Matcha White Chocolate Brownies

Every fall I crave something playful but not too sweet to bake for family gatherings and Halloween treat trays This recipe takes the classic brownie in a totally new direction with the earthy notes of matcha and smooth pockets of creamy white chocolate finished off with cheerful little white chocolate ghosts that never fail to make everyone smile

I made these for a classroom party on a whim a few Octobers ago It quickly became the most requested bake from both adults and kids When those tiny ghost faces start to set I always laugh at how each brownie looks a little different and endlessly charming

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: adds the necessary richness and gives the brownies the classic fudgy crumb Look for high quality butter that is fresh for best results
• Granulated sugar: provides just the right sweetness and helps create that coveted shiny top Use a fine white sugar
• Large eggs: hold the batter together and add tenderness Opt for eggs at room temperature to mix smoothly
• Vanilla extract: boosts the brownie base aroma Use pure vanilla not imitation for the most fragrant touch
• All-purpose flour: makes up the tender crumb If possible weigh your flour for accuracy to keep brownies soft
• Matcha green tea powder: lends a grassy vibrant color and earthy nuance Choose culinary grade matcha for delicious baking results
• Salt: fine sea salt sharpens the flavors without standing out Go for pure sea salt if you have it
• White chocolate chopped: stays creamy when baked Pick a bar with real cocoa butter for the silkiest melt
• Mini chocolate chips or black sesame seeds: create those spookily adorable eyes on top Try to find mini chocolate chips for the perfect tiny ghost pupils

Instructions

Prep the Pan:

Line a square 20 by 20 centimeter baking pan with parchment paper leaving extra overhang to help lift the brownies out later

Melt and Mix Butter and Sugar:

Melt butter gently in a medium saucepan over low heat Stir in sugar and let cool slightly before adding eggs This prevents scrambling

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:

Whisk eggs in one at a time so the batter gets thick and shiny Beat in vanilla which brings out the matcha and chocolate flavors

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl sift flour matcha and salt Sifting helps avoid clumps and gives the brownies a smoother texture

Blend Batter and Fold in Chocolate:

Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined Gently fold in the chopped white chocolate so some pieces stay whole

Bake:

Pour batter into the pan and smooth evenly with your spatula Bake in a preheated oven at 175 Celsius for about 22 to 25 minutes You want a toothpick to come out with a few moist crumbs so do not overdo it

Cool Completely:

Leave brownies in pan to cool to room temperature This keeps them fudgy and makes decorating easier

Prepare Ghost Topping:

Melt white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over hot simmering water or in the microwave Short bursts and stirring will help prevent scorching

Shape the Ghosts:

Spoon or pipe blobs of melted white chocolate onto the brownies Ease the chocolate into ghostly shapes using the back of your spoon

Add Eyes and Set:

While the chocolate is soft press two mini chocolate chips or sesame seeds into each ghost Leave brownies until chocolate sets fully before slicing into squares for the best spooky effect

I always find myself nibbling on extra pieces of white chocolate while decorating and each ghost face I make reminds me of my kids laughter as they crowd around the kitchen counter These brownies just have a way of bringing everyone together

Storage Tips

Brownies stay fudgy for up to five days if kept sealed in an airtight container at room temperature For longer storage freeze single squares wrapped in parchment and then in a zipper bag They taste freshly baked after a quick thaw at room temp Enjoy straight from the fridge for a chewier texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Cocoa powder can be swapped for matcha for a more traditional chocolate crowd pleaser Use the same amount of cocoa but consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar because cocoa is less sweet If you are dairy free use coconut oil and a vegan white chocolate brand

Serving Suggestions

Pair these brownies with a subtly sweetened matcha latte for a complete themed dessert tray They also look adorable on a pedestal cake stand at fall parties Slice them into smaller bites for Halloween treat bags or stack them up with some edible googly eyes for birthday fun

Cultural Context

The matcha brownie bridges classic Americana baking with Japanese tea culture Matcha’s naturally vibrant color and gentle bitterness balance the rich white chocolate making these treats both eye catching and sophisticated Ghost decorations pay homage to fall festival traditions by blending playfulness with delicious craft

Seasonal Adaptations

Replace ghosts with snowmen for winter celebrations Scatter freeze dried raspberries on top in spring for a pop of color Use pumpkin shaped cutters for an autumn harvest party

Success Stories

A friend of mine once brought these to a community bake sale and someone offered to buy the entire batch after just one taste Kids always fight for the corner brownies with the biggest ghost faces and I have gotten thank you texts for weeks after sharing them

Have fun decorating these brownies trust your creativity and enjoy both making and sharing them They are sure to add magic to any gathering

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I achieve a fudgy brownie texture?

Be careful not to overbake; remove brownies from the oven when a toothpick yields a few moist crumbs.

→ Can I use regular cocoa instead of matcha?

Yes, swapping matcha for unsweetened cocoa provides a classic chocolate flavor and green color will be absent.

→ What can I use for ghost eyes if I have no chocolate chips?

Black sesame seeds work well for ghost eyes and add a subtle nutty taste and crunch to the topping.

→ How should I melt white chocolate for smooth ghosts?

Gently melt white chocolate using a double boiler or in short microwave bursts, stirring until silky and lump-free.

→ Can these brownies be made ahead?

Yes, prepare the brownies and store them airtight for up to three days. Add the ghost topping close to serving.

→ Is there a recommended drink pairing?

Serve with matcha latte or green tea to enhance and complement the earthy flavors of the brownies.