Name: Matcha Sugar Cookies with Lavender Frosting Bliss
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 61 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Substitution: Gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used for a gluten-free version.); 2 tablespoons Cornstarch; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 2 tablespoons Culinary-Grade Matcha Powder (Substitution: Use 1-1.5 tablespoons for a milder matcha flavor.); 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (Substitution: Vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free option.); 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg (Substitution: Flax egg can be used for a vegan option.); 1/4 cup Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt (Substitution: Plain non-dairy yogurt works as well.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 tablespoons Lavender Buds (Substitution: Omit if not a fan; cream cheese frosting can be an alternative.); 3 cups Powdered Sugar; 1/4 cup Whole Milk or Heavy Cream; 1 drop Light Purple Gel Food Coloring (optional)

“Have you ever tasted a cookie that transports you to a serene garden in full bloom? These Matcha Sugar Cookies with Lavender Frosting do just that, marrying the earthy notes of matcha with the delicate floral sweetness of lavender. Not only do they look stunning with their soft green tones and pastel icing, but they’re also a simple indulgence you can whip up for spring gatherings or cozy afternoons. With quick prep time and the ability to impress your guests, these cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat. Ready to take your baking game to the next level and fill your kitchen with enchanting aromas? Let’s dive into this unique recipe!”

Why Are These Cookies So Special?

Irresistible Flavor: Combining earthy matcha and floral lavender, these cookies offer a unique taste that delights the senses.

Visually Stunning: Their vibrant green hue and pastel frosting make them not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes!

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a manageable prep time, you don’t have to be a professional chef to impress your guests.

Versatile Treats: Perfect for tea parties, bridal showers, or a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies fit any occasion seamlessly. Plus, if you’re a fan of flavors like lemon or cream cheese, you can easily experiment with frosting variations!

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it for quick baking, making them a convenient treat for unexpected guests or spontaneous cravings!

Once you’ve enjoyed these, consider trying some delightful alternatives like Matcha Butter Cookies or Sugar Cookie Cheesecake for your next gathering.

Ingredients
• • Matcha Sugar Cookie Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and base for the cookies. Substitution: Gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used for a gluten-free version.
Cornstarch – Helps soften the cookie texture, making them lighter.
Baking Powder – A leavening agent that provides lift and helps cookies rise.
Baking Soda – Works in conjunction with baking powder for leavening.
Salt – Enhances flavor by balancing sweetness.
Culinary-Grade Matcha Powder – Adds earthy flavor and green color. Substitution: Use 1-1.5 tablespoons for a milder matcha flavor.
Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture. Substitution: Vegan butter can be used for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies while contributing to their texture.
Egg – Acts as a binder and adds moisture. Substitution: Flax egg can be used for a vegan option.
Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt – Adds moisture and a slight tang. Substitution: Plain non-dairy yogurt works as well.
Vanilla Extract – Provides flavor depth.

For the Lavender Frosting

Lavender Buds – Infuses the frosting with a floral aroma. Substitution: Omit if not a fan; cream cheese frosting can be an alternative.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting for a smooth texture.
Whole Milk or Heavy Cream – Used in the frosting to adjust consistency.
Light Purple Gel Food Coloring (optional) – Enhances the visual appeal of frosting.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Matcha Sugar Cookies and Lavender Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature. While the oven warms, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which will prevent the Matcha Sugar Cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze later on.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and culinary-grade matcha powder. Use a whisk to blend these dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no lumps. This is essential for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies, which will be both soft and flavorful.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, take your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream these together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step introduces air into the dough, contributing to those delightful airy Matcha Sugar Cookies you’re about to create.

Step 4: Add Egg, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Carefully blend in one egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, continuing to mix on low speed until everything is smooth and well combined. The egg acts as a binder, while the sour cream adds moisture, giving your cookies a soft, tender crumb.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft and slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as everything is combined. This dough will yield your fragrant Matcha Sugar Cookies, ready to take shape.

Step 6: Scoop and Chill Dough
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out 2-tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll them gently and flatten each ball slightly before placing them on the prepared baking sheets. Chill the cookies in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.

Step 7: Bake Cookies
Once chilled, place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the Matcha Sugar Cookies for 9-11 minutes. Look for the edges to be set while the centers should still appear slightly underdone. This slight underbaking is key to achieving that soft, chewy texture that will have everyone asking for more.

Step 8: Cool Cookies
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period allows the cookies to firm up while retaining their moist, tender inside.

Step 9: Prepare Lavender Frosting
To make the frosting, gently heat milk or heavy cream in a small saucepan; once warm, add lavender buds. Allow the mixture to steep for 4-5 minutes, then strain out the lavender to infuse the milk with its floral aroma. This lavender-infused milk will enhance your frosting with a lovely fragrance.

Step 10: Make Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until creamy. Gradually add the lavender-infused milk to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth and spreadable. If you want that extra pop of color, now’s the time to stir in a few drops of light purple gel food coloring.

Step 11: Frost and Store
Once your Matcha Sugar Cookies have completely cooled, pipe or spread the lavender frosting generously on top of each cookie. For optimal freshness, store the frosted cookies in the refrigerator. This keeps their beautiful frosting intact and ensures you can enjoy them for days to come!

