Matcha Recipes

Adding matcha to your everyday diet is easy and simple! The health benefits of this popular Japanese green tea are numerous and adding it to food and drinks is a delicious way to boost your nutrition. From lattes and cookies to traditional Japanese sweets and ice cream, the possibilities are endless!  

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a type of green tea that originates from Japan. It is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves and has a vibrant green color and unique flavor. 

Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped in water and then discarded, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf. This means you get a higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants.

The process of making matcha begins with shading camellia sinensis tea plants several weeks before harvest. This increases the chlorophyll levels, giving matcha its distinct green color and increases the umami elements of amino acid and theanine. It also suppresses the production of catechins which give a bitter taste. The leaves are then hand-picked, steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder.

 The Health Benefits of Matcha

Matcha is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are known for their cancer-fighting properties. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress without causing drowsiness.

In addition to its calming effects, matcha can boost your metabolism and help with weight loss. It provides a steady energy boost without the jitters commonly associated with coffee. Plus, it’s a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc, and magnesium.

How to Incorporate Matcha into Your Daily Diet

Matcha is usually used for tea ceremonies and drinking in Japan. However, because it comes in powdered form it is used as a natural source of flavoring and coloring for baking and cooking as well. There are different grades of matcha powders that can be used for different purposes. In general you will find culinary grade matcha, which is best for adding to baked goods and desserts, and ceremonial grade matcha which is best for drinking. High quality matcha has a bright green colour and a strong fragrance so look out for this if you want great tasting matcha. Do some research about the matcha you have available to purchase and choose what suits your tastes and needs when making any of the following recipes.

Delicious Matcha Beverages

Matcha

Matcha has been loved for centuries in Japan for its vibrant color, rich flavor, and numerous health benefits. Prepare a traditional matcha by whisking high quality matcha powder with hot water. Use a bamboo whisk and make an ‘M’ motion (rather than mixing in circles) to remove any clumps of powder and create a smooth and frothy matcha. Enjoy your delicious homemade matcha!

Matcha Latte

Matcha lattes have become a popular beverage worldwide because they’re delicious and an energizing alternative to coffee. Simply whisk the matcha with hot water then pour in milk. I like to use oat milk or regular cow milk as they are creamy and have quite a neutral flavour. You could also use almond milk or coconut milk for other dairy-free alternatives.

Irresistible Cookies and Baked Matcha Recipes

Checkerboard Matcha Cookies

Checkerboard matcha cookies are a delightful twist on classic butter cookies. The earthy flavor of matcha and its vibrant colour create a delicious treat with a visually striking checkerboard pattern. The buttery texture and subtle green tea flavor will make these cookies a favorite for any matcha lover.

Matcha Black Sesame Cookies

These matcha black sesame cookies combine the earthy bitterness of matcha tea with the nutty sweetness of black sesame seeds. The flavours go very well together and bring a traditional Japanese flavor to the cookies. Get ready to elevate your cookie game with this delicious and unexpected flavor combination.

Matcha Muffins

Matcha muffins are full of delicious matcha flavour and are perfectly fluffy and moist. Adding extra ingredients like white chocolate chips, kuromame (black soybeans), or macadamia nuts can make them even more yummy. Enjoy with a cup of coffee at home or pack them as a grab-and-go snack!

Matcha Madeleine

Matcha madeleines bring a Japanese twist to a classic French treat. These small, shell-shaped cakes are my favourite western sweet and although I love them as they are, adding matcha makes them even better. Infusing the traditional buttery madeleines with the vibrant and earthy flavors of matcha green tea powder creates a unique and delicious sweet treat. They’re the perfect afternoon tea snack and elegant dessert for a gathering.

Creamy Matcha Ice Cream and Cheese Cake

Matcha Ice Cream

Matcha ice cream is surprisingly simple to make! All you need is matcha and some basic ingredients and you can make it in no time without an ice cream maker. It’s smooth and creamy and full of delicious matcha flavor.

Matcha Cheesecake

This matcha cheesecake is rich, creamy, and scrumptious! It requires no baking and just needs to be left in the fridge to set. The cheesecake is set on an Oreo crumble crust which adds a chocolatey flavour that goes perfectly with the taste of matcha. It’s an easy dessert that everyone will love!

Japanese Sweets Matcha Recipes

Cold Matcha Zenzai

Winter is the perfect time for a warm and comforting bowl of traditional zenzai. But this sweet red bean soup can also be made chilled making it perfect for summer time too! Cold matcha zenzai is a twist on this classic dessert that adds a unique and refreshing flavor profile. This dessert is full of quintessential Japanese sweet elements like matcha, azuki (red bean), and mochi making it a must try for any Japanese dessert lovers!

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