These Matcha Brownies are a vibrant, rich, and fudgy twist on traditional brownies, featuring the earthy and energizing flavor of ceremonial grade matcha. With their crinkle tops and gooey center, they’re as visually stunning as they are delicious. This dessert comes together quickly and easily, perfect for both everyday indulgence and special occasions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1¼ sticks unsalted butter (or ½ cup + 2 tbsp)

• ½ cup white chocolate chips

• 2 tablespoons ceremonial grade matcha powder

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 3 teaspoons bourbon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 3 large eggs

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.

2. Melt butter in the microwave or stovetop. In a separate bowl, combine white chocolate chips and matcha powder. Pour melted butter over the mixture and stir until smooth and fully combined.

3. In a large bowl, add granulated and brown sugar. Add eggs and beat with an electric mixer for 3–5 minutes until thick and airy.

4. Pour the matcha-white chocolate mixture into the sugar-egg mixture. Mix well and add vanilla extract.

5. Sift flour and salt into the bowl. Gently fold using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from oven and drop the pan on the counter 2–3 times to release air bubbles.

7. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.

8. Once baked, drop the pan on the counter again 2 times and let brownies cool for at least 1 hour or until room temperature.

9. Slice with a clean knife (wipe between cuts) and enjoy!

Nutrients (Approximate per brownie, based on 16 brownies)

• Calories: ~160–180 kcal

• Protein: ~2g

• Fat: ~9g

• Carbohydrates: ~20g

• Sugar: ~14g

• Sodium: ~60mg

Flavor Profile and Texture

The flavor of matcha—often described as vegetal, slightly nutty, and delicately sweet—lends a remarkable depth to these brownies. Unlike cocoa powder or dark chocolate, matcha’s distinctive taste is fresh and vibrant, cutting through the richness of the butter and white chocolate with a subtle brightness that keeps the brownies from becoming cloying.

The recipe’s texture is equally noteworthy. The process of beating eggs with granulated and brown sugars until thick and airy forms a light, almost mousse-like base. Gently folding in flour and salt ensures that the crumb remains tender without becoming cakey or tough. Melting butter with white chocolate creates a luscious, smooth matrix that binds the batter, contributing to a dense, fudgy mouthfeel.

The signature crinkle top is achieved by the clever step of dropping the pan on the countertop during baking, which releases trapped air bubbles and encourages the batter’s surface to crack beautifully. The contrast between the slightly crisp crust and gooey center is one of the most enticing features of these brownies.

The Nutritional Advantages of Matcha

While brownies are traditionally a decadent treat, the inclusion of ceremonial grade matcha introduces a nutritional edge. Matcha is loaded with catechins, a class of antioxidants associated with numerous health benefits including reduced inflammation, enhanced brain function, and improved metabolism. It also contains a moderate amount of caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm alertness, making these brownies a sophisticated snack that can provide a gentle energy boost.

Each brownie contains roughly 160 to 180 calories, with moderate amounts of protein and fat—mostly derived from butter and white chocolate. The carbohydrate content comes mainly from sugars and flour, providing quick energy, but the antioxidant qualities of matcha and the potential mental focus benefits it offers elevate this dessert beyond mere indulgence.

Occasions and Pairings

Matcha Brownies are wonderfully versatile and suitable for a range of occasions. Their striking green hue and unique flavor make them ideal for tea parties, brunches, or any event where you want to impress with a twist on classic desserts. They are equally perfect for casual everyday enjoyment, offering a welcome change from traditional chocolate-heavy sweets.

These brownies pair exceptionally well with hot beverages such as matcha lattes, jasmine tea, or even a robust espresso, enhancing the matcha notes and complementing the creamy richness of the dessert. For those who enjoy layering flavors, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds can add texture and richness.

Baking Tips for Perfection

Achieving the perfect matcha brownie requires attention to detail and quality ingredients:

• Use ceremonial grade matcha powder specifically, as culinary grades may have a more bitter, less refined flavor.

• Melt butter and white chocolate slowly and gently, either in a double boiler or microwave at low power, to avoid burning.

• When incorporating flour, fold gently with a spatula to preserve the airy structure created by the whipped eggs and sugar.

• The step of dropping the pan on the counter is critical—do this gently but firmly to create the signature crinkle top.

• Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the fudgy center set and ensures clean, neat slices.

• Use a sharp knife wiped between cuts to prevent crumbs from clinging and ruining the presentation.

Creative Variations

While the base recipe is stunning on its own, there are numerous ways to customize and enhance your matcha brownies:

• Add white chocolate chunks or swirl in a bit of sweet red bean paste for a Japanese-inspired twist.

• Incorporate toasted nuts such as pistachios or almonds to add crunch and nutty flavor that complements matcha’s earthiness.

• Drizzle with a matcha glaze made from powdered sugar and matcha powder mixed with a little milk for an extra burst of green tea flavor.

• Experiment with coconut flakes sprinkled on top before baking to introduce a tropical texture.

• For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan white chocolate alternatives and plant-based butter.

The Cultural and Culinary Appeal of Matcha

Matcha has a rich history rooted in Japanese tea ceremonies, where it symbolizes mindfulness, purity, and harmony. Its rise in global culinary culture speaks to its unique flavor and health-promoting qualities. Incorporating matcha into classic Western desserts like brownies is a wonderful way to celebrate cultural fusion and introduce new flavor dimensions to familiar treats.

This recipe invites home bakers to experiment with matcha’s vibrant color and subtle bitterness in a crowd-pleasing format, creating something both beautiful and delicious that sparks curiosity and delight.

Conclusion

These Matcha Brownies are an extraordinary dessert that masterfully combines the best of East and West. With their intense green hue, fudgy texture, and the perfect balance of sweet white chocolate and earthy matcha, they stand out as a truly gourmet treat. Whether you’re indulging after dinner, sharing with friends at a special occasion, or simply craving a new spin on brownies, this recipe is an excellent choice.

Not only do they taste divine, but they also bring a touch of mindfulness and sophistication through the inclusion of ceremonial grade matcha. Easy to prepare yet impressively elegant, these brownies will delight your senses, uplift your spirits, and become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Each bite is a celebration of flavor, texture, and cultural heritage—a sweet escape in every square.