Matcha Sugar Cookies with Lavender (Printable)

Delicate matcha sugar cookies with fragrant lavender buttercream frosting—an elegant Japanese-French fusion treat perfect for teatime.

# What You’ll Need:

→ For the Matcha Sugar Cookies

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tablespoon culinary-grade matcha powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
05 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ For the Lavender Frosting

09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 tablespoons milk
12 - 1 teaspoon culinary lavender buds, finely ground
13 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt
15 - Purple gel food coloring (optional)

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Add egg and vanilla, mixing until fully combined.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-size portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
07 - Slightly flatten each ball with your palm or the bottom of a glass.
08 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are set but cookies are still soft. Cool on baking sheets for 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Mix in milk, ground lavender, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Add purple food coloring if desired.
10 - Once cookies are completely cool, frost each with lavender buttercream. Garnish with a pinch of lavender buds.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The earthy matcha and floral lavender create this sophisticated flavor combination that feels like something you would serve at a fancy tea shop
  • These cookies have this perfect tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth while still holding their shape beautifully
02 -
  • Overbaking by even a minute will dry out these delicate cookies so watch them closely
  • Make sure your lavender is finely ground because big chunks can be overwhelming in texture
03 -
  • Grind your lavender with a mortar and pestle right before using for the strongest flavor
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too sticky to work with