If you have been searching for a cookie that is not just a treat but a beautiful experience, these Matcha Neapolitan Sugar Cookies are exactly what you need. Infused with the earthy richness of matcha, the sweet tang of strawberry, and the classic buttery goodness of plain sugar cookie dough, this recipe brings three delightful flavors together in one stunning cookie. Each bite offers a lovely balance of color and taste, making these cookies as fun to look at as they are to savor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself after a long day, these cookies will quickly become a cherished favorite.

Matcha Neapolitan Sugar Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a gorgeous and flavorful cookie. Every component plays a crucial role—from the creamy butter that builds a tender crumb to the unique powders that bring vibrancy and character to each slice of dough.

Unsalted butter (1 cup / 227 g): Provides rich flavor and tender texture, essential for soft sugar cookies.
Granulated sugar (1¼ cups / 250 g, plus more for rolling): Adds sweetness and helps create that perfect cookie crunch outside.
Large egg (1, at room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds richness for moistness in the cookie.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons / 10 ml): Enhances the flavor profile of the dough with warm, aromatic notes.
All-purpose flour (2¼ cups / 270 g): Structure for the cookie, helping it hold its shape while remaining tender.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Leavens the dough slightly for a gentle rise.
Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Works with acidity to give a light texture.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
Freeze-dried strawberry powder (3 tablespoons): Offers a natural fruity sweetness and beautiful pink hue.
Matcha powder (2 tablespoons): Delivers that vibrant green color and a subtle, earthy bitterness unique to Japanese green tea.

How to Make Matcha Neapolitan Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you a flawless finish every time.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed. Mix for about 30 seconds until the mixture becomes smooth and light, which is crucial for that tender texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, beat in one large egg and the vanilla extract until fully combined. This will bring the dough together and infuse it with warmth and sweetness, setting the flavor foundation for the entire batch.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures that every bite has a uniform texture and rise.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Into Wet

Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture and stir on low speed just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing here can lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle and brief.

Step 6: Divide and Color the Dough

Split the dough evenly into three parts. To one portion, add the freeze-dried strawberry powder for a sweet, fruity twist. To the second, add the matcha powder to introduce that bright, green tea flavor. Leave the third portion plain to keep things classic. Mix each portion separately until the powders are fully incorporated.

Step 7: Form and Sugar-Coat Cookies

Take a tablespoon from each dough type and gently roll them together between your palms to form a multi-colored, swirled dough ball. Then roll the dough ball in granulated sugar, coating it well to add a delightful sparkle and slight crunch to your cookie tops.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Place your sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, keeping about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake them for 10 to 13 minutes, or until their edges turn a light golden brown. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting time helps the cookies set beautifully without breaking.

How to Serve Matcha Neapolitan Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

You can elevate your Matcha Neapolitan Sugar Cookies with a few garnishes. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can enhance their visual appeal and add a layer of flavor that complements the matcha and strawberry notes perfectly.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of green tea or a glass of cold milk. For an afternoon delight, serve them alongside fresh fruit or a small bowl of whipped cream to add creaminess that balances the cookie’s sweet and earthy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Matcha Neapolitan Sugar Cookies on a tiered tray to showcase the beautiful color contrast, or package them in clear cellophane tied with a rustic ribbon as charming homemade gifts. You can even break a few into chunks and sprinkle them over ice cream for a crunchy, colorful topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh and maintain their soft yet slightly crisp texture for up to a week, perfect for savoring little by little.

Freezing

If you want to keep your cookies for longer, Matcha Neapolitan Sugar Cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or zipped bag with parchment between layers, and they will hold their flavor and texture for up to three months.

Reheating

To enjoy cookies that taste freshly baked, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This gentle heat will revive their softness and bring out the lovely aroma of matcha and strawberry powders.

FAQs

Can I substitute matcha powder with something else?

While matcha gives these cookies their unique flavor and color, you can substitute green tea powder or even finely ground pistachio powder for a different twist, though the flavor will change noticeably.

Is freeze-dried strawberry powder necessary? Can I use fresh strawberries?

Freeze-dried strawberry powder is key for vibrant color and concentrated flavor without adding extra moisture that can affect dough consistency. Fresh strawberries would alter the dough’s texture and aren’t recommended here.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can, but reduce or omit the added salt from the recipe to keep your cookies from becoming too salty. Unsalted butter allows better control over the final flavor balance.

What’s the best way to get even color swirls in the cookies?

When rolling the small tablespoons of each dough together, make sure to gently twist or lightly fold them to get a natural marbling look without fully blending the colors.

Can I make the dough ahead of time before baking?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough, divide it into portions, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking to enhance the flavors and make dough easier to handle.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Matcha Neapolitan Sugar Cookies recipe that brings joy not only in their vibrant appearance but in their delightful flavor trio. I encourage you to bake a batch soon—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one, and they make such a lovely gift or treat for yourself. Once you try these cookies, they’ll be a go-to recipe to brighten up any afternoon!