Beautifully marbled with hues of pink, green, and creamy white, Swirled Strawberry Matcha Cookies blend earthy matcha, sweet strawberry, and smooth vanilla for a visually stunning and flavorful treat. Crisp at the edges and tender inside, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies offer a unique blend of flavors and an eye-catching swirl design that’s perfect for gifting, tea parties, or simply enjoying with a hot drink. With three distinct layers—matcha, strawberry, and vanilla—you get a delicious harmony of earthy, fruity, and creamy notes in every bite. The playful color combination adds whimsy, while the crisp-tender texture makes them an irresistible treat for all ages.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
large egg
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
matcha green tea powder
freeze-dried strawberry powder
pink and green food coloring (optional)

directions

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until a soft, even dough forms.
Divide the dough evenly into three portions.
Mix the matcha powder and green food coloring (if using) into one portion.
Mix the strawberry powder and pink food coloring (if using) into the second portion.
Leave the third portion plain for vanilla flavor.
Chill all three doughs separately for 30 minutes to firm up.
Once chilled, roll each dough into equal-sized ropes. Press the ropes side-by-side, twist them gently, then roll into a log to create a swirl pattern.
Slice the dough into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 20 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Calories per cookie: 150 kcal

Variations

Lemon-Vanilla Twist: Replace strawberry powder with lemon zest for a bright citrus variation.
Chocolate Swirl: Substitute one-third of the flour with cocoa powder in one portion for a chocolate stripe.
Almond Touch: Add 1/2 tsp almond extract to the vanilla dough for a nutty undertone.
Mini Cookies: Make smaller ropes and slice thinner for bite-sized treats perfect for tea platters.
Holiday Colors: Customize the swirl colors for festive themes (e.g., red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter).

storage/reheating

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 1 month. These cookies do not require reheating, but a few seconds in the microwave can restore their fresh-from-the-oven softness.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Yes, but gel coloring provides more vibrant color with less liquid, which helps maintain the dough’s texture.

Is matcha powder necessary?

Matcha gives a unique earthy flavor and green hue, but you can substitute with another flavor or leave it out for a simpler swirl.

What is freeze-dried strawberry powder?

It’s made from ground freeze-dried strawberries and adds natural color and flavor without moisture. You can make your own by blending freeze-dried strawberries.

Can I use fresh strawberries?

No, fresh strawberries add too much moisture to the dough and will affect the structure.

How do I keep the swirls distinct?

Avoid overmixing the doughs when forming the log. Gently press and twist to keep the colors separate.

Can I chill the dough overnight?

Yes, chilling longer is fine. Just let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before slicing to avoid cracks.

Can I freeze the raw cookie dough?

Yes, shape and slice the dough, then freeze the rounds between parchment layers for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes.

What texture should the cookies have?

They should be crisp around the edges and soft, tender in the center.

Can I add toppings like sugar or sprinkles?

Yes, sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking for added sparkle and crunch.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely—they’re beautiful, unique, and hold up well for packaging.

Conclusion

Swirled Strawberry Matcha Cookies bring together color, creativity, and complementary flavors in a single, striking dessert. With their crisp edges, soft centers, and tri-color swirls, they’re as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. Whether for a tea party, seasonal celebration, or a charming gift, these cookies are a delightful way to bake something special.