Introduction to Strawberry Matcha Cookies
Why Strawberry Matcha Cookies Are the Perfect Homemade Treat
Have you ever found yourself craving a homemade treat that perfectly balances exotic flavors and familiar comfort? Look no further than strawberry matcha cookies! This delightful combination of earthy matcha and sweet strawberries isn't just a feast for your taste buds; it’s also a feast for the eyes. Imagine bright green cookies beautifully adorned with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. To make things even better, matcha is renowned for its health benefits, including antioxidants and a natural energy boost.
Whenever I whip up a batch of these cookies, I can’t help but feel a sense of joy and satisfaction. They’re perfect for sharing at a get-together or simply indulging yourself after a long day. Plus, the vibrant colors make them a standout treat at any dessert table! For a deeper dive into the world of matcha and its health benefits, you might want to check out resources like Healthline.
So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your friends and family with these decadent strawberry matcha cookies. Trust me; once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Strawberry Matcha Cookies
Baking is all about the right ingredients, especially when you’re whipping up a batch of delightful strawberry matcha cookies. Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious treats and their luscious frosting!
Essential ingredients for the cookies
- 120 g unsalted butter – The magic base for a rich, flavorful cookie.
- 150 g granulated sugar – This adds the sweetness we crave.
- 50 g soft light brown sugar – For that hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A must-have for depth of flavor.
- 1 large egg – Binding everything together perfectly.
- 230 g plain flour – The structure of your cookies.
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder, sieved – This is where the matcha magic happens!
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Helps those cookies rise.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda – For an added touch of fluffiness.
- 100 g white chocolate, chopped – A sweet surprise in every bite!
Ingredients for the strawberry cream cheese frosting
- 100 g unsalted butter, softened – This creates a smooth base.
- 100 g icing sugar, sieved – Sweetens the frosting just right.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons freeze dried strawberry powder – Adds a vibrant strawberry punch.
- 200 g full fat cream cheese – The creamy star that ties it all together!
Now that you're geared up with your strawberry matcha cookies ingredients, let's get baking! If you're interested in exploring more about the health benefits of matcha, check out this guide.
Step-by-Step Preparation for Strawberry Matcha Cookies
Creating strawberry matcha cookies is not just about baking; it’s about enjoying the process and indulging in delightful flavors! With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be whipping up a batch in no time. Let’s get started!
Melt the Butter and Mix with Sugars
Begin by melting 120 grams of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Once melted, pour this golden goodness into a large mixing bowl. Add in 150 grams of granulated sugar and 50 grams of soft light brown sugar, mixing until well combined. This sugar mixture creates a lovely base for your cookies, adding that delightful sweetness we all love. Don’t forget the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract; it elevates the flavor magnificently!
Whisk in the Egg and Combine with Dry Ingredients
Next, crack in 1 large egg and whisk it vigorously into the buttery sugar mixture. This step ensures that everything is well-blended and sets up the right texture for our cookies. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together 230 grams of plain flour, 2 teaspoons of sieved matcha powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. Adding these dry ingredients to the wet mixture guarantees an even dispersion of flavors and leavening agents.
Form the Dough and Chill
Now comes the fun part! Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, and then gently stir in 100 grams of chopped white chocolate. This addition provides that extra touch of sweetness against the earthy matcha. Once combined, scoop out approximately 90 grams of dough and roll it into balls. Place these dough balls onto a plate or tray and let them chill in the freezer for 30 minutes. Chilling helps to solidify the butter, promoting a chewy yet tender cookie once baked.
Bake the Cookies to Perfection
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. After chilling, place the cookie dough balls on the tray, leaving enough space to allow them to spread beautifully. Bake for about 20-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. If you want to ensure they’re perfectly shaped, you can use a cookie cutter to reshape them while they’re still warm. Let them cool completely on the tray—this is crucial to maintain their texture!
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
It's time to make that luscious cream cheese frosting! In a separate bowl, blend 100 grams of softened butter, 100 grams of sieved icing sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of freeze-dried strawberry powder. Beat it all together for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Finally, add in 200 grams of full-fat cream cheese and mix until smooth. The vibrant strawberry flavor will complement the matcha beautifully!
Frost the Cooled Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time to frost them! You can pipe the cream cheese frosting onto the cookies for a professional look or spread it on with a knife for a homemade feel. For an extra flair, sprinkle a bit more freeze-dried strawberry powder on top. Voilà! Your strawberry matcha cookies are now ready to be enjoyed!
Give these steps a try, and you’ll have a delicious batch of cookies that are sure to impress. Feel free to get creative with your toppings and enjoy the culinary adventure!
Variations on Strawberry Matcha Cookies
Add nuts for a crunchy texture
Elevate your strawberry matcha cookies by adding a handful of chopped nuts. Walnuts or pistachios can bring a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy frosting. Not only do they enhance the flavor, but they also add essential nutrients and healthy fats to your treats. Did you know that nuts like walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids? This variation not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also helps keep your heart healthy.
Incorporate different flavors in frosting
Get creative with your frosting! While the classic strawberry cream cheese frosting is delicious, try infusing it with other flavors like lemon zest for a zesty kick or matcha for a double-dose of green goodness. You could even swirl in some peanut butter for a rich, nutty layer that complements the cookies perfectly. The options are endless, and it’s a great way to surprise your taste buds! What’s your favorite flavor combination?
Baking Notes for Strawberry Matcha Cookies
Tips for achieving the perfect texture
To get the ideal texture for your strawberry matcha cookies, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and egg. This promotes better blending and a smooth dough. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking is crucial; it not only helps prevent spreading but also intensifies the flavors. Don’t skip reshaping the cookies right after baking—this step makes a world of difference for that perfect round shape.