How to Store and Freeze Matcha Sugar Cookies

Airtight Container: Store your frosted Matcha Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their freshness and soft texture.

Refrigeration: If you prefer, keep the cookies in the fridge for an even longer shelf life; they’ll stay good for about a week chilled.

Unbaked Dough Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. Roll and flatten them, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ready to be baked fresh whenever you want.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen baked cookies, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before devouring, or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back their delightful softness.

What to Serve with Matcha Sugar Cookies with Lavender Frosting

Elevate your cookie experience by pairing these enchanting treats with delightful accompaniments that enhance their unique flavors.

Earl Grey Tea: The citrusy notes in Earl Grey perfectly complement the floral lavender while balancing the earthy matcha.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy, toasted delights add a contrasting texture and a touch of tropical sweetness to your cookie platter.
Lemonade Spritzer: A refreshing, zesty beverage cuts through the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite even more delightful.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream brings a smooth finish that pairs well with the soft, buttery cookies and their floral notes.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a burst of tartness and vibrant color, making your dessert experience visually appealing and flavor-rich.
Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of dark chocolate over the lavender frosting adds a decadent twist, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Try serving these cookies at your next gathering, and watch as your guests delight in the splendid flavors and beautiful presentations!

Matcha Sugar Cookies Variations

Feel free to personalize your Matcha Sugar Cookies and Lavender Frosting with these scrumptious twists that will tantalize your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter for regular butter and use non-dairy yogurt to make these cookies dairy-free without compromising flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Swap matcha for cocoa powder in your cookies for a rich chocolate variation that still feels indulgent and luxurious. Imagine the delightful contrast of rich chocolate dough topped with lavender!
Zesty Twist: Incorporate lemon zest into your dough for a refreshing citrus zing that perfectly complements the earthy matcha, creating a delightful flavor explosion.
Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds into the cookie dough for an added crunch that enhances both texture and taste.
Simple Frosting Swap: Omit the lavender and top your cookies with a light cream cheese frosting for a classic, tangy twist that’s equally delightful.
Vegan Cookies: For a completely plant-based version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan cream cheese for your frosting, keeping the indulgence intact.
Fun Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the frosting after piping it on for a festive look that’s perfect for celebrations or simply brightening up your day!
Herbal Infusion: Experiment with other flavorings in the frosting, such as chai spice or mint extract, to create a unique twist that elevates the sweetness of your frosting.

Once you’ve enjoyed this vibrant version, consider also indulging in Vegan Lemon Cookies for another luscious treat!

Expert Tips for Matcha Sugar Cookies

Chill for Perfection: Chilling the dough for at least 20 minutes helps maintain the cookie shape and results in a tender texture, ideal for your Matcha Sugar Cookies.
Watch the Bake Time: Avoid overbaking! Remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone, ensuring optimal softness.
Use Quality Matcha: For the best flavor, opt for culinary-grade matcha rather than ceremonial-grade. This will enhance the earthy taste of your cookies.
Frosting Consistency: If your lavender frosting is too thick, adjust it by adding a bit more lavender-infused milk until you achieve your desired spreadability.
Storage Tips: Keep the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness, allowing them to stay delicious for up to 4 days.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to try other variations, such as substituting lavender with lemon zest in the frosting for a citrusy twist in your Matcha Sugar Cookies.

Make Ahead Options

These Matcha Sugar Cookies with Lavender Frosting are excellent for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply scoop the dough into balls, flatten slightly, and chill. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and bake the cookies directly from the fridge or frozen (just add an extra minute or two to the baking time). The lavender frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just re-whip before spreading to maintain its creamy texture. This way, you’ll have delightful cookies ready in no time, just as delicious as when made fresh!

Matcha Sugar Cookies with Lavender Frosting Recipe FAQs

What type of matcha should I use for these cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your Matcha Sugar Cookies, I recommend using culinary-grade matcha rather than ceremonial-grade. Culinary-grade matcha is designed for cooking and baking, delivering a robust earthy taste that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

How do I know if my lavender buds are fresh?
Very! Fresh lavender buds should have a strong, fragrant aroma and a vibrant color. Avoid buds that appear dusty or have dark spots all over, as these may indicate age or spoilage. Smelling your lavender is a good way to ensure it’s still flavorful enough for your frosting.

Can I freeze the unbaked cookie dough?
Yes, you can! To freeze unbaked Matcha Sugar Cookies, scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls, roll and flatten them slightly. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll be good for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll go in frozen.

What is the best way to store frosted cookies?
To keep your frosted Matcha Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 4 days, but refrigeration can extend their freshness for about a week. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking!

Are there any dietary considerations for the lavender frosting?
Absolutely! If you’re concerned about allergies, ensure that the lavender buds you use are food-grade and free of contaminants. If you’re making these cookies for someone with gluten sensitivities or dairy allergies, consider substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using vegan butter or non-dairy yogurt to create a dairy-free lavender frosting. They’ll be just as delightful!

Why do my cookies spread too much while baking?
Don’t worry! If your cookies spread too much in the oven, it could be due to the dough being too warm. Make sure to chill your dough for at least 20 minutes before baking to help retain their shape. Additionally, ensure your baking sheets are cool when placing the dough on them—it helps maintain that desirable fluffy texture!