INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 tablespoon matcha powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the butter and confectioners’ sugar. Add the vanilla and almond extracts. Stir in the remaining ingredients: all-purpose flour, almond flour, matcha powder, salt, and ground nutmeg.
2. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and flour. Do not use nonstick spray as this will cause the cookies to flatten as they cook.
3. Take a tablespoon of the cookie dough and roll it into a ball in your hands. Gently press the ball down onto the parchment paper to form a large disk. With a knife, cut a cross over the cookie. Repeat with the remaining dough. Place the tray in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
4. Preheat the oven to 325 ° F.
5. Bake the cookies for 15 to 20 minutes, until set or until crispy.
6. Allow the cookies to completely cool before serving.

VARIATIONS OF THE RECIPE:

1. Chocolate Matcha Cookies:
   • Replace the almond extract with 1 teaspoon of pure chocolate extract.
   • Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey flavor.
2. Lemon Matcha Cookies:
   • Replace the almond extract with 1 teaspoon of lemon extract.
   • Add 2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
3. Coconut Matcha Cookies:
   • Replace ½ cup of almond flour with ½ cup of shredded coconut.
   • Add ½ cup of chopped toasted coconut to the dough for a tropical flavor.
4. Nutty Matcha Cookies:
   • Replace almond flour with an equal amount of ground nuts like pistachios, almonds, or cashews.
   • Add ½ cup of finely chopped nuts to the dough for a nutty crunch.
5. Chai Spice Matcha Cookies:
   • Replace the ground nutmeg with a blend of chai spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
   • Add 1 teaspoon of chai spice mix to the dough for a warm and aromatic flavor.
6. Fruit-Infused Matcha Cookies:
   • Replace the almond extract with a fruit extract like raspberry, strawberry, or peach.
   • Add ½ cup of dried fruit, such as chopped dried cherries or cranberries, to the dough.
7. Nutella Stuffed Matcha Cookies:
   • Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them.
   • Place a small spoonful of Nutella in the center of each disk, then fold the dough around it and reshape into a ball.
8. Glazed Matcha Cookies:
   • Make a simple glaze using confectioners’ sugar and milk.
   • Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze and let them dry before serving.
9. Matcha Sandwich Cookies:
   • Make a sandwich cookie by spreading a layer of fruit jam or chocolate ganache between two cookies.
10. Spiced Matcha Cookies:
    • Enhance the flavor with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in addition to the nutmeg.
11. Orange Blossom Matcha Cookies:
    • Replace the almond extract with 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water.
    • Add 2 teaspoons of orange zest to the dough for a fragrant citrus flavor.
12. Mint Chocolate Matcha Cookies:
    • Replace the almond extract with 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
    • Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips and a few drops of green food coloring to enhance the minty appeal.