Name: Delightful Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies You'll Adore
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (Essential structure for cookies); 2 tablespoons culinary-grade matcha powder (For vibrant color and earthy flavor); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (For a tender texture); 1/4 teaspoon salt (Enhances overall flavor); 1/2 cup vegan butter (Softened for easy mixing); 1 cup powdered sugar (Sweetens the dough); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (For aroma and depth of flavor); 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (Any plant-based milk works); 1/2 cup strawberry jam (For a sweet, fruity center)

As the emerald green of matcha catches the light, I can’t help but feel excited about the delightful creation happening in my kitchen: Vegan Matcha Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies. These little gems blend the earthy allure of matcha with the sweet, tart burst of strawberry jam, making them perfect for any gathering or a cozy afternoon treat. Best of all, they are a breeze to whip up, so even if you’re tight on time, you can impress your guests with a gourmet touch. Whether you’re a long-time matcha devotee or just dipping your toes into the world of vegan baking, this recipe promises a satisfying combination of flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Are you ready to elevate your cookie game with these uniquely flavorful delights?

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Uniquely Flavorful: These Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies blend earthy matcha with sweet strawberry jam, creating a vibrant taste that stands out at any gathering.

Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time, making them perfect for busy days or unexpected guests.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The addition of cornstarch ensures these cookies are light and tender, offering a delightful mouthfeel that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Versatile Filling Options: Explore your creativity with various jams; try raspberry or even peanut butter for a different take.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cookies are not just for vegans—they’re a hit among everyone, so serve them alongside a cup of green tea for an afternoon delight!

If you love vibrant flavors, don’t miss out on the exquisite taste of Matcha Latte Cookies for another unique treat!

Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• All-purpose flour – Provides the essential structure that holds these delightful cookies together.
• Culinary-grade matcha powder – Adds a vibrant color and earthy flavor, best suited for baking.
• Cornstarch – Essential for a tender texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
• Salt – A pinch enhances the overall flavor of your cookies.
• Vegan butter – Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the dough beautifully and helps create a smooth texture.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances aroma and depth of flavor, with pure extract preferred for best results.
• Non-dairy milk – Moistens the dough; feel free to use any plant-based milk you love.

For the Filling
• Strawberry jam – Provides a sweet, fruity center that complements the matcha flavor perfectly.

Experiment with these Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies and enjoy a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven warms, take a moment to line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan, allowing for easy removal once they are done.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, culinary-grade matcha powder, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside, as it forms the backbone of your cookie dough. The vibrant green from the matcha should be evenly distributed for that stunning hue in your cookies.

Step 3: Cream the Fats and Sugars
In a stand mixer, cream together the softened vegan butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial, as creaming incorporates air, which will help create that melt-in-your-mouth texture in your Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies.

Step 4: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Next, add the non-dairy milk and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to retain that airy texture. This creamy blend is where the flavors start to shine through in your dough for these delightful cookies.

Step 5: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the prepared dry ingredients to the wet mixture, continuing to mix on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well incorporated. Once combined, the dough should feel slightly sticky but manageable for shaping.

Step 6: Knead the Dough Lightly
Transfer the cookie dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for just a minute to bring it all together. As you knead, you’ll notice the delightful green color of matcha pop even more. The dough should be smooth without sticking excessively to your hands, making it easier to work with.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, take portions of dough (about 15 grams each) and roll them into balls, placing them on the lined baking sheets spaced a couple of inches apart. As you shape your Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies, doing so gently will help maintain their round form and ensure even baking.

Step 8: Create Indentations
With a rounded teaspoon, carefully make an indentation in the center of each dough ball. This is where the delicious strawberry jam will go. Ensure your indentations are deep enough to hold the jam, but remember to flatten the dough lightly, making the cookies thick and chewy while still looking adorable.

Step 9: Fill with Jam
Spoon a small amount of strawberry jam into each indentation, filling them generously without overflowing. This will create a sweet, fruity burst in every delightful bite of your Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies. Be mindful to not overfill, as the jam can bubble while baking.

Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to achieve that perfect light golden brown. The cookies should remain soft in the center, promising that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Step 11: Cool on Baking Sheets
Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool for 10 minutes on the sheets. This rest time allows them to firm up slightly, ensuring they hold their shape when transferred. Enjoy the fragrant aroma of matcha filling the air as they cool!

Step 12: Transfer to Wire Rack
Finally, carefully transfer the cooled cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain their texture and firmness. After they are completely cool, your Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies are ready to be enjoyed or stored away for later, maintaining their vibrant appeal and enticing flavor!

Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies Variations

Feel free to make these vegan matcha thumbprint cookies your own by exploring delightful alternatives!

