A trendy flavor at the forefront of the culinary scene, matcha (抹茶), or green tea powder, has taken the world by storm in recent years. Trendy or not, matcha is a long-standing staple in Japan that never goes out of style. Its unmistakable green hue, intense earthy flavor, and versatility make matcha an exceptional ingredient. Available in both ceremonial and culinary grades, it can be enjoyed as a tea or used as a flavorful addition in baking and cooking. Here, I’ve rounded up my favorite matcha recipes for you to enjoy every day or on special occasions. Let’s bring on the matcha magic!
20 Matcha Recipes You Must Try at Home
1. Matcha Latte
Invigorating and calming, this Matcha Green Tea Latte is a great alternative to espresso, especially on a chilly day. The best part? It gives you a gentle caffeine boost and energizes you without the jitters. For dairy-free and vegan options, I recommend oat milk. While some people use coconut milk, I personally find the taste too overpowering. “Thank you for this recipe! I’ve been making matcha lattes for a while but wanted to improve it and this definitely did that” — Julia
2. Iced Matcha Latte
Prefer a cool drink? This Iced Matcha Latte will keep you energized all day long.
3. Matcha Cookies
Buttery and brimming with a sweet, earthy flavor, these Matcha Green Tea Cookies are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a holiday cookie swap. I added white chocolate chips to create a fun visual contrast with the cookies’ bright green color, but feel free to leave them out. “This is my all-time favorite cookie recipe. Matcha isn’t very popular in my country, so these always satisfy my cravings for it. And I get a ton of smiles when I hand them out too.” — SRD
4. Matcha Basque Cheesecake
Basque cheesecake with matcha flavor? Yes, please. You’ll love the lingering sweet green tea flavor in this custardy cheesecake. “I have made it several times over the last month, so I can master it but also because the family always want more! One week I even made it twice. Thanks for all your tips.” — Jenny
5. Matcha Marble Pound Cake
All my friends and family agree that this Matcha Marble Pound Cake is a crowd-pleaser. Since it tastes even better the next day, be sure to make it ahead of time. ” I am very happy with how this turned out. It’s tender and moist but not overly greasy or buttery like some other recipes. The taste is really exquisite. It has a subtle but deep flavor. I used ceremonial-grade matcha that’s sweet and not bitter, and I think the higher quality makes a huge difference in the outcome.” — Kumi
6. Matcha Madeleines 抹茶マドレーヌ
Classic French cookies with a Japanese twist, these Matcha Madeleines make for a dreamy sweet treat. Invite your friends over and enjoy them with a cup of Japanese tea, such as sencha, hojicha, or genmaicha.
7. Matcha Smoothie
If you are looking for a power morning drink or a pick-me-up, this Matcha Smoothie is a smart, refreshing choice. All you need is banana, almond milk, and matcha powder. “Another delicious recipe Nami, all ingredients blends well and complements each other.” — Lesley
8. Matcha Ice Cream
The ideal flavor of matcha ice cream should strike a perfect balance of earthy, sweet, and slightly bitter notes. Let me show you how to make matcha ice cream just like the high-quality ones we get in Japan! You’ll only need four simple ingredients. “It’s been hard to find matcha ice cream in UK grocery stores and I’m so glad I came across this recipe. WOW, amazing flavor and such an easy-to-follow recipe.” — Jane
9. Matcha Souffle Pancakes
The matcha pancakes are super airy and fluffy, like you’re eating cottony clouds! Top them with homemade whipped cream, maple syrup, and an extra sprinkle of green tea powder. “Very tasty recipe! The instructions were very thorough and clear too, which I appreciated.” — Macy
10. Matcha Chocolate
You can now recreate one of the most popular Japanese souvenirs at home with this decadent Matcha Chocolate recipe. It’s one of my favorite edible gifts to bring to friends and neighbors, as it makes a lasting impression. “Wow! I’m forever grateful for this recipe… I still can’t get over the fact how easy this was and how well it turned out.” — Romy
11. Matcha Swiss Rolls
Fluffy sponge cake with a swirl of fresh matcha cream filling, it’s hard to stop at just one slice. To achieve the perfect texture, be sure not to overmix the batter. ““As an aspiring culinary student, I honestly really enjoyed this recipe the two times I made it. I’m ready for round 3.” — Stephen S
12. Matcha Tiramisu
This is my Japanese take on the classic Italian dessert. “This is honestly just one of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten in my life. I’ve always been a fan of tiramisu, and normally I prefer to keep it as its traditional thing (or else it turns into something else, surely?!). But, but, but…This is otherworldly.”
