Matcha-Ginger Balls

Matcha is known for its creamy and astringent-tasting notes. The distinctive green tea powder in this low-sugar cookie recipe has some serious health benefits. The green tea is rich in antioxidants shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and reduce heart disease risk.

Matcha-Ginger Balls stacked on brown surface
Photo: Jason Donnelly
Hands On Time:
30 mins
Chill Time:
1 hrs
Bake Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hrs 40 mins
Servings:
42
Yield:
42 cookies

Ingredients

  • ½ cup shortening

  • 1 tablespoon matcha (green tea powder)

  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or 2 tsp. ground ginger

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 2 eggs

  • 2 ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • Green food coloring (optional)

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions

  1. In a large bowl combine first five ingredients (through lemon zest). Beat with a mixer on medium until combined. Add brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Beat in baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat in eggs. Beat in flour and, if desired, food coloring. Cover and chill 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle.

  2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Shape dough in 1-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until bottoms are light brown. Cool on cookie sheet 2 minutes. Remove; cool on a wire rack. Lightly dust with cocoa powder.

To Store

Layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container. Store at room temperature up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

69 Calories
3g Fat
10g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 42
Calories 69
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3g 4%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 45mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 10g 4%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0.2mg 1%
Calcium 12mg 1%
Iron 0.5mg 3%
Potassium 21mg 0%
Folate, total 14.8mcg

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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