Soft & Chewy Matcha Almond Cookies

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Why Make This Recipe

Soft & Chewy Matcha Almond Cookies are not your average cookies. They bring together the delightful flavors of almond and matcha, offering a unique twist on traditional cookie recipes. If you love cookies that are soft inside, chewy, and a bit nutty, this recipe is perfect for you. Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, not only adds a beautiful green hue but also provides a boost of antioxidants. These cookies are ideal for a snack, dessert, or even a pick-me-up during the day. By using almond flour, these cookies are also gluten-free, making them suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

The appeal of these cookies goes beyond their taste. They are simple to make, requiring basic ingredients, and can be prepared in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re a baking novice or an expert in the kitchen, you will find joy in making these delicious treats. They are perfect for tea time, a sweet treat after dinner, or simply a way to enjoy a moment of indulgence during your day.

How to Make Soft & Chewy Matcha Almond Cookies

Ready to make these delightful cookies? Just follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a fresh batch of Soft & Chewy Matcha Almond Cookies.

Ingredients:

1 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons matcha powder
1/2 cup macadamia nuts (chopped)
1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a whisk or a fork, mix these ingredients together until well combined. The matcha powder might clump a little, so make sure to break any large clumps apart.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. You want these ingredients to blend well, so whisk them together until smooth. This will add sweetness and moisture to your cookies.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir the mixture together gently. Mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
Add Nuts: Now, fold in the chopped macadamia nuts. This will give your cookies a lovely crunch and a great nutty flavor. Make sure the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them apart as they will spread a little while baking. If you prefer larger cookies, you can scoop out larger portions, but remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden, but the center should still look a bit soft. They will finish cooking as they cool.
Cool: Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will help them firm up a bit. After a few minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Soft & Chewy Matcha Almond Cookies

These Soft & Chewy Matcha Almond Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving ideas to enhance your cookie experience:

With Tea or Coffee: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of green tea or coffee. The matcha flavor complements the earthy notes of tea, while coffee adds a lovely contrast.
As a Snack: Enjoy them as an energizing snack during the day. The almond flour and nuts provide healthy fats and protein to keep you full.
Dessert: Serve them as a delightful dessert after a meal. You can even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or between two cookies for a sweet sandwich treat.
Gifts: Pack them in a beautiful tin or jar and offer them as gifts for friends and family. It’s a sweet gesture that shows you care!

How to Store Soft & Chewy Matcha Almond Cookies

Proper storage is key to keeping your cookies fresh. Here are some tips on how to store them:

Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 4-5 days. Make sure the container is sealed well to keep out air moisture.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them. They can last up to a week in the fridge. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-lock bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.

Tips to Make Soft & Chewy Matcha Almond Cookies

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Soft & Chewy Matcha Almond Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

Use Fresh Matcha: For the best flavor and vibrant color, make sure to use fresh, high-quality matcha powder. Old matcha can lose its flavor and nutritional value.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the cookies and make them less chewy.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer your cookies sweeter, feel free to add a little more maple syrup or honey. Taste the dough to find your desired sweetness level before baking.
Chill the Dough: If you want thicker cookies, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping and baking. This will prevent spreading and yield a thicker cookie.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Chocolate chips, dried fruit, or other nuts can bring a new dimension to these cookies.

Variation

While Soft & Chewy Matcha Almond Cookies are delicious as they are, you can also try some variations to keep things exciting:

Chocolate Matcha Cookies: Add some cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist. This combo of matcha and chocolate offers a rich flavor that is hard to resist!
Nut Mix: Instead of just using macadamia nuts, you can try mixing in walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.
Coconut Flakes: Incorporate unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flair. These add chewy texture and a hint of sweetness.
Fruit Infusion: Add in some dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries for a fruity burst in each bite. This not only adds flavor but also a pop of color to your cookies.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, if you do not have almond flour, you can try substituting with coconut flour or regular all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that the texture may change. Coconut flour is much more absorbent, so you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients.

Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! To make them vegan, use maple syrup as the sweetener, and substitute the coconut oil for another plant-based oil, like avocado oil. These substitutions will help maintain the recipe’s flavor and texture.

How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. If you leave them in the oven longer, they may crisp up too much. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just be sure to have enough baking sheets on hand, and adjust your baking time if necessary—larger batches may require a minute or two more of baking.

Is matcha good for you?
Yes, matcha is known for its health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, boosts metabolism, and can enhance mood and concentration. Enjoying matcha in cookies adds a nutritious twist to your sweet treat!

By making these Soft & Chewy Matcha Almond Cookies, you’re choosing a snack that’s not only delicious but also nourishing. Gather your ingredients and start baking today!