Pin Experience the perfect fusion of Japanese tea culture and classic Western baking with these Hojicha Brown Butter Cookies. These buttery, nutty treats are infused with roasted hojicha powder, offering a delicate balance between earthy tea notes and rich caramelized flavors. With their golden edges and crinkled tops, they are a sophisticated addition to any dessert spread.
Pin Hojicha is a roasted Japanese green tea that provides a unique, toasted flavor profile distinct from the grassier notes of matcha. When combined with the richness of brown butter and a touch of flaky sea salt, it creates a cookie that is both cozy and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients
- 170 g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter
- 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp hojicha powder (roasted green tea)
- 150 g (3/4 cup) packed light brown sugar
- 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Step 1
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Continue to cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter foams, then browns and smells nutty (about 5–7 minutes). Immediately pour into a heatproof bowl to stop the cooking. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Step 2
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and hojicha powder.
- Step 3
- In a large bowl, combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until well combined.
- Step 4
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Step 5
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 6
- Cover and chill the dough for 30 minutes (optional, for thicker cookies).
- Step 7
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 8
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing them about 5 cm (2 inches) apart.
- Step 9
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set.
- Step 10
- Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, make sure the brown butter has cooled slightly before mixing it with the sugars to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely. While the chilling step is optional, it helps the flavors meld and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Feel free to customize your cookies by adding white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for extra texture and sweetness. If you cannot find hojicha powder locally, it is readily available through online retailers or specialized Japanese grocery stores.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hojicha tea to amplify the roasted flavors. They also make a wonderful accompaniment to a glass of cold milk or a vanilla latte. For a long-term treat, these cookies freeze well in an airtight container for up to one month.
Pin Enjoy these unique and fragrant Hojicha Brown Butter Cookies, a perfect treat for anyone looking to explore the rich flavors of Japanese fusion baking.
Recipe FAQ
- → What does hojicha taste like in cookies?
Hojicha adds earthy, roasted notes with subtle caramel undertones. The tea's low caffeine and smooth profile create a sophisticated flavor that pairs beautifully with brown butter's nutty richness.
- → Can I substitute regular green tea powder?
Matcha will work but produces a more grassy, bitter flavor. Hojicha's roasted character is unique and specifically developed to complement buttery baked goods without overwhelming sweetness.
- → Why chill the dough before baking?
Chilling for 30 minutes prevents excessive spreading in the oven, resulting in thicker cookies with better texture. This step also allows flavors to meld and develop more complexity.
- → How should I store these cookies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 1 month. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature before serving.
- → What makes brown butter special?
Browning butter removes water content and toasts milk solids, creating deep caramel and nutty flavors. This process transforms ordinary butter into a sophisticated ingredient that elevates simple treats into exceptional desserts.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend containing xanthan gum. Texture may vary slightly, but the hojicha and brown butter flavors will remain prominent and delicious.