Ethan's Favorite Cut Out Cookies + Matcha

Ethan isn't a man with much of a sugar tooth. I think I make up for both of us in that category. So it makes making baked goods disappear pretty tough around this house. He's a man of mild taste when it comes to sweets, and no other cookie can top his favorite list than his mom's famous cream cheese cut out cookie recipe. 

But who can resist trying to one-up a classic?
I can't.  

I thought Santa would appreciate some caffeine with his cookies to boost his energy during that long flight. So I added some green tea matcha powder* to the Diana's popular batter...and maybe some cinnamon too. (Surprised? Me neither.) Forgive me, Ethan! I know this one had you skeptical... but your sister sure did love the idea :)

*You remember matcha, right? If not, check out my recipe for Chocolate Matcha Energy Balls. You can find matcha at PCC or Whole Foods. It's not only AWESOME for naturally dying things, but it's also pretty awesome to drink and bake with. You really can't taste the green tea, but it sure makes the cookie turn a beautiful new color without using frosting.

Looking for a twist on an old classic? These mild, green-tea sugar cookies are surely the ticket amidst the sugar blizzard we call December. 

Let's get on with the recipe, shall we?

 INGREDIENTS 
THE WET (cream together using electric mixer):

• 1 cup butter
• 1.5 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 8 ounces cream cheese 
• 4 tablespoons yogurt 
• 1 tablespoon vanilla 

THE DRY (whisk together or sift):

• 4 cups flour 
• 2 heaping teaspoons matcha (optional)
• 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon (optional)
• 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 
• 0.75 teaspoon salt
• Raw sugar for topping

DIRECTIONS

• In a large bowl or mixer, blend the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs. Stir until just combined. 
• Mix in the cream cheese, yogurt and vanilla. 
• Next, slowly add the dry ingredients you have already whisked together in a medium bowl to your wet ingredients. 
• Chill the dough for at least an hour
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line baking sheet with parchment
• Then, roll out the dough and cut it into shapes using a cookie cutter. Top with raw sugar (optional)
• Place on cookie sheet and bake for 11-12 minutes

Enjoy!

Eat well! 

Be well!

Follow by email below!

Merry Christmas :)