Lime matcha cookies with white icing drizzle and lime zest on a wire cooling rack, accompanied by lime wedges and a tin of matcha powder.

Why you’ll love these matcha cookies

A woman in a pink sweater smiles widely while holding a dish of fresh salad with greens and strawberries, standing at a wooden table against a light background—perfectly capturing the inviting spirit of a food blog.

If you’re looking for something a little different to bake this holiday season, these matcha cookies are it. They’re naturally green and their unique flavor and super soft texture is sure to impress your guests.

These cookies are a riff on my soft sugar cookies, but I’ve added a white chocolate drizzle because the flavor pairs so well with matcha. I did the same for my matcha pistachio cake so I knew it would be a hit.

Thankfully, dairy free white chocolate chips are a thing, and they’re pretty easy to come by. We got the Great Value brand at Walmart, but there are a few other brands available.

→ If you like this recipe, you should try these: pecan snowball cookies / Italian anise cookies / fruitcake cookies / Grinch cookies

Close up of lime matcha cookies topped with white chocolate drizzle and fresh lime zest.
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The Sweetest Season + Cookies for Kids Cancer

Today’s cookies are part of The Sweetest Season (a virtual cookie exchange) that’s hosted by a few blogging friends, and it’s a fun way to get excited about the holiday season and do some good.

The Sweetest Season has been supporting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer for the last few years, and I’m so honored to be part of such a great holiday tradition.

Be sure to click over to learn more about the organization and how you can support it, and please make a donation to help support the cause if you’re able.

Lime matcha cookies on a cooling rack topped with white chocholate drizzle and fresh lime zest.
Close up of lime matcha cookies topped with white chocolate drizzle and fresh lime zest.

Frequently asked questions

How does matcha affect baking?

It will add a subtle earthy flavor and will also add a beautiful, naturally-green color to your baked goods. It shouldn’t affect the way you baking ingredients interact, but every recipe is different, always take that into consideration when altering recipes.

How do you keep the matcha from turning brown when baking?

Matcha turns brown when it reaches too high of a temperature. Making sure you keep the oven at a lower temperature will prevent browning. These cookies are baked at a standard 350˚F (180˚C).

Does matcha have caffeine?

Yes! Matcha tea powder contains 35mg of caffeine per ½ teaspoon. For this recipe, I estimate there is bout 17.5mg of caffeine per cookie.

Close up of a lime matcha cookie topped with white chocolate drizzle and fresh lime zest.
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Lime Matcha Cookies

By: Melissa Belanger
The earthy flavor of these matcha cookies is balanced with vibrant lime zest and topped with a drizzle of white chocolate for a stunning, yet subtle cookie. Add sprinkles to customize them for the holidays.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
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Ingredients 

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon matcha powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 12 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 lime, zested (1 tablespoon juice)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Extra sugar, for rolling
  • 1 cup dairy free white chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions 

  • Mise en place. Preheat oven to 350˚F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Then, measure out your ingredients before you begin.
  • Whisk the dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the flour, matcha, baking powder, baking soda and salt together until evenly distributed.
  • Be sure to accurately measure your flour using the scoop and level method, or weigh it to ensure you have the correct amount.
  • Beat the wet ingredients. With an electric mixer, cream the dairy free butter, sugar and lime zest until they're light and fluffy – about 2 minutes.
    Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
  • Combine the ingredients. Slowly add in the dry ingredients, mixing between each addition, until everything is incorporated. Scrape the sides of the mixing bowl, if needed.
  • Roll the cookies. Put 3/4 cup of sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop the cookie dough into 2-tablespoon sized balls and gently roll them in the sugar. Then, place them on your prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake the cookies. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookies have spread and the tops are set.
    Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to rest of the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.
  • Make your drizzle. Melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil by placing them in a heat proof bowl or a double boiler and place it over a large saucepan with about 1 inch of water of boiling water. Stir the chocolate until it's almost melted, then remove from heat and continue until it's completely melted.
    Use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate onto your cookies. Garnish with sprinkles or sanding sugar, as desired while still warm.
  • They should be completely cooled before you do this. If you want to add sprinkles or sanding sugar, do it while the drizzle is still warm so they have something to stick to.

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 108mg, Fiber: 0.5g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin C: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Cookies decorated for christmas.
Cookies decorated for st patricks day.
A woman wearing a pink sweater smiles excitedly while holding a plate of fresh salad with greens and strawberries, standing at a wooden table beside a delicious turkey salad sandwich.

Hi! I'm Melissa.

I create easy, dairy free recipes because I know how hard living without milk can be. I believe you can live a completely satisfying life without dairy, and I want to teach you how.

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