These Matcha Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat for Valentine’s Day! With their delicate flavor, vibrant green hue, and buttery texture, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Often called Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cakes, this twist with matcha green tea powder elevates the classic cookie into something truly special.
Whether you’re making these as a gift for someone special or treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unique Flavor: The earthy, slightly sweet matcha pairs beautifully with the buttery richness of these cookies.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are not only tasty but also visually stunning, making them an ideal homemade Valentine’s Day gift.
Versatile: While they’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, these cookies can be enjoyed year-round for any occasion.
Ingredients and Their Health Benefits
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Provides richness and ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Butter is also a source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): A key component for structure and texture in cookies. It creates the perfect crumbly base.
- Pecans (2 cups, finely chopped): Pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. They’re packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential vitamins like B1 and zinc.
- Premium Matcha Powder (1 ½ tbsp): The star ingredient! Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly EGCG, which supports heart health and metabolism. It also provides a gentle caffeine boost.
- Granulated White Sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the earthy flavor of matcha.
- Powdered Sugar (½ cup): Used for rolling the cookies, it gives them a snowy, festive finish while adding a touch of extra sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line two cookie sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Make the Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, flour, chopped pecans, matcha powder, and granulated sugar.
- Mix on low speed at first, gradually increasing to medium speed until the dough comes together and all the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Bake the cookies for about 20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets.
5. Add the Finishing Touch
- Once the cookies have cooled, roll each one generously in powdered sugar.
- For an extra festive look, dust another layer of powdered sugar on top right before serving or packaging.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Matcha: Look for culinary-grade matcha with a vibrant green color for the best flavor and appearance.
- Don’t Skip Cooling: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm can cause the sugar to clump. Allow them to cool first for a smooth finish.
- Double the Batch: These cookies are irresistible and tend to disappear quickly. Consider making a double batch to share!
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Cookie (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 5mg |
Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on the exact brands and quantities used.
Why Matcha Snowball Cookies Are Perfect for Valentine’s Day
These cookies combine elegance, flavor, and a touch of creativity—perfect for showing love this Valentine’s Day.
Their bright green color adds a unique twist to traditional sweets, while their delicate sweetness makes them universally appealing.
Whether you’re sharing them with a loved one, friends, or enjoying them solo, these matcha snowball cookies will make Valentine’s Day unforgettable.
Conclusion
With their nutty crunch, buttery softness, and matcha-infused flavor, these snowball cookies are the ultimate treat for any occasion—especially Valentine’s Day.
Easy to make, visually stunning, and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and let the magic of matcha make this Valentine’s Day extra special!
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