How to make The Prettiest Matcha and Ube Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder
- 2 tablespoons ube extract or purple yam puree
- Additional sugar for coating
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two halves. Mix matcha powder into one half and ube extract into the other to create two colored doughs.
- Take small pieces of each dough and roll them together to form a swirl pattern.
- Roll each cookie dough ball in sugar and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Why You’ll Love This Matcha and Ube Sugar Cookies
These cookies are not just a feast for the eyes; they are also delicious! The blend of matcha and ube gives them a unique flavor that is both earthy and sweet. The vibrant colors of green and purple will brighten up any dessert table. Each bite offers a soft, chewy texture that will have you coming back for more. They are perfect for any occasion — whether you’re having friends over for tea or preparing a treat for a birthday party.

Nutritional Benefits
- Matcha: Rich in antioxidants, matcha may help boost metabolism and is known for providing calm energy.
- Ube: This purple yam not only adds a beautiful color but is also high in vitamins C and A. It’s known for its health benefits, including supporting immune function.
- Butter and Sugar: They provide energy, but moderation is key, especially if you’re watching your intake.
What to Serve With Matcha and Ube Sugar Cookies
These cookies go wonderfully with:
- Tea or Matcha Lattes: Enhance the flavors with the warmth of a good tea or creamy matcha latte.
- Coffee: The sweetness of the cookies pairs nicely with a bold coffee.
- Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream to create an indulgent dessert.
How to Store Matcha and Ube Sugar Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature.
- Refrigerator: If you want them to last longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Freezer: You can also freeze the dough or baked cookies. For dough, wrap it tightly in plastic and store for up to a month. For baked cookies, place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
- Do Not Overmix: Once you add flour to your wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Precision Matters: Measure your ingredients accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it for about 30 minutes before shaping.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies to avoid burning.
Variations
- Chocolate Swirls: Add cocoa powder to make chocolate swirls instead of matcha.
- Nut Butter: Swap out some butter for almond or peanut butter for a nutty flavor.
- Egg Free: Use flaxseed meal as an egg replacement if you prefer egg-free cookies.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh ube instead of ube extract?
Yes, you can use fresh ube or purple yam puree. Just ensure it’s smooth and not too watery. -
How can I make the colors more vibrant?
You can add a drop or two of food coloring to the dough, but the natural colors from matcha and ube are usually quite vibrant on their own. -
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes a binding agent like xanthan gum.
These cookies are not just a treat; they are a wonderful blend of flavors and colors that can certainly brighten your day! Enjoy your baking!

Matcha and Ube Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour.
- 1/2 cup sugar For coating, additional sugar is needed.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened Make sure it is softened for easy mixing.
- 1 large egg Can use flaxseed meal as a substitute for egg-free version.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds flavor to the cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder Helps the cookies rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
Coloring Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder For the green dough.
- 2 tablespoons ube extract or purple yam puree For the purple dough.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Dough Preparation
- Divide the dough into two halves.
- Mix matcha powder into one half and ube extract into the other to create two colored doughs.
Forming Cookies
- Take small pieces of each dough and roll them together to form a swirl pattern.
- Roll each cookie dough ball in sugar and place on a baking sheet.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.