The delicate matcha green tea demands extra care when handling. Matcha is a powdered form of powdered green tea that eliminates the need to steep the leaves. This is what gives matcha its distinctive bright green hue and flavour, but it's also what makes it so much more delicate and difficult to deal with than other baking ingredients. Matcha preserves all the minerals, antioxidants, caffeine, and flavour of the tea leaf because it is a powder created from the complete ground-up leaf.
When making baked goods, only use culinary grade matcha, never ceremonial grade. This distinction is commonly found in India, yet it is completely missing in matcha's native Japan. It is possible to utilise ceremonial grade for baking, but it comes at a higher price. Just because it's more expensive doesn't mean you can't use ceremonial grade in baking. Although ceremonial grade matcha is more expensive, culinary grade is perfect for baking because it is inexpensive and has a slightly less sweet flavour than ceremonial grade.
Tips To Use Matcha In Baking
If you're just starting off baking with matcha, studying its texture will help you get the most out of it without the annoying clumps and inconsistent colouring. Because of its tiny texture and powdery consistency, matcha can clump together if not combined correctly. You can bring out the delicate complexity of matcha in your baked goods with only a few easy steps.
Sifting the matcha powder is the initial step. If any tiny lumps developed during storage, this will help get rid of them. Pour the powder into a small bowl after passing it through a fine mesh strainer or tiny sieve with a light tapping or shaking action. Go at your own pace with this.
Before you add any wet components, like as eggs or milk, you should combine the sifted matcha with other dry ingredients, such as sugar or flour. To avoid clumping in the future, mix it with other powders. To get a uniform green colour, combine with a small spoon or whisk.
Then, following the recipe's instructions, add the wet ingredients little by little while gently folding in. To make sure the matcha powder is uniformly distributed throughout the batter or dough, add the liquids little by little. This will let the powder hydrate gently.
While you're working, make sure to taste the matcha mixture. Due to its strong flavour, matcha requires only a small amount. Add a small amount at first, say 1/2 teaspoon, and keep adding till you get the flavour you like. Other components may be overwhelmed if you use too much.
Matcha Green Tea Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Method:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your palm.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious matcha green tea cookies!
Matcha Banana Bread
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
Method:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the banana bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious matcha banana bread!
Matcha White Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients:
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup white chocolate chips
2 eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
Method:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and white chocolate chips together, stirring until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the melted butter and white chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined.
Sift in the matcha powder, flour, and salt, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan before slicing into squares. Enjoy your decadent matcha white chocolate brownies!