Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Featured in: Rustic Bakes & Breads

These buttery shortbread cookies combine the earthy, vibrant flavor of matcha green tea with a tart cranberry jam center. The dough is tender and crumbly, enriched with vanilla and balanced by a subtle sweetness. Baked until just golden, they offer a perfect bite for afternoon tea or festive moments. The cranberry jam adds a refreshing, fruity contrast while the matcha brings a delicate green hue and unique taste. Ideal for sharing or gifting during special occasions.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:32:00 GMT
Golden-edged Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies, showcasing a vibrant cranberry filling and matcha dusted. Save
Golden-edged Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies, showcasing a vibrant cranberry filling and matcha dusted. | basilhearth.com

Delicate, buttery shortbread cookies infused with matcha green tea and filled with a tangy cranberry jam, perfect for afternoon tea or festive occasions.

Ingredients

  • 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:
  • 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.
Beat butter and sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy. Mix in vanilla extract.
Mix 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.
A close-up of buttery, delicate Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies, ready to be enjoyed with tea. Save
A close-up of buttery, delicate Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies, ready to be enjoyed with tea. | basilhearth.com

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

Perfectly baked Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies offer sweet-tart cranberry filling in a buttery delight. Save
Perfectly baked Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies offer sweet-tart cranberry filling in a buttery delight. | basilhearth.com

Enjoy these flavorful matcha cranberry shortbread cookies perfect for any occasion.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the cranberry jam?

Yes, raspberry or strawberry preserves can be used as alternatives, offering a similar tart sweetness.

What grade of matcha is recommended?

Culinary-grade matcha works well, but ceremonial-grade provides a deeper green color and richer flavor.

How should I store these shortbreads?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness.

Can these be made dairy-free?

Substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative may work, but texture and flavor might vary.

What is the best way to press the indentation for jam?

Use your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon to create a small well in each dough ball.

Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Buttery shortbread with matcha and tangy cranberry jam, perfect for teatime or celebrations.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Total Duration
40 minutes
Recipe by Laura Bennett

Recipe Type Rustic Bakes & Breads

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type Fusion (Japanese-Inspired)

Makes 24 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Shortbread Dough

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 2/3 cup powdered sugar
03 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 2 tablespoons culinary-grade matcha powder
05 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cranberry Jam

01 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
02 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 2 tablespoons water
04 1 teaspoon lemon juice

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare Cranberry Jam: Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and set aside to cool completely.

Step 02

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy. Incorporate the vanilla extract.

Step 04

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour, matcha powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 05

Shape Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and form into balls. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Step 06

Create Indentations: Press an indentation into the center of each dough ball using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon.

Step 07

Fill with Cranberry Jam: Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of cooled cranberry jam into each indentation.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools Needed

  • Stand or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a medical expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and gluten
  • May contain traces of nuts due to shared processing facilities

Nutrition information (serving size)

These nutritional details are for reference. They're not meant as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 110
  • Fat content: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 13 grams
  • Protein Amount: 1 grams