Pin Delicate, buttery shortbread cookies infused with matcha green tea and filled with a tangy cranberry jam, perfect for afternoon tea or festive occasions.
Ingredients
- Shortbread Dough: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 2/3 cup (80 g) powdered sugar, 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp (12 g) matcha powder (culinary grade), 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cranberry Jam: 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries, 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsp (30 ml) water, 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry jam:
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 8–10 minutes). Stir in lemon juice. Set aside to cool completely.
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix butter and sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Form dough balls:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Create indentations:
- Using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon, press an indentation into the center of each ball.
- Fill with jam:
- Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of cooled cranberry jam.
- Bake:
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pin Required Tools
Stand or hand mixer, Mixing bowls, Saucepan, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Wire rack, Measuring spoons and cups
Allergen Information
Contains: Dairy (butter), Gluten (flour). May contain traces of nuts if processed in shared facilities. Double-check ingredient labels if unsure.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 110, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 1 g
Pin These cookies bring vibrant flavor and festive color to any table. Enjoy making them as much as eating them.
Recipe Questions
- → What makes these cookies unique?
The matcha powder adds an earthy, slightly bitter note that complements the tangy cranberry jam, creating a distinctive flavor profile.
- → Can I substitute the cranberry jam with another fruit preserve?
Yes, raspberry or strawberry preserves work well and offer a similar tart-sweet balance.
- → How should I store these shortbreads to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → What is the best way to achieve the vibrant green color in the dough?
Using ceremonial-grade matcha powder will deepen the green color compared to culinary-grade options.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, these cookies contain no meat or animal-derived gelatin, making them suitable for vegetarians.
- → What is the ideal pairing beverage for these cookies?
They pair excellently with green tea or a light white wine, enhancing the delicate flavors.