Name: Matcha Ube Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Fusion (Japanese and Filipino inspired)
Ingredients: 355 g all-purpose flour (2 ¾ cups); ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; granulated sugar (for rolling, as needed); 227 g unsalted butter (1 cup, softened, room temperature); 350 g granulated sugar (1 ¾ cups); 1 large egg (room temperature); 1 large egg yolk (room temperature); 5 g matcha powder (2 teaspoons, sifted); 2 teaspoons ube extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 48 reviews

If you are craving a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, this Matcha Ube Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the earthy bitterness of matcha with the sweet, creamy aroma of ube, these cookies bring together two vibrant flavors in a stunning marbled design. Soft yet slightly crispy edges make each bite addictive, and the perfect balance of colors will wow everyone at your next coffee time. Whether you’re a cookie lover or a matcha fan, these are guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two clear glass bowls are placed on a white marbled surface, each filled with a single colorful dough. The top bowl contains a thick, smooth dough of deep purple color, shown with a textured scoop mark in the center. The bottom bowl holds a dough of bright green shade, also with a scoop mark creating three distinct impressions on the surface. Both doughs look soft and slightly firm, and no other items are visible around them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Matcha Ube Cookies Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and that beautiful green and purple swirl that makes these cookies stand out.

All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base that holds the cookie together with a tender crumb.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise lightly and achieve a soft texture with just the right bit of chew.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors throughout the dough.
Unsalted butter: Adds rich creaminess and contributes to the cookie’s delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies perfectly and creates that irresistible slight crunch on the edges when baked.
Egg and egg yolk: Provide moisture and structure, ensuring each cookie holds its shape without drying out.
Matcha powder: Infuses the dough with a vibrant green color and a subtle, earthy bitterness that balances the sweetness.
Ube extract: Delivers that signature purple hue and sweet, nutty flavor evocative of Filipino desserts.
Granulated sugar for rolling: Adds a sparkling sugary coating and texture contrast to the exterior of the cookies.

How to Make Matcha Ube Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; this not only prevents sticking but also promotes even baking. Having these ready will make the baking process seamless and your kitchen organized.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this should take about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, giving your cookies a light texture rather than a dense one. Then, add in the egg and egg yolk and mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides to ensure an even blend.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This dry mix will ensure your cookies have consistent texture and a touch of lift from the baking soda. Gradually add this to your wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Overmixing here can toughen your cookies, so stop as soon as you see no streaks of flour.

Step 4: Divide and Infuse with Matcha and Ube

Split your dough evenly into two portions. Sift matcha powder over one and fold it in thoroughly to create a luscious green dough. Into the other, stir in the ube extract for that fantastic purple hue and flavor. This step is where your cookies start to develop their eye-catching character.

Step 5: Scoop and Combine Dough Portions

Using a cookie scoop about the size of a tablespoon (or a #50 scoop), portion out equal amounts of matcha and ube dough, roughly 25 grams each. Press one matcha portion together with one ube portion and roll them into a ball. Then, roll the ball in granulated sugar for a charming, sparkling finish. Repeat this process until all dough is used up; this creates the delightful marbling effect and two-for-one flavor sensation in each cookie.

Step 6: Bake Your Cookies

Place six cookie balls on each prepared baking sheet, spaced well apart to allow for spreading. Bake one tray at a time on the center rack for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the cookies have puffed up slightly in the center. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven; this helps them set perfectly. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If baking in batches, allow your baking sheet to cool before placing new dough balls to prevent premature melting.

How to Serve Matcha Ube Cookies Recipe

The image shows a group of round, flat cookies arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each cookie has two colors swirled together in an uneven pattern: a bright yellow-green and a deep purple. The cookie textures look slightly cracked on the surface, giving a soft, crumbly appearance. The colors cover different parts of each cookie, blending and overlapping to create a marbled effect with no set pattern. The overall look is vibrant and artistic, with the contrast between the yellow-green and purple standing out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To amp up the presentation, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of matcha powder or finely grated white chocolate over the cooled cookies. Edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar also look beautiful and add a delicate touch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a gently brewed cup of green tea to highlight the matcha’s earthy notes or a creamy ube latte to double down on the sweet purple yam flavor. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Imagine arranging your cookies in a checkerboard pattern on a serving platter, alternating between matcha and ube sides peeking through. They also make a charming addition to dessert charcuterie boards alongside nuts, fresh fruit, and sweet spreads, turning simple cookie bites into an elegant snack experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should maintain their softness and flavor beautifully for up to five days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy them at your leisure without worrying about drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer or prepare dough in advance, both the dough and baked cookies freeze well. Wrap portions of dough tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Baked cookies can also be frozen; just be sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop cookies in a preheated 300℉ oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave each cookie for 10 seconds. Reheating revives the softness and makes them feel freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute ube extract with fresh ube?

Fresh ube can be used, but it requires cooking and mashing before mixing into the dough, which can affect texture and moisture. Ube extract provides concentrated flavor without altering the dough’s consistency, making it the easier and more reliable option for this recipe.

Is matcha powder the same as green tea powder?

Yes, matcha is finely ground green tea leaves, but for baking, it’s best to use culinary-grade matcha powder, which has a robust flavor that holds up well during cooking.

What if I don’t have a cookie scoop?

No worries! You can use two spoons or just your hands to portion out the dough. Aim for equally sized portions to ensure even baking and consistent cookie size.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make a vegan version, you’d need to substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and replace eggs with flaxseed or chia egg substitutes. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might shift slightly, but with a bit of experimentation, you can still create a tasty vegan treat.

Why do the cookies need to rest on the baking sheet before moving?

Letting them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes allows the cookies to firm up and hold their shape. Moving them too soon could cause them to break or lose their ideal texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to dive into this Matcha Ube Cookies Recipe at your earliest opportunity. The vibrant colors, unique flavor pairing, and wonderfully soft texture make these cookies a memorable treat for any occasion. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your cookie rotation. Enjoy every bite!