Introduction

These Perfect Matcha Lavender Sugar Cookies combine the earthy flavor of matcha with a delicate lavender frosting for a unique and delightful treat. Soft, chewy, and beautifully green, they’re perfect for tea parties or a special homemade gift.

The image shows five round cookies arranged on a wooden plate. Each cookie has a pale green base that looks soft and slightly cracked, topped with a smooth layer of light purple frosting that is swirled gently with a slight peak in the center. On top of the frosting, there is a small lavender flower placed neatly at the middle of each cookie. The background is a white marbled texture, creating a clean and bright setting for the cookies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 (use 1–1.5 tbsp for a lighter flavor)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
1–2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
1 teaspoon culinary lavender buds (for frosting)
Light purple gel food coloring (optional, for frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder until fully combined. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Beat in the egg, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed or folding with a spatula until a soft, thick dough forms.
Step 6: Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and slightly flatten the tops. Chill the dough for at least 20 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape.
Step 7: Bake the cookies for 9–11 minutes. The edges should be set while centers remain slightly soft for the perfect chewy texture.
Step 8: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 9: For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and mix well. Stir in milk or cream until smooth. Add lavender buds and optional gel food coloring. Spread or pipe on cooled cookies.

Tips & Variations

Use culinary-grade matcha for the best flavor and avoid bitterness from lower quality powders.
For a lighter matcha taste, reduce the powder to 1 tablespoon.
Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar moist texture.
Infuse the frosting by gently grinding lavender buds before mixing to release more aroma.
Try adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for a slight crunch.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep frosting fresh, refrigerate cookies and take them out about 30 minutes before serving to soften. You can also freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months; thaw before frosting and serving.

How to Serve

A round wooden tray holds six green cookies arranged in a loose circle on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has one layer of smooth, purple frosting spread in a circular shape on top, decorated with small dried purple flower petals sprinkled in the center. The green cookie base is thick and soft looking, while the frosting has a creamy texture. In the background, there are blurred sprigs of the same dried purple flowers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular green tea powder instead of matcha?

Regular green tea powder is usually not as finely ground or flavorful as culinary-grade matcha and may result in a less vibrant color and taste. It’s best to use matcha for this recipe.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Yes, chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and prevents them from spreading too much, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.