5-mins Matcha Sable Cookies

In good times
And bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

I imagined my microwave singing this song to me as I was making some of these matcha cookies earlier on. Undoubtedly, my microwave is my favorite kitchen appliance. While I may enjoy cooking, I use shortcuts in the kitchen all the time; my microwave is the appliance that I always depend on. It is like a good friend who is trustworthy, rejoices with you when you are happy, and helps you in bad times. On some weeknights, when I am too tired to cook, it makes me my favorite savory oatmeal or heats up my leftovers so that I wouldn’t starve. On days when I need a sweet treat, it makes me some of these cookies – this was what it did today.

As some of you might know, I will be flying back to Singapore tomorrow (for work), and will probably spend a significant amount of time there before coming back to Melbourne again. Over the past one week, I have been spending my time meeting up with my friends in Melbourne; going on with my marathon training; getting souvenirs for friends and family in Singapore; squeezing everything that I have into my luggage. I have to admit that I am really bad at packing my stuff, and the thought of having to pack my luggage stressed me out a little. I needed a sweet treat (yes, again!), and I wanted it quick. These matcha cookies were just what I needed, and I have my microwave to thank.

Although they are made using the microwave, they are pretty darn good for the amount of effort. The original recipe (from a Japanese site) called for the use of cocoa powder, but I have been making these babies with matcha powder. I love having desserts that are matcha-flavored because of its health benefits. I mean, what can be better than a sweet treat that is good for your body?

What do you make yourself feel better when you are feeling stressed up?
What is your favorite kitchen appliance?

5-mins Matcha Sable Cookies
Adapted from Cookpad.com
Makes 6 - 8 small cookies

Ingredients
1/2 cup all-purpose flour/cake flour/ GF flour
3 tbsp sugar
2 tsp matcha powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2.5 tbsp cooking oil (I used grapeseed oil)

Directions

1. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar and matcha powder in a bowl; mix well. 
2. Add cooking oil and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and stir it with a spoon or with your hands until you get a smooth dough.
3. Wet your hands, and roll the mixture into balls then flatten them; place them on a sheet of parchment paper (on a microwave-safe plate).
4. Microwave for 2 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. (I have burnt my tongue on numerous occasions because I was too impatient)

Enjoy!

Cookies before microwaving

Cook's Note

• It is normal for the cookies to feel soft even after microwaving. It will harden once it is cooled. 
• The original recipe used cake flour, but this recipe works well with all-purpose flour and gluten-free flour.
• The quality of matcha powder is the make-or-break factor. The better the quality, the tastier the cookies.