you can master these beautiful cookies.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
• 3 large egg whites
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon matcha powder
• Buttercream or ganache for filling

Instructions:

1. Begin by sifting almond flour, powdered sugar, and matcha powder together.
2. In a clean bowl, whisk egg whites until they begin to foam, then gradually add granulated sugar and continue whisking until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the dry mixture into the egg whites until just combined.
4. Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe small rounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment.
5. Let the macarons sit for 30-60 minutes to form a skin before baking at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Let cool completely.
6. Fill with buttercream or ganache and enjoy!

4. Matcha Brownies

For those who love rich, fudgy treats, matcha brownies are a game-changer. This simple recipe marries the classic brownie flavor with the unique essence of matcha.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons matcha powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a pot over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, mixing until combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Stir in vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, matcha powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares.

5. Matcha Cheesecake

Time to indulge! This matcha cheesecake is not only creamy and rich, but it also brings a refreshing twist to a classic dessert. The matcha flavor is perfectly balanced with the creamy texture making it a delightful crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon matcha powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
3. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in matcha powder and vanilla until well combined.
5. Pour the filling over the crust in the pan and smooth it out. Bake for 50-60 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center. Let it cool, then refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

Incorporating Matcha into Your Baking

When working with matcha in baking, keep a few things in mind. Start with high-quality culinary-grade matcha for the best flavor and color. The amount of matcha can vary; typically, 1-2 tablespoons per recipe is ideal, but it's worth experimenting to see what suits your taste. Additionally, it's essential to sift the matcha to avoid clumps and ensure an even distribution throughout your batter. Be mindful that too much matcha can overpower the other flavors, so balance is key.

FAQs about Matcha Baking Recipes

1. Can I use regular green tea instead of matcha in these recipes?

While you can experiment with regular green tea, it won't provide the same depth of flavor or vibrant color that matcha gives. Matcha contributes not only taste but also a unique texture that is integral to many baked goods.

2. How can I store matcha baked goods?

Store matcha baked items in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze them, keeping in mind that some textures may change upon thawing.

3. Can I make these recipes gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends for most of these recipes. Just ensure that the blends you choose are suitable for baking.

4. How do I know if my matcha is high quality?

High-quality matcha is vibrant green and has a fine, smooth texture. It should have a fresh, slightly sweet aroma and not smell overly grassy or bitter. It's best to choose culinary-grade matcha for baking.

5. What are other creative uses for matcha beyond baking?

Matcha can be used in smoothies, as a flavoring for ice cream, in salad dressings, or even in savory dishes like ramen or soups. Its versatility makes it an exciting addition to many culinary creations!