Swirled Strawberry Matcha Cookies

$To make these cookies, you need fresh and vibrant ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup matcha powder - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed - 1 tablespoon cornstarch These ingredients blend to create a delicious cookie. The matcha powder gives a lovely green hue and a unique flavor. The freeze-dried strawberries add sweetness and a pop of color. You can play with flavors to make these cookies your own. Here are some fun ideas: - Lemon zest for a citrusy kick - Almond extract instead of vanilla for nutty tones - Dark chocolate chips for added richness - A pinch of cinnamon for warmth Feel free to mix and match these options. This way, each batch can be a little different and exciting. If you have food allergies, you can still enjoy these cookies. Here are some substitutions: - Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. - Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free cookie. - Swap the egg for a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water). These swaps keep the essence of the cookie while catering to your needs. You can still savor the delightful blend of strawberry and matcha! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until it looks light and fluffy. Then, beat in the egg and vanilla extract, stirring well. In another bowl, whisk the flour, matcha powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet mix. Stir until you have a nice dough. Next, divide the dough in half. Add the crushed freeze-dried strawberries to one half and mix well. Keep the other half plain with the matcha flavor. To create the swirl, take a tablespoon of each dough. Gently roll them together to form a swirled shape. You want to see both colors blend but not fully mix. Press them slightly flat and place them on the baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each cookie. They will spread while baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for slightly set edges while the centers may still look a bit underbaked. Don’t worry; they will firm up as they cool. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack. This step makes sure they cool all the way. You can find the full recipe above. Mixing dough well is key for good cookies. Start with soft butter. Cream it with sugar until it’s light. This adds air and helps the cookies rise. Add the egg and vanilla next. Beat it in slowly for a smooth mix. In a different bowl, whisk the dry ingredients well. This helps to combine all the flavors evenly. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently to keep the dough light and fluffy. To make a beautiful swirl, divide your dough into equal parts. Shape each one into a ball. Flatten them slightly before combining. Place a strawberry ball on top of a matcha ball. Gently roll them together. Do not press too hard; this keeps the colors separate. Roll the dough in your hands before pressing down. This makes the swirl more distinct. Baking can be tricky, but some tips help. First, always preheat your oven. This ensures even cooking. Next, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave space between cookies so they can spread. Watch the baking time closely. Cookies can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Finally, let them cool for a few minutes on the sheet. They will firm up as they cool, giving you the perfect texture. For more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in these cookies. Try using matcha and lemon for a zesty twist. Or mix in cocoa powder instead of matcha for a rich chocolate cookie. You can also add different fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, for a fresh taste. Each change can give your cookies a fun new vibe. If you want to make these cookies healthier, replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds more fiber and nutrients. You can use coconut oil instead of butter for a lighter option. For sweetening, try honey or maple syrup as a natural alternative to sugar. These swaps can make your cookies a bit more nutritious without losing flavor. To make these cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the right texture. You can also choose almond flour for a nutty taste. These options keep the cookies soft and tasty, perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. To keep your swirled strawberry matcha cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture and rich flavor. You can use a cookie jar or a plastic container with a tight lid. Layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking. These cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. If stored properly, they can last up to two weeks in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Freezing cookies is a great way to keep them for later. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes. For the full recipe, check above. You can use fresh strawberries, but it changes the texture. Fresh strawberries add moisture. This can make the cookies softer and more cake-like. If you choose fresh, chop them small and reduce other liquids in the recipe. Freeze-dried strawberries keep the crunch and flavor without added moisture. They also blend better into the dough. To melt white chocolate, use a double boiler. Set a heat-safe bowl over simmering water. Stir the chocolate gently as it melts. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, about 15 seconds each time. Stir well in between to avoid burning. Once melted, let it cool slightly before drizzling on your cookies. To make these cookies vegan, substitute the egg with flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. These changes will keep the texture and taste delicious. You can still enjoy the swirls of strawberry and matcha! Swirled strawberry matcha cookies combine unique flavors and beautiful looks. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for great results. You can even explore variations for healthy options. Store these treats well to enjoy their flavors longer. Baking can be fun and creative. Try these tips to master your cookie game. Your efforts will result in tasty, eye-catching cookies everyone will love.$

Swirled Strawberry Matcha Cookies

Indulge in the deliciousness of swirled strawberry matcha cookies! These vibrant treats combine the earthy flavor of matcha with sweet freeze-dried strawberries for a delightful twist. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and visually stunning. Ready to impress your friends and family?

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Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup matcha powder

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.

Divide the dough in half; add crushed freeze-dried strawberries to one half and mix until well combined. The other half will remain as matcha-flavored dough.

Take a tablespoon of each dough (strawberry and matcha), and gently roll them together to form a swirled cookie shape. Press them slightly flat and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Repeat with the remaining dough, ensuring to leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Allow cooling on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12 cookies

- Presentation Tips: Plate the cookies on a colorful dish, and drizzle some melted white chocolate on top for an elegant touch. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional crushed freeze-dried strawberries for visual appeal.