Matcha Waffles Recipe: Fluffy Green Tea Waffles with Crispy Edges

One of the most distinctive—and still simple—waffle recipes I’ve tried: matcha waffles. They’re visually striking with a soft pastel green hue and have a subtle, pleasant flavor that’s different from classic waffles. If you love matcha, or want a fun breakfast for St. Patrick’s Day (or even a playful April Fools’ brunch), these make a great choice.

closeup of green matcha waffles with whipped cream, strawberries, and syrup dripping down the waffle stack

I make waffles all the time for brunch, and I’m always experimenting to keep the routine fresh. These matcha waffles are a simple twist: the batter is almost the same as classic waffle batter but with matcha powder folded in for color and flavor. They’re easy to prepare and look gorgeous on the plate—perfect for photos and for serving when guests come over.

closeup of stacked homemade waffles with whipped cream and fruit layers

Equipment Needed

To make these exactly as written you’ll need a waffle iron. If you don’t already own one, there are many affordable options available. A basic electric waffle iron works well for this recipe.

Ingredients for Matcha Waffles

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp matcha powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • cooking spray (or a light brush of oil/butter for the waffle iron)

Note: Use 1 tablespoon for a mild matcha flavor and 2 tablespoons for a more pronounced taste. I used single-serve matcha packets for convenience.

Instructions for Making Matcha Waffles

1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps distribute the matcha evenly and prevents clumps.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted cooled butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy.

5. Lightly spray or brush the waffle iron with cooking spray or oil. Spoon the batter into the preheated waffle iron, spreading gently so it reaches the edges of the well.

6. Cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions (usually a few minutes) until the waffle is set and slightly crisp. Remove carefully and transfer to a cooling rack or plate. Repeat with the remaining batter.

7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings: whipped cream, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, honey, maple syrup, or a drizzle of syrup. I topped mine with strawberries, kumquats, whipped cream, and a bit of butterscotch syrup for contrast.

Semi-Homemade Option

If you prefer a faster route, use a boxed waffle mix and follow package directions, then fold 1–2 tablespoons of matcha powder into the prepared batter before cooking. This is a convenient shortcut that still delivers bright color and matcha flavor.

3 large stacked homemade waffles made with matcha, with fruit slices on top and whipped cream

Serving Suggestions and Variations

  • Sweet toppings: whipped cream, fresh berries, sliced bananas, powdered sugar, maple syrup, honey, or fruit compote.
  • Flavor pairings: matcha pairs wonderfully with citrus fruits (like kumquats or orange slices), sweet cream, white chocolate or light caramel sauces, and mild berries such as strawberries or raspberries.
  • Texture tweaks: for extra-light waffles, separate the eggs, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks, fold them into the batter at the end for a fluffier result.
  • Pancake conversion: if you don’t have a waffle iron, use the batter to make matcha pancakes on a hot griddle—cook a bit longer on the second side for full doneness.

3 matcha waffles stacked on top of each other with whipped cream and sliced fruit layers in between

Recipe Summary

This matcha waffle recipe is an easy way to update a familiar breakfast favorite. With minimal ingredient swaps—primarily adding matcha powder—you get a charming color and a subtle earthy-sweet flavor that elevates waffles for special occasions or everyday brunches.

Looking for more breakfast inspiration?

  • Try a simple 2-ingredient smoothie bowl for a colorful, nutrient-packed start to the day.
  • Chia seed parfaits layer texture and fruit for a pretty and healthy breakfast option.
  • Elevate nostalgic treats with recipes like homemade berry pop tarts.
  • For a bright, retro-style breakfast, try halved grapefruit sprinkled with sugar.
  • For a decadent morning, hot chocolate pancakes are rich and indulgent.

dripping syrup onto a stack of homemade waffles with fruit and whipped cream

Delicious Matcha Waffles Recipe

  • Servings: about 8–10 waffles (depending on waffle iron size)
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 15–20 minutes total

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp matcha powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup melted butter, cooled
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • cooking spray or oil for waffle iron

Directions

  1. Preheat waffle iron.
  2. Sift the flour, sugar, matcha, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined.
  4. Grease the waffle iron. Spoon batter into the wells and cook until set and lightly crisp.
  5. Top with whipped cream, fruit, powdered sugar, syrup, or your preferred toppings. Serve immediately.

Are you a matcha fan? Give these waffles a try and see how the green tea flavor brightens your breakfast or brunch spread.