Matcha & Coconut Tree-Shaped Biscuits Recipe
Introduction
These Matcha & Coconut Trees are festive, vibrant biscuits perfect for any occasion. Combining the earthy flavor of matcha with the sweetness of coconut, they offer a delightful twist on classic cookies. Ideal for decorating and sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 50g desiccated coconut, plus extra to decorate
- 60g icing sugar
- 150g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- 125g cold butter, chopped
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 lime, zested and 1 tsp juice
- About 100g icing sugar (for icing)
- About 3 tsp milk (for icing)
- Green food colouring (optional, for icing)
- Tree-shaped biscuit cutter
Instructions
- Step 1: Finely grind the desiccated coconut with 60g icing sugar using a coffee grinder or food processor until well combined.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the plain flour and matcha powder together, then add this to the coconut mixture.
- Step 3: Add the chopped cold butter, egg yolk, lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Quickly knead everything together to form a smooth dough.
- Step 4: Wrap the dough in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/ gas mark 3. Lightly flour your work surface, then roll out the dough to about 5mm thickness.
- Step 6: Use the tree-shaped biscuit cutter to press out shapes and place them on baking sheets lined with baking parchment.
- Step 7: Bake for 10–15 minutes. The biscuits should remain pale to keep their bright green color and not brown much.
- Step 8: Remove from oven and allow the biscuits to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 9: To make the icing, gradually stir the icing sugar with milk in a small bowl until smooth. Add green food colouring if desired.
- Step 10: Decorate the cooled biscuits with the icing and sprinkle with extra desiccated coconut. Let the icing set fully before storing.
Tips & Variations
- If you don’t have a tree-shaped cutter, any festive shape will work just as well.
- For a richer lime flavor, add a little more zest or a splash more lime juice to the dough.
- Substitute matcha powder with spirulina or a touch of green food colouring if matcha is unavailable, though the flavor will differ.
- Ensure the butter stays cold before baking to keep the biscuits crisp and flaky.
Storage
Store the decorated biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them away from heat or moisture to maintain crispness. These biscuits do not require reheating and are best enjoyed fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 24 hours before rolling out and baking.
What if I don’t have a coffee grinder or food processor?
You can finely pulse the desiccated coconut and icing sugar in a blender, or alternatively sift the icing sugar and mix thoroughly with the coconut by hand to combine well.
Print
Matcha & Coconut Tree-Shaped Biscuits Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20–25 biscuits depending on size 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in festive Matcha & Coconut Tree cookies featuring a vibrant green matcha-flavored dough combined with desiccated coconut for a moist, textured bite. These charming tree-shaped biscuits are lightly sweetened, subtly lime-zested, and topped with creamy icing and extra coconut flakes, making them a perfect holiday treat or elegant tea-time snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 50g desiccated coconut, plus extra to decorate
- 60g icing sugar
- 150g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 125g cold butter, chopped
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 lime, zested and 1 tsp juice
Icing
- About 100g icing sugar
- About 3 tsp milk
- Green food colouring (optional)
Other
- Tree-shaped biscuit cutter
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Finely grind the 50g desiccated coconut together with 60g icing sugar in a coffee grinder or food processor until well combined and finely textured. In a separate bowl, mix 150g plain flour and 2 tsp matcha powder. Add this dry mixture to the coconut-sugar blend. Then add 125g chopped cold butter, 1 egg yolk, lime zest and 1 tsp lime juice along with a pinch of salt. Quickly knead all ingredients together until it forms a smooth dough. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Shape the biscuits: Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan)/Gas Mark 3. On a floured work surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 5mm thickness. Use the tree-shaped biscuit cutter to press out shapes from the dough. Carefully transfer the cut-outs onto baking sheets lined with baking parchment, leaving a little space around each.
- Bake the biscuits: Bake the biscuits in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes. Keep a close eye to ensure the cookies remain pale and green without browning. Once baked, remove from oven and allow to cool completely on the tray.
- Prepare the icing: In a small bowl, gradually add about 3 teaspoons of milk to approximately 100g icing sugar, stirring continuously until smooth and spreadable. Add a few drops of green food colouring if desired to enhance the festive look.
- Decorate and finish: Use the icing to decorate the cooled cookies, then sprinkle additional desiccated coconut over the top. Leave the decorated biscuits aside until the icing sets fully. Store them in an airtight container to keep fresh for up to three days.
Notes
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge to help create a tender, flaky biscuit texture.
- Keep an eye on baking time to prevent browning and preserve the vibrant green matcha color.
- Adjust milk quantity gradually when mixing icing to achieve the desired consistency.
- These biscuits are best eaten within three days for optimal freshness.
- If you don’t have a tree-shaped cutter, any small festive shape cutter can be used as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: Matcha cookies, Coconut biscuits, Festive treats, Tree-shaped cookies, Holiday baking, Green tea biscuits
