Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Featured in: Sweet Harmony

These delicate, buttery shortbread cookies combine the earthy flavor of matcha green tea with a tangy cranberry jam filling. With a tender crumb and subtle sweetness, they're ideal for afternoon tea or festive gatherings. The dough blends softened butter, powdered sugar, flour, and culinary matcha, while the jam is made by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and lemon juice. The thumbprint indentation holds the cooled jam, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Baking until golden, these treats store well and pair beautifully with green tea or light white wine.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT
Golden-edged Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies, showing vibrant red cranberry filling and dusted with powdered sugar. Save
Golden-edged Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies, showing vibrant red cranberry filling and dusted with powdered sugar. | sugarprairie.com

Delicate, buttery shortbread cookies infused with matcha green tea and filled with a tangy cranberry jam, perfect for afternoon tea or festive occasions.

Ingredients

  • For the Shortbread Dough: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 2/3 cup (80 g) powdered sugar, 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp (12 g) matcha powder (culinary grade), 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the Cranberry Jam: 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries, 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsp (30 ml) water, 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the cranberry jam:
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 8 10 minutes). Stir in lemon juice. Set aside to cool completely.
Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Beat butter and sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy. Mix in vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, matcha powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Form dough balls:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Create thumbprint indentations:
Using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon, press an indentation into the center of each ball.
Fill with jam:
Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of cooled cranberry jam.
Bake cookies:
Bake for 13 15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Required Tools

Stand or hand mixer, Mixing bowls, Saucepan, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Wire rack, Measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Information

Contains: Dairy (butter), Gluten (flour), May contain traces of nuts if processed in shared facilities. Double-check ingredient labels if unsure.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 110, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 1 g

Freshly baked Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies, showcasing a delightful blend of flavors for dessert. Save
Freshly baked Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies, showcasing a delightful blend of flavors for dessert. | sugarprairie.com

Enjoy these festive matcha cranberry shortbread cookies perfect for gifting or afternoon tea.

Kitchen Help

What type of matcha is best for these shortbreads?

Culinary grade matcha works well for balanced flavor, but ceremonial grade can be used for a deeper green color and richer taste.

Can I substitute the cranberry jam?

Yes, raspberry or strawberry preserves make great alternatives that complement the buttery dough.

How should these shortbreads be stored?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness.

What baking tools are required?

You will need mixing bowls, a stand or hand mixer, a saucepan for jam, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and a wire rack for cooling.

Are these shortbreads suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these treats use butter and other vegetarian-friendly ingredients without any animal-derived additives.

Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Buttery shortbread infused with matcha and filled with tangy cranberry jam for delightful snacking.

Setup duration
25 min
Heat duration
15 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Sweet Harmony

Complexity Medium

Heritage Fusion (Japanese-Inspired)

Output 24 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Meat-free

Components

Shortbread Dough

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 2/3 cup powdered sugar
03 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 2 tbsp matcha powder (culinary grade)
05 1/4 tsp salt
06 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cranberry Jam

01 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
02 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 2 tbsp water
04 1 tsp lemon juice

Method steps

Phase 01

Prepare Cranberry Jam: Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and set aside to cool completely.

Phase 02

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until light and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.

Phase 04

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour, matcha powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Phase 05

Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.

Phase 06

Form Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, spacing approximately 2 inches apart.

Phase 07

Create Thumbprint Indentations: Press a thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon into the center of each dough ball to form an indentation.

Phase 08

Fill with Cranberry Jam: Place about 1/2 teaspoon of cooled cranberry jam into each indentation.

Phase 09

Bake Cookies: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until edges begin to lightly brown. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Stand or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter) and gluten (all-purpose flour)
  • May contain traces of nuts if processed in shared facilities

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 110
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 1 g