Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Featured in: Sweet Inspiration Bakes

These matcha cranberry shortbread combine a tender, buttery base with the subtle bitterness of matcha powder, complemented by a vibrant, tangy cranberry filling. The dough is light and crumbly, enhanced by vanilla, while the cranberry jam is simmered fresh for a sweet-tart balance. Baked until golden, these treats pair beautifully with green tea or light white wine, making them ideal for afternoon indulgence or festive gatherings. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness up to five days.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:24:00 GMT
Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies: buttery, green cookies filled with vibrant red cranberry jam. Save
Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies: buttery, green cookies filled with vibrant red cranberry jam. | suggestionsforever.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.
Mix 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.
Make thumbprint indentations:
Using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon, press an indentation into the center of each ball.
Fill with cranberry jam:
Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of cooled cranberry jam.
Bake:
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.
These Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies offer delightful texture and sweet-tart flavor combinations. Save
These Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies offer delightful texture and sweet-tart flavor combinations. | suggestionsforever.com

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Pair with green tea or a light white wine.

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 per cookie.

Freshly baked Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Save
Freshly baked Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies, perfect for sharing with friends and family. | suggestionsforever.com

Recipe Help & FAQs

What type of matcha powder works best?

Culinary-grade matcha powder is ideal for a balanced flavor and vibrant color; ceremonial-grade enhances the green hue and depth.

Can I use other fruit fillings?

Yes, raspberry or strawberry preserves can substitute cranberry jam with a similar sweet-tart contrast.

How should these shortbreads be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to five days.

What baking tools are recommended?

A mixer for creaming butter and sugar, baking sheets lined with parchment, and a wire rack for cooling are essential tools.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly, containing no animal products except dairy.

Matcha Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Buttery shortbread infused with matcha and tangy cranberry jam, perfect for teatime or celebrations.

Prep Time
25 mins
Time to Cook
15 mins
Overall Time
40 mins
Created by Suggestions Forever Hannah Lewis


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Fusion (Japanese-Inspired)

Makes 24 Serving Count

Diet Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Shortbread Dough

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

Cranberry Jam

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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy. Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 04

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, matcha powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 05

Shape Dough: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Fill with Jam: Fill each indentation with approximately 1/2 teaspoon of cooled cranberry jam.

Step 08

Bake and Cool: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Needed Equipment

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

Allergy Notice

Review each ingredient to check for allergens. Ask a healthcare specialist if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy and gluten. May contain traces of nuts.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details shown are for reference. Always check with your healthcare provider for advice.
  • Calories: 110
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 1 g