Lately I have read about matcha on other blogs and was definitely interested in giving it a try. I love green tea, and have known of some of the benefits of green tea for a while. However, as it’s gotten hotter out I have found myself not wanting to drink a hot cup of tea. When I found out that matcha powder can be used in smoothies, baked goods, and more, I was excited to try it out!
Matcha Green Tea Powder Recipes
I started by using the powder in my regular smoothies during the week. When I added a small amount (1 tsp) I didn’t taste it, but when I added closer to 2 tsp I could taste a hint of the flavor in my smoothie. It may also depend on what other ingredients are used.
I knew I wanted to try baking with the matcha powder, so this weekend I looked for a recipe to try it in. I found this recipe for Mint Chocolate Chip cookies and figured it would be fun to try it in those since the powder would make them turn green! However, I made some changes to the recipe based on the ingredients I had on hand. 
I had my favorite taste-tester give them a try, and he gave a solid thumbs up! (First he asked, is there spinach in these?) I can taste a hint of the powder, mostly because I know its in there. Again, it is a taste that I like so I enjoy the hint of flavor it adds. 
So what are the benefits of matcha powder?
According to this review, match has “enhancing effect on cognitive function, cardio-metabolic health, and anti-tumorogenesis.”
I would say that I enjoy green tea and matcha powder for the antioxidants and improved skin health. I didn’t particularly notice an increase in energy, but I also drink coffee in the morning around the same time that I was drinking my smoothies. (So far I’ve only eaten one of the cookies, and again I had just drank a few cups of coffee). 
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Have you ever tried matcha?
I made matcha green tea cookies not too long ago. they looked a LOT less attractive than yours! haha! I bought the matcha by mistake at DavidsTea – it was not the flavour I was looking for so I needed something to do with it and was pleasantly surprised when I learned I could make cookies with them!
Isn’t it cool how versatile it is?! I don’t think it matters so much how the cookies look, as long as they taste good:)
I would definitely use it in smoothies, but I would probably give those cookies your posted a try, too!
Sounds great! Its so easy to add to smoothies, I hardly even have to think about it!
Sounds awesome and those cookies look delicious!
I guess they look as delicious as green cookies can look:)
I’ve tried matcha before in juices and it’s pretty good! Have never bought the powder to use on my own though – any idea how much caffeine is in the packets you got? I’m curious about content vs the stimulant/energy claims. Those cookies look delicious!
This was a great question and I actually E-mailed the person who sent it to me to find out. I was told that there is no added caffeine, just whatever occurs naturally in the tea which depends a lot on where it’s grown. Their tea is not shade-grown (which typically increases the amount of caffeine) so it has about 30-35 mg of caffeine per 8 fl oz (this would probably be about 1/4 tsp of the powder). I hope that helps!
I’ve never heard of this before! But, you had me at mint chocolate chip cookies! What a fun, and unique recipe!
Thanks, its definitely a different type of cookie but I still found them to be delicious!
oh i never thought to put in cookies! good idea! love that matcha!
I was really surprised at all the different ways you can use matcha! It’s really versatile and I think it would be fun to add to other recipes, too.
I love matcha in smoothies – and this is an awesome giveaway! Thanks for sharing your creating at Sunday Smoothie – I can’t wait to try it!
Matcha has been so nice and easy to add to smoothies! And thanks for creating the link-up… It always inspires me to try new smoothie creations!
You had me at mint and chocolate. I’ve heard of the Matcha Green Tea Powder before and have been wanting to try it. It sounds so versatile! I’d use something like this in my smoothies for sure!
I only started hearing of matcha recently, and I feel like I’ve been missing out!:) It is great to add to smoothies, but seems like it would be easy to add to almost any recipe!
OMG yum! I will definitely be trying matcha in a smoothie like yours – thanks for the recipe! I just posted a Lemon Matcha Muffin recipe that’s delish!
Great timing! I definitely want to give your recipe a try!
I would love to give this a try – looks very interesting!
It’s great! I hope you do try it out!
i’d try a smoothie!
It really is great in smoothies- and so easy to add!
I love matcha! It has so many health benefits. You should check out recipes on Pinterest – it’s overwhelming what you can find. I made delicious matcha cream cheese cookies and mug cake, and mock Starbucks frappucinos.
Those sound really good! I will need to check out some recipes. Thanks!