Name: Matcha Checkerboard Cookies That Wow for the Holidays
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 164 min
Ingredients: 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (substitute with gluten-free flour if needed); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; 0.25 teaspoon Salt; 1 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature); 0.5 cups Powdered Sugar (sift before measuring); 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar; 1 large Egg; 1 large Egg Yolk; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 2 tablespoons Matcha Powder (high-quality); 1 large Egg White (for glue); 1 tablespoon Water

As I unwrapped the vibrant green matcha powder, the fragrant, earthy aroma wafted up and filled my kitchen, beckoning me to create something special. Those festive Matcha Checkerboard Cookies had been on my mind, combining the beauty of the checkerboard design with the rich flavors of matcha and classic butter dough. Not only are these cookies a feast for the eyes, but their easy slice-and-bake method makes holiday baking a breeze. They’re perfect for gift-giving, adding a touch of elegance to any dessert table while offering a delightful, slightly crumbly texture that elegantly balances sweetness with the unique depth of matcha. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this deliciously festive adventure!

Why Make Matcha Checkerboard Cookies?

Visual Appeal: These cookies feature a stunning checkerboard pattern that elevates your holiday treats to a new level, impressing everyone at the table.

Earthy Sweetness: The delicate flavor of matcha blends beautifully with sweet and buttery undertones, creating a unique taste that tantalizes the palate.

Easy and Fun: You’ll love the simplicity of the slice-and-bake method, making it a fun activity to involve the whole family while preparing for festive gatherings.

Versatile Treat: Feel free to experiment with variations, like trying cocoa powder or adding nuts, to customize your cookies for every occasion.

Great for Gifting: These cookies not only look gorgeous but also fit perfectly in decorative tins, making them a thoughtful and elegant gift for friends and family.

Delicious Combination: Fans of both matcha and butter cookies will be thrilled with this delightful twist that merges two beloved flavors in a delightful treat!

Matcha Checkerboard Cookie Ingredients

For the Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and texture; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Baking Powder – Helps cookies rise, creating a lighter texture.
Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
Unsalted Butter – Gives a rich, buttery flavor; use room temperature butter for easier creaming.
Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to a soft texture; sift before measuring for accuracy.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and aids in browning during baking.
Egg and Egg Yolk – Provide moisture and structure; save the egg white for “glue” in assembling the dough.
Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor and sweetness.
Matcha Powder – The star ingredient, imparting flavor and color; use high-quality matcha for the best results.

For Assembly

Egg White (for glue) – Used to adhere dough strips; ensures they hold together during baking.
Water – Mixes with egg white to create the glue for assembly.

These ingredients come together to create stunning Matcha Checkerboard Cookies that will wow your holiday guests!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Matcha Checkerboard Cookies

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until well combined. This dry mixture will create a fluffy and structured base for your Matcha Checkerboard Cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while baking. Set aside once thoroughly mixed.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup of room-temperature unsalted butter in a large bowl until creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add ½ cup of powdered sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly another 3-5 minutes. This step will infuse your dough with a rich and buttery flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat these ingredients together until fully incorporated, about 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This will enrich your Matcha Checkerboard Cookies with moisture and a delightful depth of flavor.

Step 4: Form Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a thick dough forms, about 2-3 minutes. You should see a cohesive dough come together, free of dry flour. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl for a uniform mix until all ingredients are well blended.

Step 5: Divide Dough
Carefully split the dough in half. Wrap one half tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its original color for the vanilla portion. For the other half, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of high-quality matcha powder, mixing by hand until the color is fully incorporated, resulting in a vibrant green dough.

Step 6: Chill Dough
Place both wrapped dough halves in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This chilling period allows the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 7: Roll and Cut
Once chilled, take out each dough half and roll them into rectangles, about ¼ inch thick, on a lightly floured surface. After rolling, use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to slice each rectangle into long strips, ensuring they are even in width. This technique adds that signature checkerboard look to your Matcha Checkerboard Cookies.

Step 8: Assemble Cookies
Take alternating strips of vanilla and matcha dough, brushing the edges with the reserved egg white to act as glue. Carefully join the strips together to form a block, ensuring they are tightly pressed so no gaps remain. This step will create the eye-catching checkerboard pattern when sliced.

Step 9: Chill Again
Wrap the assembled dough block in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an additional 2 hours. Chilling at this stage firmens the dough significantly for cleaner, more precise cuts when ready to bake, ensuring your Matcha Checkerboard Cookies have perfectly defined edges.

Step 10: Preheat Oven
When the dough is nearly finished chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Preparing your oven now ensures it is hot and ready for baking, which is key for achieving the optimal texture for your cookies.

Step 11: Slice and Bake
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and use a sharp knife to cut it into ½-inch thick slices. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave space between them. Bake the cookies for 13-14 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned, indicating they are perfectly baked and ready to be enjoyed.

Step 12: Cool
Once done, allow the Matcha Checkerboard Cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This time on the sheet helps them set before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely allows the cookies to achieve their delicate texture while maintaining that beautiful checkerboard appearance.