13. Matcha Souffle
Fluffy and accented with green tea powder, this Matcha Soufflé is the perfect dessert to serve when you’re feeling extra fancy. Go ahead and top it off with a dollop of hand-whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
14. How To Make Matcha (Japanese Green Tea)
Drinking this beloved Japanese tea every morning is the best way to enjoy the health benefits of green tea. If you’d like to establish a ritual of drinking matcha regularly, I recommend getting simple tools such as a chawan (tea bowl) and a chasen (matcha whisk) for your tea preparation. Learn how to make the perfect cup today! “I learned a great deal from your thoughtful article and the way you presented the matcha recipe.” — Tony
15. Matcha Chiffon Cake
Made with eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, cake flour, and green tea powder, this Matcha Chiffon Cake is moist and spongy. It’s a perfect light cake for a crowd, and you can bake it ahead of time. “Loved this cake, served it with fruit and cream. It was a hit!” — Mary
16. Matcha Steamed Cake
Steamed Cake, or Mushi Pan (蒸しパン), is a light, fluffy, and soft cake. Because they are steamed, these Green Tea Mushi Pan make a wonderful snack for little kids. “I have made this recipe about 30 times, its super easy to make and is delicious.” — Brad
17. Matcha Gateau au Chocolat
A Japanese rendition of the classic French chocolate cake, this Matcha Gateau au Chocolat is made with white chocolate and green tea. It’s rich, moist, and intensely flavorful. Warm it up slightly before enjoying it—the melty texture is to die for! “I made this cake last weekend for my son’s birthday. It was a big success, we all enjoyed it so much.” — Helen S
18. Ujikintoki (Matcha Shaved Ice)
A traditional Japanese matcha shaved ice dessert, Ujikintoki is a summer must-try! With a simple shaved ice machine, you and your family can enjoy this refreshing treat all season long. Have fun with toppings such as red bean paste, shiratama dango, sweetened condensed milk, and green tea ice cream.
19. Matcha Donuts
These wildly popular Matcha Donuts are downright addictive! My homemade versions are baked, making them healthier. You can skip the chocolate glaze if you prefer them less sweet. “I made these yesterday and OMG they are so good!” — Charity
20. Matcha Pudding
Smooth and delicate, my triple-layered Matcha Pudding with Japanese red bean paste is easier to make than you think. Serve it as an after-dinner dessert for a small crowd, and your guests will be impressed!
Quick Tips on Making The Best Matcha Recipes
I recommend using high-quality matcha and selecting matcha imported from Japan, as the processing tends to be more consistent. The color should be vibrant green, with a fresh and aromatic fragrance. In general, there are two main grades of matcha: ceremonial and culinary. Once opened, aim to use the matcha within a month, as it loses flavor and color quickly, which can affect the taste and appearance of matcha baked goods.
Where to Buy Quality Matcha Powder
I personally get my matcha from Ippodo Tea Co. (一保堂), which sells matcha in different grades. You can find pure matcha powder at Japanese grocery stores like Mitsuwa, Marukai, and Nijiya. Matcha is also available at specialty tea stores, Asian grocery stores, or gourmet stores. If buying online, please be careful and check the labels first. Make sure there are no added ingredients or other additives.
