Dreamy Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies Recipe
These Dreamy Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies combine the earthy bitterness of culinary-grade matcha with the delicate floral notes of lavender frosting, creating a unique and delightful treat. Soft and tender sugar cookies are infused with vibrant green matcha powder, then topped with creamy, subtly fragrant lavender-flavored frosting, perfect for tea parties or a refined snack.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Matcha Sugar Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons culinary-grade matcha powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Lavender Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1–2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon culinary lavender buds
- Light purple gel food coloring (optional)
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder. This ensures the leavening agents and flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, followed by the sour cream or Greek yogurt and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining them carefully to form a thick, cohesive cookie dough without overmixing.
- Shape and Chill Dough: Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls, place them on the prepared baking sheets, and slightly flatten the tops with your palm or the bottom of a glass. Chill the dough for 20 minutes to firm it up, which helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and beginning to turn golden but the centers are still soft. This ensures a chewy and tender center.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets or on wire racks to prevent the frosting from melting when applied.
- Steep Lavender Milk: While the cookies cool, gently heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream and steep the culinary lavender buds for 4 to 5 minutes. Strain to remove the buds, leaving a fragrant lavender-infused milk.
- Prepare Lavender Frosting: Beat the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the lavender-infused milk a little at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Add Color and Frost Cookies: Mix in light purple gel food coloring if desired to enhance the visual appeal. Frost the cooled cookies evenly using a knife or a piping bag for decorative effect.
Notes
- Use culinary-grade matcha powder for the best flavor and color.
- Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Adjust the amount of lavender in the frosting based on your preference for floral intensity.
- Sift powdered sugar before using the frosting to ensure a smooth texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Keywords: matcha sugar cookies, lavender frosting, green tea cookies, floral cookies, tea time treats, baked cookies, soft sugar cookies