Love matcha? From creamy lattes to irresistible cookies, tiramisu, and weekend waffles, here are my favorite matcha drinks and desserts to enjoy any day or for a special treat.
Matcha Then and Now
Matcha has deep roots in Japanese tea ceremonies, where it symbolizes harmony and mindfulness. Today in Japan, we enjoy matcha in traditional sweets, pastries, and everyday drinks while still honoring its deep cultural heritage. I’ve gathered my favorite matcha recipes for you to try at home.
Nami’s Tips on Matcha
- Use high-quality matcha: For the best results, choose matcha imported from Japan, where the processing and grinding are consistent. Look for a vibrant, bright green color—one of the clearest signs of good quality.
- Taste notes: Matcha has a naturally sweet, mellow flavor with a pleasant hint of bitterness. High-quality matcha tastes smooth and rounded, with no harsh or astringent notes. You’ll notice a rich umami, a fresh grassy aroma, and a gentle sweetness that lingers on your palate.
- Know your grades:
- Ceremonial grade – The highest-quality matcha, traditionally used in tea ceremonies and best enjoyed on its own with hot water. It’s the most expensive grade, but since ceremonial matcha comes in different quality levels, some brands offer more affordable options.
- Culinary grade – Ideal for baking, cooking, and making lattes or smoothies. The quality still makes a big difference in flavor and color, so choose a reputable brand.
- Where to buy: You can purchase matcha online, at Japanese grocery stores, and at major retailers like Costco, Whole Foods, and Target. When buying online, check that it’s 100% pure matcha powder with no additives.
- Store and use promptly: Once opened, keep matcha in an airtight container away from light and heat. For the best taste and color, use it within a month.
You can learn more in my Matcha pantry page. Now, let’s explore my favorite matcha recipes!
How to Make Matcha (Japanese Green Tea)
“I learned a great deal from your thoughtful article and the way you presented the matcha recipe.” – Tony
Matcha Latte
“Thank you for this recipe! I’ve been making matcha lattes for a while but wanted to improve it and this definitely did that” – Julia
Iced Matcha Latte
Matcha Cookies
“This is my all-time favorite cookie recipe. Matcha isn’t very popular in my country, so these always satisfy my cravings for it. And I get a ton of smiles when I hand them out too.” – SRD
Matcha Muffins
“The result was good and the taste was amazing.” – Catherine H
Matcha Basque Burnt Cheesecake
“I have made it several times over the last month, so I can master it but also because the family always want more! One week I even made it twice. Thanks for all your tips.” – Jenny
Matcha Mochi Waffles
“Easy to make. Crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside & tasty. Taste like mochi donuts without the frying!” – Craig
Matcha Marble Pound Cake
” I am very happy with how this turned out. It’s tender and moist but not overly greasy or buttery like some other recipes. The taste is really exquisite. It has a subtle but deep flavor. I used ceremonial-grade matcha that’s sweet and not bitter, and I think the higher quality makes a huge difference in the outcome.” – Kumi
Matcha Checkerboard Cookies
“These cookies were really fun to make and came out with a really satisfying texture and light but delicious matcha flavor!” – Jamie
Matcha Gateau au Chocolat
“Made this cake last weekend for my son’s birthday. It was a big success, we all enjoyed it so much.” – Helen S
Matcha Mille Crepe Cake
“Thank you for the recipe. This is one of my favorite. I love everything green tea. I made this delicious matcha crepes and it turned out amazing! Your instructions are always easy to follow and spot on.” – Puy
Matcha Butter Mochi
“Made these today, they were delicious, and the chew was outstanding!!!” – Christine
Matcha Madeleines
“Really love this one Nami, and made a huge hit, this one gonna be my keeper.” – Ludwina
Green Tea Mochi
“Definitely worth all the effort! I don’t think I’ll be able to have store bought mochi anymore.” – Nikki
Strawberry Matcha Latte
Matcha Ice Cream
“It’s been hard to find matcha ice cream in UK grocery stores and I’m so glad I came across this recipe. WOW, amazing flavor and such an easy-to-follow recipe.” – Jane
Matcha Soufflé Pancakes
“Very tasty recipe! The instructions were very thorough and clear too, which I appreciated.” – Macy
Matcha Chocolate
“Wow! I’m forever grateful for this recipe… I still can’t get over the fact how easy this was and how well it turned out.” – Romy
Matcha Swiss Roll (Roll Cake)
“As an aspiring culinary student, I honestly really enjoyed this recipe the two times I made it. I’m ready for round 3.” – Stephen S
Matcha Tiramisu
“This is honestly just one of the best desserts I’ve ever eaten in my life. I’ve always been a fan of tiramisu, and normally I prefer to keep it as its traditional thing (or else it turns into something else, surely?!). But, but, but…This is otherworldly.” – runawateater
Matcha Chiffon Cake
“Loved this cake, served it with fruit and cream. It was a hit!” – Mary
Matcha Steamed Cake
“I have made this recipe about 30 times, its super easy to make and is delicious.” – Brad
Matcha Smoothie
“Another delicious recipe Nami, all ingredients blends well and complements each other.” –Lesley
Matcha Donuts
“OMG they are so good!” – Charity
Matcha Pudding
“This is now my favorite gelatin dessert! So easy to make and taste so good!!! I put them in little glass jars so that i can grab one easily.” – Agnes
Ujikintoki (Matcha Shaved Ice)
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on December 16, 2022, and republished on November 18, 2025, with updated details and helpful new information.
