How to Make the Perfect Matcha Vegan Shortbread
Japanese Inspired · Easy · 33 min · 24 servings
These matcha vegan shortbread cookies are buttery, crisp, and packed with earthy green tea flavor made without any animal products. They are a beautiful and delicious vegan treat that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea.
Why this recipe works
This Matcha Vegan Shortbread recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 33 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 110 calories with 1g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup vegan butter softened
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tbsp matcha powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp sea salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened vegan butter and powdered sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, matcha powder, and sea salt, then fold them into the butter mixture along with the vanilla extract until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Roll the dough into a log shape about 2 inches in diameter, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm enough to slice.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the chilled dough into rounds about a quarter inch thick and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until the edges are just lightly golden.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- all purpose flour → a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend for a gluten free version
- matcha powder → hojicha powder for a roasted tea flavor with a deeper brown color
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the chilling step which causes the cookies to spread and lose their shape while baking
- Using low grade culinary matcha that turns dull and brown during baking instead of staying vibrant green
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 110 calories, 1g protein, 13g carbs, 6g fat, 0g fiber.
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