Name: Matcha & Coconut Christmas Tree Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 57 min
Yield: 25
Ingredients: 50g desiccated coconut; 60g icing sugar; 150g plain flour; 2 tsp matcha powder; 125g cold butter; 1 lime, zested and juiced; 1 flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water); Pinch of salt

Buttery, bright, and naturally green, these Matcha & Coconut Trees are the ultimate festive cookie to bake this holiday season.

There’s something so joyful about holiday baking—twinkling lights, warm mugs of something cozy, and a kitchen filled with sweet December energy. These Matcha & Coconut Trees bring all that magic together in one beautiful cookie. The earthy flavor of matcha pairs perfectly with sweet coconut, while lime adds a refreshing citrus lift that makes every bite melt in your mouth. They’re naturally green without food coloring, hold their shape perfectly, and decorate beautifully, making them ideal for cookie boxes, hosting, gifting, or cozy winter baking days at home. This is the kind of cookie recipe that looks festive on any holiday table and tastes even better than it looks, making it a must-bake for December.

Ingredient Spotlight

Matcha Powder: Provides a natural green color and earthy depth; choose a bright culinary matcha for the most vibrant hue.
Desiccated Coconut: Adds soft texture and sweetness, especially once finely ground with the icing sugar.
Cold Butter: Creates a classic shortbread-style crumb that melts in your mouth.
Lime Zest & Juice: Balances the richness with a citrusy brightness that complements the matcha.
Flaxseed Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the cookie soft and cohesive.
Plain Flour: Gives the dough structure while still baking into a tender, delicate cookie.

When to Serve This Recipe

These Matcha & Coconut Trees are perfect for holiday cookie boxes, festive dessert trays, Christmas brunch, cozy baking nights, or as edible gifts wrapped in ribboned treat bags. Because they keep their shape well, they’re also great for decorating with kids or adding a standout cookie to a holiday swap. Their natural green color makes them unique, fun, and instantly Instagram-worthy—ideal for sharing on social or creating holiday UGC moments.

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Separate layers with parchment if decorated.
Freeze unbaked dough for up to 2 months and thaw slightly before rolling.
Freeze baked cookies (undecorated) for up to 1 month for easy holiday prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my cookies turn brown instead of green?
Matcha darkens when overbaked, so keep the oven low at 160°C (320°F) and remove the cookies as soon as they set.

Can I use a real egg instead of flaxseed?
Yes—substitute 1 egg yolk for a richer, buttery texture.

What’s the best matcha to use for baking?
Culinary matcha works best; look for a bright green color and a fresh, grassy smell.

Can I decorate these cookies?
Absolutely! Try melted white chocolate, powdered sugar icing, or a sprinkle of coconut flakes for a snowy finish.

Does the dough need to chill?
Yes—chilling keeps the edges clean, helps the cookies hold their shape, and prevents spreading.

Share Your Creations

Did you try this recipe?
I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a rating and review below to let me know how it turned out—it truly helps others discover the recipe too.

Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @minnecravings if you share your sweet creation! You can also follow along on Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook for more crave-worthy bites and seasonal baking inspiration.

Yield: 25