Name: Chewy Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, at room temperature; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup + 2 tbsp gluten free all-purpose flour, with xanthan gum; 1 tbsp matcha powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

There’s something magical about the earthy, vibrant taste of matcha combined with sweet white chocolate in a cookie. This Chewy Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe brings together the best of both worlds—soft, chewy texture with a beautiful green hue that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

A group of round green cookies with white chips are shown on a silver wire cooling rack. Each cookie has a rough, cracked surface that shows their soft texture inside. The green color is even and vibrant, while the white chips are scattered across each cookie, sticking out slightly and adding contrast. The cooling rack is on a white marbled surface, adding a clean look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chewy Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chewy Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chewy Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I baked these chewy matcha white chocolate chip cookies—my kitchen filled with that subtle green tea aroma that somehow feels both refreshing and comforting. They’re not just pretty to look at; they're seriously addictive.
Here’s why these cookies quickly became one of my go-tos.

Soft & Chewy Texture: The balance of butter, sugar, and gluten-free flour keeps them tender but with just enough chew.
Perfect Matcha Flavor: Using good-quality matcha powder gives a vibrant green color and a smooth, slightly bitter flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of white chocolate.
Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and a straightforward method—no complicated steps or special equipment needed.
Gluten-Free Friendly: I use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum, so these cookies are safe for those avoiding gluten but don’t sacrifice texture or taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in getting that luscious chew and matcha flavor just right. Here’s a quick rundown of what I use and why I think it’s important.

Flat lay of a small mound of soft, pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white granulated sugar, one whole uncracked brown egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl holding clear vanilla extract, a neat pile of white gluten free all-purpose flour, a small white bowl containing vibrant green matcha powder, a small white bowl with fine white baking soda powder, a tiny mound of coarse sea salt crystals, and a small white bowl filled with glossy white chocolate chips, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Using room temperature butter helps to cream smoothly with the sugar, incorporating air that makes the cookies light yet soft.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the texture; it helps the cookies spread and become chewy without getting too crispy.
Egg: Acts as a binder that gives structure but also moisture, which is key for that soft bite.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors—it’s a must for any cookie recipe!
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour (with xanthan gum): Provides the structure without gluten, while xanthan gum adds the elasticity to keep these cookies chewy.
Matcha Powder: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their gorgeous green color and distinct flavor. Always sift it to avoid clumps!
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly to prevent them from becoming flat and dense.
Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out matcha’s subtle bitterness for nuance in every bite.
White Chocolate Chips: Their creaminess melts just enough inside the cookie for pockets of sweet surprise.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the fun things about this chewy matcha white chocolate chip cookies recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your taste or pantry. I love encouraging you to experiment a little so it feels like your own creation.

Variation: Sometimes I swap white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate to cut the sweetness—gives a nice balance with the earthiness of the matcha.
Dietary Adjustments: You can try coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar if you want a slightly richer flavor and a more natural sweetener.
Seasonal Twist: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom can warm these cookies up nicely for cooler months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chewy Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The image shows six round matcha green cookies with white chocolate chunks inside. One cookie is broken in half with its inside visible, showing a soft, green textured dough dotted with white chocolate pieces. The cookies are arranged on white parchment paper placed over a white marbled surface. The cookies have a slightly rough surface with some cracks and a rich green color mixed with creamy white spots from the chocolate chunks. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Creaming Butter and Sugar to Fluffy Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t rush this step because it builds the structure for your cookies, giving them softness and chewiness.

Step 2: Adding the Egg and Vanilla for Moisture and Flavor

Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. This step adds the necessary moisture and binds the ingredients while boosting the aroma with vanilla’s sweetness.

Step 3: Mixing Dry Ingredients and Incorporating the Matcha

In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, sifted matcha powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Sifting the matcha here is really important—it prevents clumps and ensures your cookies have an even green color. Then, gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients and beat on low speed, just until almost combined.

Step 4: Folding in White Chocolate Chips and Shaping

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips with a spatula—be careful not to overmix or your cookies could turn tough. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll each into a ball. Space them about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet. If you want to get festive, popping a small heart-shaped sprinkle on top before baking adds a sweet little touch.

Step 5: Baking & Cooling for the Perfect Chew

Bake for 11 to 13 minutes—pull them out as soon as the edges are golden but the centers still look soft and slightly undercooked. This is key to keeping that chewy texture. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes, then transfer them carefully to a wire rack using a spatula. They’ll be fragile at first but set nicely as they cool.

Top Tip

I’ve baked many versions of these chewy matcha white chocolate chip cookies, and the difference between a good cookie and a great one often lies in the little details. Here are tips I’ve learned to help you nail them every time.

Butter Consistency: Use butter that's soft enough to press a fingerprint into but not melted—too soft makes the dough spread too thin and cookies end up crispy.
Don’t Overbake: Pull your cookies from the oven the moment edges turn golden to keep the matcha flavor vibrant and texture chewy.
Chill Dough Slightly: If your kitchen’s warm, chilling the dough for 20 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.
Sift Matcha Powder: This little extra step ensures no green lumps sneak in and gives your cookies an even color that makes them look more professional.

How to Serve Chewy Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

matcha white chocolate cookies - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and dust a tiny amount of extra matcha powder on the cookies just before serving for a fresh pop of color. Sometimes I add edible gold flakes for special occasions—it makes them look stunning and extra festive without overpowering the delicate flavor.

Side Dishes

Pairing these chewy matcha white chocolate chip cookies with a cup of green tea or a lightly sweetened iced milk tea is my favorite way to enhance their flavor. They also go surprisingly well with simple vanilla ice cream if you want a richer dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I've arranged these cookies on a platter with fresh mint leaves and edible flowers. Another time, I stacked them with parchment paper between layers in a clear jar tied with pastel ribbons—such a charming gift idea that never fails to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they stay soft and chewy for up to a week. I’ve noticed the matcha flavor actually deepens overnight, making the cookies taste even more complex the next day.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I freeze the cookie dough balls on a tray before transferring them to an airtight container. When I’m ready, I bake them straight from frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. The cookies come out just as fresh and chewy as the first bake!

Reheating

To revive a few cookies, I warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel. This softens them up and brings back that freshly baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute with regular all-purpose flour if you are not avoiding gluten, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly different—possibly a bit more tender but less chewy.

How do I prevent matcha from tasting bitter in the cookies?

Using good quality, culinary-grade matcha and not overbaking the cookies helps keep the flavor smooth and avoids bitterness. Also, balancing the matcha with sweet white chocolate chips creates a perfect harmony of flavors.

Can I store these cookies longer than a week?

For storage beyond a week, freezing the baked cookies or dough balls is best. This way, you preserve freshness and flavor. Avoid keeping them at room temperature too long to prevent them from drying out.

Why is sifting matcha powder important?

Matcha powder tends to clump easily, and sifting it ensures an even distribution throughout the dough. This prevents green lumps in the cookies and gives them a smooth, consistent color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Baking the Chewy Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is like having a little moment of joy in your kitchen. I love how the earthy matcha meets creamy pockets of white chocolate, creating a cookie that’s both unique and comforting. Give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy the process as much as the irresistible results. I promise these cookies will become one of your favorites for any occasion!