A Green Twist on the Classics

The holiday season brings a sense of warmth, coziness, and celebration, and it’s the perfect time to put a creative spin on classic treats. This year, elevate your holiday baking by adding Matcha! Known for its earthy, smooth flavor and vibrant green hue, Matcha brings both color and complexity to holiday desserts. From festive cookies to show-stopping pastries, Matcha can transform traditional holiday treats into unforgettable creations. Here’s a green twist on four beloved holiday classics that will impress your family and friends.

Matcha Candy Cane Sandwiches

Recipe By: Modest Marce

Candy canes and Matcha are an unexpectedly delightful pairing, and these Matcha Candy Cane Sandwiches embody the holiday spirit perfectly! Filled with a smooth vanilla cream and encased within Matcha cookies, these festive treats are both visually stunning and deliciously unique.

Key Tips:

• - Crush some candy canes and roll the cookie edges in them for added texture and color.
• - For a touch of luxury, add a hint of white chocolate to the filling.

Why You’ll Love It: The minty candy cane flavor is balanced by the smoothness of Matcha, creating a treat that’s refreshing, decadent, and oh-so-festive.

Matcha Gingerbread Men

Recipe By: Modest Marce

Gingerbread men are an iconic holiday treat, and adding Matcha gives them a twist that’s both delicious and eye-catching. The Matcha complements the warm spices in gingerbread, adding an earthy layer to the familiar sweetness.

Key Tips:

• - Use a light dusting of Matcha powder as "snow" on the cookies to enhance the visual appeal.
• - Customize with icing to make these gingerbread men come to life, adding smiles, buttons, and maybe even tiny Matcha hats.

Why You’ll Love It: These cookies are a playful and tasty take on the classic, perfect for holiday parties or for gifting to friends and family.

Matcha Checkered Cookies

Recipe By: Nerdie Baker

Lightly sweetened with a crumbly texture and a beautiful green-and-white checkered design, they’re the perfect treat to elevate your cookie platter this season. The subtle Matcha flavor pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, making these cookies as enjoyable to look at as they are to eat.

Key Tips:

• - Chill the dough thoroughly before slicing to ensure clean, sharp edges on your checkered pattern.
• - Use a sharp knife when cutting the dough log to keep the design intact.

Why You’ll Love It: These Matcha Checkered Cookies are a blend of simplicity and elegance. The delicate green hue from Matcha adds a sophisticated twist to classic holiday cookies, while their buttery flavor and eye-catching design make them perfect for gifting, sharing, or savoring alongside your favorite tea.

Matcha Christmas Tree Cookie Stacks

Recipe By: Host the Toast

These creative Christmas tree cookie stacks are made with buttery shortbread infused with Matcha, cut into snowflake shapes, and stacked to create mini Christmas trees. They’re adorable, festive, and a perfect way to showcase Matcha’s vibrant green color.

Key Tips:

• - Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar over the cookie stacks to create a “snow-dusted” effect.
• - Consider adding small edible ornaments or a star on top for extra holiday charm.

Why You’ll Love It: These cookies are as much a decoration as they are a dessert. Perfect for holiday centerpieces or as edible gifts, they’ll be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Matcha Choux Au Craquelin

Recipe By: Bears and Butter

These cream puffs are cute enough to double as decorations and delicious enough to be the talk of any holiday gathering. Filled with a light Matcha cream and topped with a crispy Craquelin shell, they’re delicate yet bursting with flavor.

Key Tips:

• - Make sure the Craquelin dough is rolled thinly for a beautiful, crackly top.
• - Add a few holly leaves or berry decorations for extra holiday flair, turning these little puffs into festive showpieces.

Why You’ll Love It: These Matcha cream puffs are a whimsical dessert that are sure to stand out on any dessert table. Perfect for entertaining, they’re as charming as they are delicious.

Adding Matcha to classic holiday recipes brings a unique twist that combines festive flavors with a vibrant green hue, making these treats as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just enjoying some holiday baking, these Matcha-infused desserts are bound to add a memorable flair to your celebrations.