Expert Tips for Matcha Checkerboard Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure a creamy texture when mixed. Cold butter can lead to uneven dough.
Chill for Success: Always chill your dough as instructed. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much, ensuring the iconic checkerboard shape stays intact.
Cut Evenly: Utilize a ruler or levelers while slicing the dough to maintain uniform thickness, providing a cleaner appearance for your Matcha Checkerboard Cookies.
Watch the Bake Time: Do not overbake! Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be slightly browned at the edges for the perfect balance of soft and crumbly texture.
Quality Matcha Matters: Use high-quality matcha powder for enhanced flavor and vibrant color, elevating your cookie’s overall taste and visual appeal.

Matcha Checkerboard Cookies Variations

Feel inspired to tailor these delightful cookies to your taste! With a few swaps and additions, you can elevate this treat even further.

Chocolate Twist: Substitute matcha with cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey variation. These cookies will still delight the senses with their striking color.
Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of finely chopped nuts, like pistachios or walnuts, into the dough for a lovely crunch. The added texture perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies.
Citrus Zing: Mix in the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a refreshing twist. This bright flavor will enhance the overall experience and add an aromatic undertone.
Almond Extract: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract to introduce a distinctive flavor profile. Just a teaspoon will elevate the taste to new heights.
Berry Bliss: Incorporate freeze-dried raspberry or strawberry bits for a fun pop of color and fruity flavor. The tanginess pairs beautifully with matcha’s earthiness.
Caramel Swirl: Layer in some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce during assembly for an indulgent treat. The gooey texture will blend perfectly with the cookie’s crumb.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a hint of cayenne or cinnamon to the dough for a touch of heat. This unexpected spiciness will tantalize your taste buds in every bite.
Flavorful Frosting: Consider adding a light matcha glaze on top after baking for an extra sweet finish. A mix of powdered sugar, water, and matcha creates a beautiful and tasty addition.

As you embark on creating these cookies, feel free to explore these variations and make them your own. And if you’re in the mood for something different, try my delightful Lemon Pistachio Cookies or the dreamy Meringue Pie Cookies. Happy baking!

How to Store and Freeze Matcha Checkerboard Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their fresh flavor and texture.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just ensure they’re in an airtight container to avoid moisture absorption.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Matcha Checkerboard Cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, then allow them to come to room temperature before serving. You can warm them slightly in the oven if you prefer a fresh-baked taste.

Make Ahead Options

These Matcha Checkerboard Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to streamline their holiday baking! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the first six steps of the recipe, then wrap the vanilla and matcha dough separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, proceed with assembling the cookies and chilling the assembled block for an additional 2 hours. This method ensures the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the texture just as delightful. Alternatively, if you want to plan even further ahead, you can freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months! Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking, allowing you to enjoy these stunning cookies with minimal last-minute effort.

What to Serve with Matcha Checkerboard Cookies

Indulging in these festive Matcha Checkerboard Cookies opens up a world of delightful pairings that elevate your holiday gatherings.

Creamy Mascarpone Cheese: The rich, buttery flavors beautifully complement the earthy matcha, creating a luscious, velvety experience that excites the palate. Spread a touch of this cheese on a cookie for an elevated treat.
Earl Grey Tea: The fragrant notes of bergamot in this classic tea complement the subtle sweetness of the matcha, offering a refreshing contrast that delights the senses. Consider serving it hot or iced for a cozy twist.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The juicy sweetness of the strawberries alongside the matcha cookies creates a perfect balance, adding a burst of freshness to the dessert experience. The chocolate adds an irresistible richness that ties it all together.
Candied Ginger: The spicy sweetness of candied ginger enhances the earthy notes of matcha, presenting a delightful flavor contrast that adds a zing to your cookie platter. It’s a surprising pairing that’ll keep guests coming back for more!
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats provide a contrasting texture that complements the slightly crumbly Matcha Checkerboard Cookies. Their sweetness pairs perfectly with the mild flavor of matcha, making for a beautiful duo.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful chill and sweetness to your cookies, creating a comforting dessert experience that’s hard to resist, especially during festive gatherings.

Matcha Checkerboard Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of matcha should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using high-quality culinary matcha that is vibrant green and finely ground. This ensures you get the best flavor and color in your Matcha Checkerboard Cookies. Avoid low-quality matcha, as it may produce a dull color and a bitter taste, detracting from your beautiful cookies.

How should I store my Matcha Checkerboard Cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to enjoy them for longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just remember to layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together.

Can I freeze the dough for Matcha Checkerboard Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze the dough, wrap the assembled cookie block tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and proceed with slicing and baking as per the recipe.

What if my cookie dough is too soft to work with?
If your dough is too soft and sticky, it may need a little more chilling. Return the dough to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, which helps firm it up for easier rolling and cutting. Otherwise, you can also try adding a bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.

Are Matcha Checkerboard Cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, these cookies can be made allergy-friendly! The primary ingredients do not include nuts, making them generally safe as long as you use allergy-free flour and ensure no cross-contamination occurs. Always double-check your ingredient labels to be on the safe side!

Can I use a different type of flour for a gluten-free version?
Certainly! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. I recommend letting the cookie dough chill a bit longer as gluten-free flours can behave differently. Just ensure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or add it separately for better structure!