Chocolate Version: Substitute matcha with cocoa powder to create rich chocolate thumbprint cookies. The depth of flavor will be a wonderful surprise for chocolate lovers!
Jam Variety: Swap strawberry jam for raspberry or peach preserves to switch up the fruity filling. Each choice brings a new layer of flavor—imagine a tart raspberry surprise inside!
Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch. This not only enhances texture but adds an exciting nuttiness that elevates your cookies.
Different Milk: Experiment with various non-dairy milks, such as coconut or oat milk, for different flavor profiles. Each will add a unique subtlety to your cookie base.
Spice it Up: Incorporate a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a warm spice note that complements the matcha beautifully. This slight twist can transport your taste buds to a new dimension.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour while maintaining the same measurements for a gluten-free alternative that everyone can enjoy.
Enhanced Sweetness: If you prefer more sweetness, substitute powdered sugar with a sweeter blend like maple sugar, but be mindful that the texture may slightly change.

For more sweet inspirations, check out these delightful Hot Chocolate Cookies or enjoy the unique flavors of Cosmic Brownie Cookies. Each recipe brings its own charm!

What to Serve with Vegan Matcha Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies

Pairing these delightful cookies with the right accompaniments will create an unforgettable experience that elevates your snack time.

Green Tea: This classic pairing enhances the earthy matcha flavors and provides a calming, refreshing experience.
Coconut Macaroons: Their chewy texture complements the melt-in-your-mouth cookies, adding a delightful sweetness to your dessert table.
Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance, striking a beautiful harmony with the rich jam filling.
Almond Milk: Creamy and light, this plant-based milk provides a subtle nuttiness that enhances the cookies without overpowering their taste.
Matcha Latte: For the ultimate matcha lover’s experience, sipping a creamy matcha latte alongside your cookies is pure bliss.
Berry Compote: Drizzling warm berry compote over the cookies adds a burst of flavor that beautifully contrasts the matcha and strawberry jam.
Chocolate Drizzle: A touch of dark chocolate drizzled over the cookies adds a decadent twist and pairs well with the earthy notes of matcha.
Citrus Sorbet: Light and refreshing, a scoop of citrus sorbet brings a zesty cleanse to your palate after each delightful bite.
Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai perfectly complement the matcha, creating a comforting pairing perfect for cozy afternoons.

Expert Tips for Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies

Precision Matters: Use a food scale for measuring ingredients to ensure your Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies turn out perfectly. Inaccurate measurements can lead to cookies that spread too much or are too dry.
Softened Butter: Allow your vegan butter to soften at room temperature. Avoid microwaving it, as this will alter the texture and could lead to an uneven cookie dough.
Avoiding Cracks: If your dough cracks while rolling, adjust the flour measurement slightly. Consider warming the dough balls gently before shaping to help maintain their integrity.
Jam Consistency: If your strawberry jam is too thick to fill the indentations easily, warm it slightly. This will make it smoother and easier to work with when creating your delightful cookies.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to swap out the strawberry jam for other flavors. Try raspberry or apricot for a different twist on your Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies to keep things interesting!

Make Ahead Options

These Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by making it, rolling it into balls, and storing them in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days in a sealed container. When you’re ready to serve, just fill the indentations with jam and pop them in the oven if you’re baking from raw, or simply enjoy them as they are if pre-baked. With this make-ahead plan, you’ll savor that vibrant flavor with minimal effort when it’s time to indulge!

How to Store and Freeze Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies

Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days to keep them fresh and maintain their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months!

Thawing: To enjoy, simply remove the desired amount from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps preserve the taste and texture of your Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies.

Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore that fresh-baked feel and delightful aroma.

Vegan Matcha Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best matcha for my cookies?
Absolutely! Opt for culinary-grade matcha powder as it offers a more robust flavor and vibrant color, perfect for baking. Look for matcha that is bright green and has a fine texture. Avoid using ceremonial grade matcha, which is more expensive and not suited for baking.

How should I store my Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies?
To maintain their delightful texture, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer shelf life, consider freezing them!

Can I freeze these cookies? How?
Yes, you can! Freeze your Vegan Matcha Thumbprint Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container where they’ll last for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticky, add a little more all-purpose flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Make sure your flour is properly measured; too much moisture can lead to a sticky mess! You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling, which often helps firm it up.

Can I use other types of jam for filling?
Very much! While strawberry jam is a fantastic choice, feel free to experiment with other flavors like raspberry, apricot, or even nut butters. The more, the merrier! Just keep in mind that thicker jams might need to be warmed slightly for easier filling.

Are these cookies safe for my pet if they consume them?
These vegan cookies generally contain safe ingredients, but exercise caution. Avoid sharing cookies with pets, especially if they contain ingredients like jam, which may have high sugar content or additional additives. It’s always best to stick to pet-safe treats for your furry friends!