Craving something sweet that also gives you a little energy boost? This Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe is your new go-to for a plant-based dessert that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

These Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe highlight the bold, earthy flavor of Japanese green tea—perfectly paired with a soft, chewy texture that practically melts in your mouth. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea or a quick dessert fix, this Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe delivers every time.

What sets this recipe apart? It's not just the vibrant green hue. This Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe masterfully balances the natural bitterness of matcha with just the right touch of sweetness—no dairy, no eggs, and absolutely no fuss.

Even better? You can whip up this Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe in under 30 minutes using everyday vegan ingredients—no specialty store run required.

So, if you're looking for a delicious way to enjoy matcha with a satisfying bite, give this foolproof Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe a try. It's the perfect harmony of flavor, simplicity, and plant-based goodness.

Homemade vegan matcha cookies with cracked tops on white counter

Why You'll Love These Plant-Based Matcha Treats

Matcha has been cherished in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries. Now, this time-honored ingredient takes on a delicious new life in a modern, plant-based dessert: the Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe you didn’t know you needed.

These vibrant green cookies don’t just look good—they’re good for you too. This Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe is completely dairy-free and packed with nutritional benefits. Matcha is rich in antioxidants and L-theanine, which promotes calm focus and sustained energy without the crash.

What makes this vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe truly stand out is its flavor balance. Unlike many green tea treats that go too bitter or overly sweet, these cookies strike a perfect harmony. You’ll enjoy the earthy complexity of matcha with just the right touch of sweetness in every bite.

Whether you’re a long-time matcha lover or simply looking to try something new, this Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe brings tradition, wellness, and indulgence together in one irresistible cookie.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Equipment For Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe
Delicious Variations to Try
Storage
The Little Ritual That Transformed My Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe
FAQ
Your New Favorite Cookie Awaits...
Related
Pairing

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
High-quality culinary matcha powder
Baking soda
Salt
Coconut oil, softened (not melted)
Organic cane sugar
Brown sugar
Unsweetened applesauce
Vanilla extract
Optional add-ins: vegan white chocolate chips or chopped pistachios

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened coconut oil with both sugars until fluffy, then mix in the applesauce and vanilla.
Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then fold in any optional add-ins.

Shape and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into balls and place them on your prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Gently flatten each cookie slightly with your palm.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers still look slightly soft.

Cool and Store

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Allow to cool completely before enjoying or storing.
Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Matcha cookie dough being mixed with spatula in a bowl

Prepare the Cookie Dough: Mix wet and dry ingredients and fold in add-ins

Dough balls of vegan matcha cookies on baking tray ready to bake

Shape and Bake: Scoop and flatten cookie dough before baking

Freshly baked vegan matcha cookies cooling on a rack

Cool and Store: Cool cookies before storing in airtight container

Equipment For Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe

Baking sheets: Heavy aluminum baking sheets provide even heating.
Parchment paper or silicone mats: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer makes creaming the coconut oil and sugar much easier.
Cookie scoop: Creates uniform cookies that bake evenly.
Cooling rack: Allows air to circulate around the cookies for the perfect texture.
Fine mesh sieve: For sifting matcha to remove any clumps.

Expert Baking Tips for Vegan Matcha Success

Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your applesauce isn't cold from the fridge, as it can cause the coconut oil to solidify.
Don't skimp on creaming time: Properly beating the oil and sugars creates tiny air pockets that help the cookies rise.
Matcha whisking trick: For the most vibrant color, whisk the matcha with 1 tablespoon of the sugar before adding to the dry ingredients. The sugar granules help break up any matcha clumps.
Watch your baking time carefully: These cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly. They should look slightly underbaked when you take them out.
For chewy vegan matcha cookies: Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar and reduce baking time by 1 minute.
For crispy edges: Flatten the cookies more before baking and extend bake time by 1-2 minutes.

Delicious Variations to Try

Vegan Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fold in ½ cup vegan dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious contrast to the earthy matcha.

Vegan Matcha Almond Cookies

Replace ¼ cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour and add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a nutty twist.

