It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas….
Now that the hustle of Thanksgiving and black Friday is over, we can officially kick-start the holiday season! Starbucks is on the ball with its slew of holiday inspired recipes and concoctions and many people are interested in learning jazz up their old favorites and add a little touch of green magic to their holidays. Powdered green tea, known as matcha, is a great way to add a boost to any holiday drink or food. Below are some of the best holiday matcha recipes from around the internet:
Matcha Peppermint Fudge
Few people can resist the temptation of rich fudge. This recipe adds a fun holiday twist by including crisp peppermint with the boost of green tea powder (matcha). This recipe is made in two layers, a bottom one with peppermint and a top one with matcha, both inside the same pan. Definitely one of the holiday matcha recipes for the ages.
Ingredients (Base):
- 3 teaspoons of green tea powder (matcha)
- 15 ounces of white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 10 ounces of sweetened, condensed milk
Ingredients (Top):
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 ounces white chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 tablespoons sweetened, condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
Ingredients (Topping):
- Crushed peppermint candy canes
- 1 1/12 teaspoons green tea powder (matcha)
- 4 ounces white chocolate chips
How to Make It:
- Take an 8 by 8″ brownie pan and coat with butter. Then line with parchment paper.
- Mix 15 ounces of white chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter in a pan over low heat. Stir until completed melted.
- Remove the pan from the stove and add the green tea powder (matcha). Stir until well blended.
- Pour everything into the brownie pan. Place in refrigerator and let it set for two hours.
- In a separate pan, mix 8 ounces of white chocolate chips, 3 tablespoons condensed milk, and 1 tablespoon of butter. Heat over a low flame and stir until combined.
- Remove pan from the stove and blend in peppermint extract and vanilla extract.
- Pour mixture over refrigerated fudge. Allow to firm up in refrigerator for two hours.
- In a separate pan, melt 4 ounces white chocolate chips for the topping. When thoroughly melted, blend in 1.5 teaspoons of green tea powder (matcha). Drizzle on top of fudge.
- Put some candy canes in a plastic bag and crush until small pieces are formed. Sprinkle on top of the fudge. Allow to cool in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Remove fudge from refrigerator. Lift up parchment paper and transfer fudge to a work surface.
Cut into even squares. - Enjoy!
Matcha Eggnog
This creamy festive treat makes it one of the most sought-after holiday matcha recipes around. Popular in Asia as well as Europe and America, eggnog is a great way to usher in the season. A unique twist on a winter classic, and super simple to make at home. Recipe makes three servings.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of green tea powder (matcha)
How to Make It:
- Add milk and 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream to a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Stir occasionally.
- Heat for about five minutes, or until small bubbles begin to appear.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, matcha, and sugar until combined.
- Add some of the heated milk and cream to the bowl with egg yolks and matcha, whisking continuously.
- Slowly continue to add milk and cream until throughly whisked and combined.
- Pour everything back into the sauce pot. Over a low heat, continue to stir until mixture begins to thicken slightly after about 10 minutes.
- Remove saucepan from heat and continue to stir for about five minutes.
- When sufficiently cooled, place in refrigerator.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until sufficiently thickened.
- When eggnog is chilled, fill glasses about 2/3 full. Fill rest of glass with whipped cream.
- Sprinkle a little matcha on top for aesthetic effect.
Green Chocolate Chip Cookies
Who doesn’t love a good chocolate chip cookie? As the holidays roll in why not make some extra special ones that will make your guests green with envy at your awesome baking skills!
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/12 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon matcha
- 1 cup chocolate chips
How to Make it:
- Combine dry ingredients in a bowl
- Mix butter and sugar in a separate bowl until creamy
- Add matcha, egg, and vanilla to sugar and butter
- Add dry ingredients
- Fold in chocolate chips
- Baked 8-10 minutes
- Substitute green and red M&Ms to make it even more festive
Green Holiday Punch
Tired of serving the same old punch your holiday party? Vodka-Cran and spritzer is just so passé. Add a little green holiday cheer with this easy concoction. Santa will thank you…
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces apple juice concentrate
- 2 quarts water
- 2 quarts ginger ale/lemon-lime soda
- 2 tablespoons matcha
- Your choice of Vodka to taste (optional)
How to Make it:
- Mix apple juice concentrate, matcha and water
- Thoroughly chill in refrigerators
- To give it that extra kick, add a splash (or downpour) of vodka to taste and shake before serving and you will have a memorable party indeed.
Holiday Pinwheel Cookie
This easy-peasy Christmas cookie will satisfy any holiday Grinch!
Ingredients:
- 1 roll (18 ounces) refrigerated cookie dough
- 1/2 cup flour
- 3 tablespoons red decorator sugar
- 3 teaspoons matcha powder
How to Make It:
- Divide dough in half
- Roll out half of dough into rectangle. Repeat with remaining half.
- Sprinkle one rectangle with red sugar. Sprinkle other rectangle with matcha.
- Starting with the shortest side, roll up each rectangle into a log. Wrap rolls in waxed paper and refrigerate at least one hour.
- Cut each roll into 16 slices. Bake at 350F for 7-9 minutes until edges are golden brown.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Ever since Starbucks introduced their famous pumpkin spiced latte more than a decade ago, it’s become one of their most popular drinks. Even though this one is more of a fall time favorite, adding the touch of green makes it a yummy holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)
- 1 1/4 cups of soy milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of green tea powder (matcha)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons of filtered water
- 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
- whipped cream
How to Make It:
- Mix together the vanilla, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice in a pan
- Heat on low flame until a robust aroma develops
- In a separate bowl, whisk together green tea powder (matcha) and water
- Add soy milk and matcha to pan and blend until smooth
- Pour in a glass when mixture is warm
- Top with whipped cream
Be sure to make plenty, as all your holiday guests will definitely want a glass. For a special holiday twist, also try sprinkling a little cinnamon on top.
Now that you have these recipes, holiday treat planning will be a snich. They are new, innovative, and all will enjoy! And don’t be surprised if your guests ask you for more delicious matcha recipes to take home after trying these.
