Matcha Muffins Recipe

If you adore the delicate, earthy flavor of green tea and crave a soft, fluffy treat to enjoy any time of day, these Matcha Muffins are your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with vibrant green color and just the right amount of sweetness, these bakery-style treats are irresistibly charming and surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re indulging with your morning coffee or offering an elegant dessert to guests, Matcha Muffins bring a little touch of Japanese-inspired magic to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines simple, carefully chosen ingredients that work in perfect harmony to deliver the ideal texture and flavor. Each component plays a vital role from the fluffy crumb to the lovely green hue and subtle sweetness.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender and airy muffin crumb.
• Matcha powder (ceremonial grade): Adds vibrant color and authentic green tea flavor that defines these muffins.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Provide the lift and light texture you want in a muffin.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet and earthy notes.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness while keeping the muffins moist and soft.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens just right without overpowering the matcha’s subtle bitterness.
• Egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and adds structure for a fluffy crumb.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Buttermilk (room temperature): Reacts with baking soda for lift and tenderizes the crumb for softness.
• Sliced almonds: Optional crunchy topping enhancing both texture and presentation.

How to Make Matcha Muffins

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the all-purpose flour, ceremonial-grade matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. This dry mix ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and matcha, which means your muffins will rise beautifully and have that signature green color throughout.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is nicely combined. Then add the room temperature egg and vanilla extract. Whisk until the batter is creamy and smooth, creating a luscious base for your muffins. Finally, stir in the buttermilk, which adds moisture and a slight tang to balance the sweet elements.

Step 3: Bring It Together

Gently pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined. Don’t worry if you see some lumps or bits of flour remaining; overmixing leads to dense muffins. Those little lumps actually help create a fluffier muffin texture.

Step 4: Chill the Batter

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for about one hour. This chilling step helps the batter thicken and develop air pockets that lead to big, puffy muffin tops — a hallmark of bakery-style perfection.

Step 5: Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with parchment liners, but only fill every other cup to ensure airflow around each muffin. This spacing technique encourages impressive, lofty muffin tops.

Step 6: Scoop and Top

Use a large ice cream scoop to portion the batter into the lined cups, filling each one at least three-fourths full to maximize height. Avoid pressing or stirring the batter to keep the incorporated air intact. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top and reserve some to add midway through baking for extra crunch and eye appeal.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the muffin tops spring back when gently touched. Around the halfway mark, sprinkle more sliced almonds if needed. After baking, let the muffins rest in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step ensures you can enjoy their airy texture without them falling apart.

How to Serve Matcha Muffins

Garnishes

To elevate these muffins for guests or special occasions, try dusting a little extra matcha powder on top or glazing them lightly with white chocolate to complement the tea flavor. Fresh edible flowers or a small dollop of whipped cream also make these muffins pop visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Matcha Muffins pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, especially Japanese green tea or a jasmine blend. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a slightly tart citrus compote to contrast with their subtle sweetness and earthy notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Matcha Muffins into a charming gift by wrapping them in parchment paper tied with twine, accompanied by a handwritten note sharing your favorite matcha treat tips. You can also stack them on a tiered dessert stand as part of an elegant tea party spread, where their color will draw admiring eyes and eager forks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Matcha Muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, they may begin to lose their fluffy texture, so try to enjoy them fresh whenever possible.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze cooled muffins by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months without losing their signature softness.

Reheating

When ready to indulge, thaw muffins at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. For a crispier top, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This simple step refreshes that freshly baked experience you love.

FAQs

Can I use regular green tea powder instead of matcha?

Regular green tea powder is typically not as fine or flavorful as matcha and may not yield the same vibrant color or full-bodied taste. It’s best to use ceremonial-grade matcha powder for authentic flavor and texture in your muffins.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute?

You can easily make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle. This mimics the acidity of buttermilk and helps with muffin tenderness and rise.

How do I get big, puffy muffin tops?

Filling your muffin liners nearly full and spacing them out in the pan creates airflow needed for domed tops. Also, chilling the batter and baking at a high temperature like 400°F encourages that classic bakery-style puffiness.

Are these muffins sweet or more savory?

These Matcha Muffins strike a lovely balance; they are mildly sweet with a natural earthy bitterness from the matcha, making them perfect for those who appreciate subtle flavors without overwhelming sugariness.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips or tart berries such as raspberries complement matcha beautifully. Just fold them gently into the batter before chilling to avoid deflating the airiness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the soft crumb and gentle, grassy flavor of homemade Matcha Muffins. Once you bake your first batch, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again to share that peaceful moment with friends and family. Trust me, these muffins bring simple joy with every bite, and now it’s your turn to experience that little green delight straight from your oven!