Matcha Crinkle Cookies (Vegan)
When it comes to delightful desserts that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate, these Matcha Crinkle Cookies (Vegan) take the cake—literally! With their vibrant green color and sweet, earthy flavor, these cookies are the perfect addition to your baking repertoire. Not only are they visually stunning, but they are also vegan-friendly, making them accessible for many dietary preferences. The unique combination of matcha and a delightful crinkle finish creates a tempting treat that is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that will leave everyone asking for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Matcha Crinkle Cookies (Vegan) are not just a feast for the eyes; they are also incredibly flavorful and easy to make. Here’s why they should be on your must-bake list:
– **Unique Flavor**: The matcha adds a distinct taste that is both refreshing and subtly sweet.
– **Easy to Make**: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
– **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether it’s a casual afternoon snack, a festive gathering, or a cozy treat for yourself, these cookies fit every occasion.
– **Vegan-Friendly**: Made without any animal products, this recipe is great for those following a vegan lifestyle.
– **Customizable**: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to enhance the flavor and texture!
Your Shopping Guide
Before you start baking, here’s a handy shopping list to gather all the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 1/3 cup neutral oil or melted butter or coconut oil – for moisture
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened plant milk (I used soy milk) – to bind the ingredients
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – for flavor
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour – the base of your cookie dough
- 1 tablespoon matcha – the star ingredient!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – to help the cookies rise
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt – to balance the sweetness
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar – for rolling the cookies to create that crinkle effect
Before You Start: Equipment
Make sure you have the following equipment ready to go for your cookie-baking adventure:
- Baking sheet – to place your cookies on for baking
- Parchment paper – for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking
- Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients
- Whisk or spatula – for mixing the batter
- Cookie scoop or spoon – for portioning out the dough
- Cooling rack – to let your cookies cool properly
Build Matcha Crinkle Cookies (Vegan) Step by Step
Let’s get to the fun part—baking these delicious Matcha Crinkle Cookies (Vegan)! Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make for easy cleanup and prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, neutral oil (or melted butter/coconut oil), plant milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and kosher salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 7: Roll the Cookies
Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball and then roll the ball in powdered sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Step 8: Bake
Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled.
Step 9: Cool
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Better Choices & Swaps
If you’re looking to modify the recipe a bit, consider these options:
- Flour: You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Sweetener: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a less refined alternative.
- Oil: Use avocado oil for a healthier fat option.
- Milk: Any plant milk works, including almond, oat, or coconut milk.
Method to the Madness
The creation of Matcha Crinkle Cookies (Vegan) is straightforward, but here’s a little more insight into the process:
The key to achieving that signature crinkle effect lies in rolling the cookie dough in powdered sugar before baking. As the cookies bake, the sugar coating melts and cracks, giving them their characteristic appearance. Make sure to chill the dough to prevent spreading and to maintain the cookie shape. Each bite will be a delightful combination of chewy texture and rich matcha flavor!
Prep Ahead & Store
If you’re planning ahead, you can prepare the dough in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, just roll in powdered sugar and bake as directed. If you have leftover cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Alternatively, these cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Ask & Learn
Can I use different types of matcha?
Yes! There are various grades of matcha available, and while culinary grade is ideal for baking, ceremonial grade can also be used for a more vibrant flavor. Just remember that higher-quality matcha will yield a more intense green color and flavor.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some vegan chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet cookie.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for rolling?
If you run out of powdered sugar, you can use granulated sugar or a mixture of granulated sugar and cornstarch. While it won’t give you the same crinkle effect, the cookies will still be delicious!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The cookies should look set around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so be careful not to overbake!
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have everything you need to create these gorgeous Matcha Crinkle Cookies (Vegan), it’s time to get baking! Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and unleash your inner baker. Whether you share these cookies with friends and family or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!), you’ll be delighted with the results. Enjoy the beautiful green hue, the delightful crinkle, and the scrumptious flavor in every bite. Happy baking!
Matcha Crinkle Cookies (Vegan)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
- Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make for easy cleanup and prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, neutral oil (or melted butter/coconut oil), plant milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 4: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and kosher salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- Step 6: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Step 7: Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each portion into a ball and then roll the ball in powdered sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Step 8: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled.
- Step 9: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
- Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
