Matcha Checkerboard Cookies

The smell of sweet butter and green matcha fills the air. I see the pretty checkerboard pattern, and it makes me smile. These cookies look like little works of art, but they are simple to make.

I wanted something fun for tea time. These cookies gave me both the taste and the style I was craving. The mix of matcha and vanilla feels cozy and special.

So, let’s bake them together. I’ll show you how easy it is. Once you try, you’ll want to make them again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The pairing of matcha with the sweetness of vanilla gives you a truly unique flavor experience. It’s not overly sweet, and the matcha adds a little bitterness, creating the perfect balance.
• Visually Stunning: The checkerboard pattern is a showstopper! These cookies will surely impress anyone you serve them to and make you feel like a baking pro.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing cookies for a tea party, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are always the right choice.
• Fun to Make: While the checkerboard design may look complex, it’s quite straightforward to achieve with just a few steps. It’s a fun, rewarding baking project that anyone can tackle.
• Great Gift Idea: The beautiful presentation makes them perfect for gifting. Wrap them in a decorative tin or box, and you’ve got a sweet, thoughtful gift for anyone.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar and mixing in the flour.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
• Plastic Wrap: To chill the dough and keep it fresh.
• Sharp Knife or Cookie Cutter: For cutting the dough into strips and shaping the checkerboard pattern.
• Baking Sheets: You’ll need a few baking sheets to arrange the cookies on before baking.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheets for easy cookie removal.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies after baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies. Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.

For the Cookie Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour: 300g – The base for the dough.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon – To bring out the sweetness and balance the flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: 230g – Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature. This helps with the creaming process and gives the cookies a tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar: 100g – Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread evenly.
• Egg Yolk: 1 large – The yolk helps make the dough rich and soft.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon – A classic flavor that complements the matcha.
• Ceremonial-Grade Matcha Powder: 1 tablespoon – For the signature green color and earthy flavor that sets these cookies apart.

For Assembling:

• Egg White: 1 large – This is used to brush the dough for sticking the pieces together.

Variations for Matcha Checkerboard Cookies

Feel free to experiment with these variations to customize the cookies:

• Add Chocolate: You can add some finely chopped chocolate chips or chunks into the dough to complement the matcha’s flavor.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can increase the amount of sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.
• Try Other Tea Flavors: If you’re a fan of other teas, like Earl Grey or Jasmine, you can replace the matcha with a teaspoon of your favorite loose-leaf tea or flavored powder.
• Decorate with Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle colorful nonpareils or coarse sugar on top for a festive touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Matcha Dough and Vanilla Dough

First, we’ll start by making the dough for both the matcha and vanilla sections.

For the Vanilla Dough:

1. In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). You can use a hand mixer if you don’t have a stand mixer.
2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Once done, divide the dough in half. Set one half aside to be used for the vanilla portion of the checkerboard.

For the Matcha Dough:

1. To the other half of the dough, add the matcha powder. Use a sifter or whisk to ensure that the matcha is evenly incorporated into the dough.
2. Mix until the matcha is fully combined and the dough turns a vibrant green color.

2. Chill the Dough

After you’ve made the matcha and vanilla doughs, divide each dough into two equal portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make the dough easier to handle and ensure that the cookies keep their shape while baking.

3. Roll and Shape the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to roll out the dough and create the checkerboard pattern.

1. Roll out the Vanilla Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the vanilla dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
2. Roll out the Matcha Dough: Repeat the same process with the matcha dough.
3. Cut into Strips: Using a sharp knife or a ruler, cut both doughs into long, even strips about ½ inch wide.
4. Create the Checkerboard Pattern: Start by placing a strip of vanilla dough and a strip of matcha dough side by side. Then, alternate the strips, creating the classic checkerboard design. You can use a knife to trim the edges and ensure that the dough pieces fit neatly together.
5. Press Together: Gently press the strips together to help them stick. If the dough becomes too soft, refrigerate it again for 10-15 minutes.

4. Assemble the Checkerboard Cookies

Once your dough is in a checkerboard pattern, you’ll need to cut it into squares to form individual cookies.

1. Brush with Egg White: Lightly brush the top of the dough with the egg white to help the layers stick together during baking.
2. Cut into Squares: Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter to slice the dough into small squares. Aim for about 1.5 inches per side to create bite-sized cookies.
3. Refrigerate Again (Optional): To ensure that the dough holds its shape during baking, place the shaped cookies in the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes.

5. Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the Cookies: Place the checkerboard cookies on the baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
3. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The center of the cookies may still look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
4. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Matcha Checkerboard Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a variety of beverages and dishes:

• With Tea: The matcha in the cookies makes them an ideal pairing with green tea, matcha lattes, or any of your favorite herbal teas.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them as a midday snack or serve them with coffee for a cozy afternoon break.
• For Special Occasions: These cookies make an excellent addition to dessert trays at parties, showers, or holiday gatherings.
• With Ice Cream: If you want to elevate the experience, pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or green tea ice cream.

Storing Matcha Checkerboard Cookies

• At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will keep them fresh and chewy.
• In the Freezer: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and label it with the date.
• Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the dough before baking. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply let the dough thaw for 30 minutes before proceeding with the shaping and baking steps.

Nutrition Information (per cookie)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	130 kcal
Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	2g
Fat	6g
Sodium	35mg
Sugar	7g

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Conclusion

Matcha Checkerboard Cookies are a perfect combination of visually striking presentation and delicious flavors. Their delicate balance of sweetness and matcha’s earthy flavor makes them a unique treat for all occasions. Whether you’re looking for a fun baking project or a cookie that will wow your guests, these cookies are sure to impress. Happy baking!