Matcha Black Sesame Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Matcha Black Sesame Cookies offer a unique blend of earthy matcha flavor and nutty black sesame seeds in a buttery, tender cookie. Perfect for a tea-time treat or a subtle, sophisticated snack.

Ingredients
- 100 g butter (room temperature)
- 90 g caster sugar
- 1 egg
- 30 g almond meal
- 165 g plain flour
- 2 tsp matcha powder (about 5 g)
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Sift the plain flour and matcha powder together, then mix in the almond meal. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 2: In a bowl, beat the butter and caster sugar together until the mixture turns whitish and creamy. A stand mixer with a whisk attachment works well for this.
- Step 3: Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture, and beat until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Switch to a blade attachment if using a stand mixer, then add the sifted flour, matcha, and almond meal mixture into the bowl.
- Step 5: Add black sesame seeds and gently combine all ingredients, being careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
- Step 6: Divide the dough into two portions and shape each into a ball.
- Step 7: Wrap each dough ball in plastic wrap, then roll into a long cylinder about 4 cm in diameter, or shape as desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Step 8: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Step 9: Remove the dough from the fridge and slice into 5 mm thick pieces. Place the slices on a baking tray lined with baking paper, spacing them slightly apart.
- Step 10: Bake for 25 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the black sesame seeds before adding them to the dough.
- Try substituting almond meal with finely ground hazelnuts for a different nutty note.
- If you prefer a stronger matcha flavor, increase the matcha powder to 3 teaspoons.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the dough for clean, even cookies.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw completely before serving. To refresh the crispness, warm them briefly in a low oven or toaster oven.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Plain flour works best for the right texture, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Adjust liquid ingredients slightly if the dough feels too dry or crumbly.
What if I don’t have matcha powder?
You can omit the matcha powder for a simple black sesame cookie, but the distinctive green tea flavor will be missing. Alternatively, try adding other flavors like cinnamon or cocoa powder for variety.
Print
Matcha Black Sesame Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the subtle earthiness of matcha combined with the nutty crunch of black sesame seeds in these delicate, buttery Matcha Black Sesame Cookies. Perfectly tender with a tender crumb, these cookies offer a unique twist on classic shortbread, ideal for tea time or an elegant snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 165 g plain flour
- 2 tsp matcha powder (5 g)
- 30 g almond meal
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
Wet Ingredients
- 100 g butter, room temperature
- 90 g caster sugar
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Sift the plain flour and matcha powder together into a bowl, then add the almond meal. Mix lightly and set aside to be incorporated later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and caster sugar together until the mixture becomes light, whitish, and creamy. A stand mixer with a whisk attachment works best for achieving this texture.
- Add Egg: Crack the egg into the butter and sugar mixture, then beat well to fully combine and create a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Switch the mixer to a blade attachment, then gradually add the sifted flour, matcha, and almond meal mixture. Mix gently to incorporate without overworking the dough.
- Add Black Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle in the black sesame seeds and fold them into the dough carefully, preserving an even distribution without overmixing, which could toughen the dough.
- Shape Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions and form each into a ball. Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap, then roll into a long cylinder approximately 4 cm in diameter or mold into a square shape.
- Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped dough for at least 30 minutes to firm up and develop flavor.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Slice Dough: Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and slice into 5 mm thick pieces using a sharp knife. Arrange the slices neatly on a baking tray lined with baking paper, spacing them slightly apart to allow for minimal spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 25 minutes until they are firm to the touch and slightly golden on the edges.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. This step ensures the cookies set properly and retain their delicate texture.
Notes
- Using room temperature butter helps to cream it properly with sugar for a tender cookie.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough when adding dry ingredients to ensure the cookies stay light and flaky.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easy slicing and to prevent spreading during baking.
- You can store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- For added flavor, try lightly toasting the black sesame seeds before adding to the dough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Keywords: matcha cookies, black sesame, Japanese cookies, almond meal cookies, tea time treats, baked cookies