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is not sifting the matcha powder, which can lead to clumps in the dough. Also, while choosing your chocolate, opt for high-quality white chocolate; it elevates the cookies' taste. Lastly, resist the urge to overbake. You want them slightly soft in the center for that melt-in-your-mouth experience, so keep an eye on them in the oven! For more tips, check out resources from The Kitchn.
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Matcha Cookies
How to Plate Your Cookies for a Special Occasion
When it comes to presenting your strawberry matcha cookies, simplicity is key. Start with a clean white plate; the vibrant green and pink hues of the cookies will pop against it. For an added touch, lay down a few edible flowers or mint leaves around the cookies for a hint of elegance. If you're feeling playful, stack some cookies and secure them with a colorful ribbon. This not only looks beautiful but also makes for a delightful gift!
Pairing Options for Snacks or Desserts
Looking to elevate your strawberry matcha cookies experience? Here are a few pairing ideas:
- Serve with a refreshing glass of iced matcha latte or lemonade.
- Pair alongside fresh strawberries for a fruity, textured contrast.
- Try a scoop of vanilla or matcha ice cream—fabulous for a creative dessert platter.
For more pairing adventures, check out Serious Eats for inspiration!
Time Breakdown for Strawberry Matcha Cookies
Preparation time
Expect to spend around 15 minutes whipping up the dough for your strawberry matcha cookies. This includes melting the butter, mixing the ingredients, and rolling the dough into balls.
Baking time
The cookies will need about 20-22 minutes in the oven. This is the moment they transition from dough to delicious bites of bliss, so keep an eye on them!
Total time
All in all, you're looking at about 1 hour before you can indulge in these delightful cookies. This includes chilling time, baking, and frosting — a perfect way to treat yourself and friends!
For more baking tips, check out Baker's Journal for insights into cookie baking perfection!
Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Matcha Cookies
Calories per cookie
Each strawberry matcha cookie contains approximately 180 calories. This sweet treat can be a delightful indulgence that won’t derail your day.
Sugar content
With about 12 grams of sugar per cookie, these strawberry matcha cookies strike a balance between sweet and satisfying. Pairing the natural flavors of strawberries and matcha gives a unique twist that you’ll love.
Fat content
The cookies have around 8 grams of fat each, primarily from the butter and cream cheese. While it’s always good to keep an eye on fat intake, these ingredients also add richness and flavor that make these cookies hard to resist.
For more insights on nutrition, consider checking resources like MyPlate for dietary advice and guidelines to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
FAQs about Strawberry Matcha Cookies
How long do these cookies last?
Once baked, your delightful strawberry matcha cookies will stay fresh for about 5 days when stored properly. Keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature is your best bet for maintaining their flavor and texture. If you’re like me and want to savor them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to indulge.
Can I substitute matcha powder?
Absolutely! While matcha powder adds a unique flavor and vibrant color, you can experiment with alternatives like spirulina or green tea powder. However, keep in mind that the taste will vary, and it won’t be the classic strawberry matcha experience you might be aiming for. Choose a high-quality green tea powder for the best results if you go this route.
What's the best way to store these cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a slice of bread to absorb moisture and maintain crispness. For those genius bakers looking to gift some, wrapping them in cellophane with a cute note makes a lovely presentation!
Conclusion on Strawberry Matcha Cookies
Embrace making homemade cookies!
In the end, strawberry matcha cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience! Homemade cookies provide an opportunity to blend flavors, such as the earthy matcha and fruity strawberries, while bringing joy to your kitchen. So why not roll up your sleeves and enjoy the delicious process of baking?
By taking the time to create these delightful cookies, you’re not only crafting something sweet but also creating memories. Whether enjoyed solo or shared with friends, these cookies are sure to impress. Dive in and embrace the joy of homemade baking!
For more delicious baking inspiration, check out resources from King Arthur Baking or visit America's Test Kitchen for professional tips!
Strawberry Matcha Cookies
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking tray
- baking paper
- cookie cutter
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 120 g unsalted butter melted
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 50 g soft light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 230 g plain flour
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder sieved
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 100 g white chocolate chopped
For the strawberry cream cheese frosting
- 100 g unsalted butter softened
- 100 g icing sugar sieved
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons freeze dried strawberry powder
- 200 g full fat cream cheese
Instructions
Making the cookies
- Start by melting your butter, then pour this into a large bowl.
- Add both sugars and the vanilla into this, whisk until combined. Now add the egg and whisk this in too.
- In a separate bowl, add the flour, matcha, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Whisk these together.
- Add this into your other bowl, along with the chopped chocolate. Mix everything together.
- Get around 90g of the dough and roll this into a ball, place this onto a plate or tray. Repeat until you have used all of the dough.
- Leave these cookie dough balls in your freezer for 30 minutes.
- About 10 minutes before you are ready to bake the cookies, pre-heat your oven to 180c. Also get a large baking tray and line this with baking paper.
- Once your cookie dough balls have chilled for 30 minutes, add them onto the large tray. Make sure to leave gaps between them so they have room to spread.
- Bake these in your 180c pre-heated oven for around 20-22 minutes.
- Once baked, I like to use a cookie cutter or a small bowl to reshape the cookies while they are still warm, so they are perfect circles.
- Leave these on your tray to cool down completely.
Making the cream cheese frosting
- In a large bowl, add the softened butter, icing sugar, vanilla and freeze dried strawberry powder. Beat all this together for 5 minutes.
- Now add the cream cheese and beat until you get a smooth frosting.
- Once your cookies have cooled completely, add the cream cheese frosting on top of them. You can either pipe the frosting on them, or spread it on using a spoon.
- At this point, I also sprinkled some more freeze dried strawberry powder on top. But this is optional.
- The cookies are done now, enjoy!
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