No-Bake Vegan Matcha Cookies

Looking for an even quicker option? Mix 1 cup rolled oats, 2 tablespoons matcha, ½ cup almond butter, ⅓ cup maple syrup, and ¼ cup coconut flakes. Form into balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Gluten-Free Vegan Matcha Cookies

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn't already contain it.

Low-Sugar Vegan Matcha Cookies

Reduce the sugar to ½ cup total and add 2 tablespoons of monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic option that still satisfies your sweet tooth.

Storage

Counter Storage

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a small piece of bread in the container to keep them soft.

Freezing Instructions

These vegan matcha cookies freeze beautifully! Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Cookie Dough Prep

You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking.

Freezing Cookie Dough

Form the dough into balls, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

The Little Ritual That Transformed My Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe

I used to wonder why my Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe didn’t always turn out with that gorgeous, vibrant green hue you see in bakery windows. The flavor was decent—but not unforgettable. Then I stumbled upon a tiny ritual that changed everything.

Here’s the secret: before mixing in the matcha powder, I stir it with just 1 tablespoon of hot (not boiling) water. This simple step “blooms” the matcha, unlocking its rich aroma and deepening both the color and taste—just like coffee lovers bloom their grounds to draw out the boldness.

Ever since I started blooming the matcha first, my cookies have gone from “good” to “you made these?!” Just make sure to let the mixture cool a bit before adding it to your batter—and get ready for cookies that truly celebrate the magic of matcha.

FAQ

Why do my matcha cookies turn brown?

Matcha cookies turn brown when baked at too high temperatures or for too long. This happens because heat oxidizes matcha's chlorophyll. Other culprits include using low-quality matcha powder that's already oxidized, mixing matcha with alkaline ingredients like baking soda without acid to balance it, or using brown sugar instead of white. For vibrant green vegan matcha cookies, use fresh, high-quality matcha and watch your baking time carefully.

How does matcha affect baking?

Matcha powder adds a distinctive earthy, grassy flavor and vibrant green color to baked goods. It works as a dry ingredient that absorbs moisture, potentially creating denser textures in cookies and cakes. Matcha's subtle bitterness balances sweetness in recipes like vegan matcha cookies. It's heat-sensitive, so lower temperatures and shorter baking times preserve its color and antioxidant properties. The fine powder distributes evenly, creating consistent flavor throughout your baked treats.

What makes cookies not vegan?

Traditional cookies contain several animal-derived ingredients that make them non-vegan. Butter (dairy) is the most common, followed by eggs used as binders. Milk chocolate contains dairy, while some white sugars are processed using bone char. Even some vanilla extracts contain glycerin from animal sources. When making vegan matcha cookies, these ingredients are replaced with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil, applesauce, flax eggs, and vegan chocolate chips.

Is matcha good for vegans?

Matcha is excellent for vegans! This finely ground green tea powder is 100% plant-based and packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG. Matcha provides a natural energy boost without jitters due to its L-theanine content. In vegan matcha cookies and other plant-based recipes, it adds vibrant color, earthy flavor, and nutritional benefits. Matcha contains vitamin C, selenium, zinc, and small amounts of fiber—all beneficial for plant-based diets.

These Vegan Matcha Cookies aren’t just cookies—they’re a calming ritual wrapped in a soft, chewy bite. With their stunning green hue and earthy matcha flavor, they’re perfect for everything from elegant tea parties to cozy solo baking moments.

What makes this Matcha Cookies Recipe so irresistible is how it blends the timeless charm of Japanese matcha with the ease and simplicity of plant-based baking. Whether you're a seasoned matcha enthusiast or curious for your first taste, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Looking for more wholesome, feel-good treats? After you try these Vegan Matcha Cookies, don’t miss my Easy Sugar-Free Lemon Cookies for a zesty, guilt-free option, or indulge in the fruity bliss of Soft & Chewy Lemon Blueberry Cookies—both pair beautifully with a cup of tea and a cozy afternoon.

Have you given this Vegan Matcha Cookies Recipe a try? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment, leave a rating, or share your baking photos—I’m always inspired by your kitchen creations.

Happy baking and stay vibrant!

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