Matcha Cookie
White Chocolate Glazed Matcha Cookies for a Sweet Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day has always been a special occasion for spreading love and sweetness.
In Japan, there's a unique tradition called "Giri-choco," where people exchange obligatory chocolates. While I don't follow this custom anymore, the spirit of the season inspired me to bake some delightful cookies. This time, I decided to infuse a touch of Japanese flavor by incorporating matcha powder into my cookie recipe. These Matcha White Chocolate Glazed Cookies strike the perfect balance between subtle sweetness of white chocolate chips and a burst of matcha goodness. How about making it to your Valentine’s day gift for 2024?
RECIPE
Servings: 30-40 small cookies
Time: 30 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
4 tbsp sugar
1 egg
1 and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp matcha powder
1/4 cup white chocolate chips for glazing
Instructions:
Bring out the butter in advance, allowing it to reach room temperature.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Mix well until you achieve a creamy consistency.
Incorporate the egg into the butter and sugar mixture. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
Add the all-purpose flour and matcha powder to the bowl. Mix until the dry ingredients are fully integrated, and a vibrant green hue from the matcha is visible throughout the dough.
Mold the cookie dough into your preferred shapes.
Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes.
Once the cookies have cooled, melt white chocolate in a bowl by heating in microwave for one minute. Drizzle or dip each cookie into the melted white chocolate for a delightful glaze.
Sweet Traditions of Valentine’s Day in Japan:
Valentine's Day in Japan is not just a celebration of love; it's a delightful blend of tradition and modern customs. Two key elements that add a unique flavor to the festivities are "Honmei-choco" and "Giri-choco".
Honmei-choco (本命チョコ): "Honmei-choco" translates to "true feelings chocolate." This is the special kind of chocolate given by individuals to their romantic partners, expressing genuine love and affection. It goes beyond a mere gift and is often accompanied by thoughtful gestures and personal touches. The act of preparing "Honmei-choco" is a way for individuals to convey the depth of their emotions on this romantic occasion.
Giri-choco (義理チョコ): On the other hand, "Giri-choco" translates to "obligatory chocolate." This type of chocolate is not necessarily born out of romantic feelings but is given as a gesture of friendship or obligation. In workplaces and social circles, it's common for people, especially women, to distribute "Giri-choco" to colleagues, bosses, and friends. This practice has evolved into a social norm, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships.
In Japan, it's primarily women who initiate the gift-giving on Valentine's Day. Men are expected to reciprocate a month later on White Day (March 14th) with gifts of equal or greater value. This reciprocal exchange reinforces the importance of mutual appreciation and consideration in relationships.
Modern Japan has also embraced the commercial aspects of Valentine's Day, with stores adorned in vibrant decorations and themed merchandise. The celebration has become an opportunity for couples to indulge in romantic dinners, exchange thoughtful gifts, and create lasting memories.
