Sift matcha before kneading it into the dough to avoid bitter green clumps.
A two-tone vanilla and matcha dough rolls into a clean pinwheel, with a restrained white chocolate finish on each slice.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Matcha White Chocolate Pinwheel Shortbread Recipe
Follow the tray sizes, portions and baking intervals in the instructions below.
Total time includes hands-on preparation, required chilling or resting, whole-batch cooking, cooling and finishing.
Kitchen tools you’ll need
- mixer
- scale
- rolling pin
- parchment
- knife
- baking sheets
Ingredients
US measures are approximate. Gram weights help keep portions consistent; spice weights vary with density.
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
- Prepare the ingredients: Mix butter, sugar, flour, vanilla and salt to a dough.
Shape the cookies
- Shape the cookies: Divide in half; knead matcha into one portion until evenly green.
Shape the cookies
- Shape the cookies: Roll both portions into equal rectangles between parchment, stack and roll into a tight log.
Chill the dough
- Chill the dough: Chill 2 hours, then slice 24 rounds.
Bake and set
- Bake and set: Bake at 325°F (165°C) for 15–18 minutes until set.
Cool and finish
- Cool and finish: Cool and drizzle each with a narrow line of white chocolate.
Chef’s Science & Pro Tips
Ingredient science
Trim the rectangles to equal size so the spiral has consistent layers.
Technique & texture
Roll the log tightly from the long edge to prevent air gaps in the pinwheel.
Finishing & serving
Choose culinary-grade matcha with a fresh grassy aroma and vivid green color.
Storage and make-ahead
| Method | How long | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | up to 5 days | Airtight at room temperature up to 5 days. |
| Refrigeration | As described | Refrigeration is unnecessary. protect from humidity. |
| Raw freezing | up to 1 month | Freeze the wrapped log up to 1 month. slice while firm and bake from cold. |
| Baked freezing | up to 2 months | Freeze undrizzled baked cookies up to 2 months. |
| Restoring | As described | Thaw uncovered, then drizzle if desired. |
Notes
- Scale ingredients, including US measures, without changing cookie size or oven temperature. Extra trays increase whole-batch time.
Nutrition
Approximate values per portion from the listed ingredient weights divided into 24 equal portions. Includes required fillings and finishes. Brands, unused coatings and actual portion size affect the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweetened matcha latte powder?
No; it contains added sugar and milk solids that change the dough balance.
Why is the green layer patchy?
Sift the matcha and knead until no dark streaks remain before rolling.
Can I skip the white chocolate?
Yes; the two-tone pinwheel is complete without the drizzle.
