Ingredients

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons culinary-grade matcha powder

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 tablespoon sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Lavender Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1–2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream

1 teaspoon culinary lavender buds

Light purple gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder.

Step 3: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Add egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.

Step 5: Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet until a thick dough forms.

Step 6: Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon-sized balls, slightly flatten the tops, and chill for 20 minutes.

Step 7: Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft. Cool completely.

Step 8: To make the frosting, heat milk and steep lavender buds for 4–5 minutes, then strain.

Step 9: Beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add lavender milk gradually to reach desired texture.

Step 10: Mix in food coloring if using. Frost cooled cookies with a knife or piping bag.

Tips & Variations

Use culinary-grade matcha for the best flavor and vibrant green color.

Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a slight tang and moisture.

Adjust lavender intensity by adding more or fewer buds to the milk infusion.

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use plant-based milk.

FAQs

Can I use regular green tea powder instead of matcha?

Regular green tea powder won’t provide the same vibrant color or concentrated flavor as culinary-grade matcha, so the cookies may be less flavorful and pale in color.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting on warm cookies?

Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before frosting. If your kitchen is warm, place frosted cookies in the fridge to set the frosting quickly.