Imagine a festive dessert that combines the enchanting green hue of matcha with the whimsical charm of Christmas tree stacks - a treat that's not just a cookie, but a delightful edible work of art! These Matcha Cookie Christmas Tree Stacks are about to transform your holiday baking from ordinary to extraordinary, bringing a touch of Japanese-inspired elegance to your seasonal celebrations. Get ready to impress your guests and create Instagram-worthy desserts that are as delicious as they are stunning!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Decorative sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until well incorporated and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients from the medium bowl to the wet ingredients in the large bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Once the dough is mixed, use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each dough ball slightly with the palm of your hand to create a disc shape. This will help the cookies spread evenly while baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly cracked. The centers may look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can stack them to create Christmas tree shapes. Use decorative sprinkles to add festive touches to your stacked cookie trees.
- Serve your Matcha Cookie Christmas Tree Stacks on a festive platter and enjoy them with friends and family!
Tips
- Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Sift the matcha powder and flour together to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, even green color.
- Don't overmix the dough - this can lead to tough cookies instead of tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes, which will help create more stable tree stacks.
- Let cookies cool completely before stacking to prevent structural collapse.
- For an extra festive touch, use white or gold sprinkles to mimic snow or ornaments on your cookie trees.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crisp texture.
- For best flavor, use high-quality ceremonial grade matcha powder.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
