Name: Moana 2 Te Fiti Heart Matcha Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp ceremonial-grade matcha powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp sea salt; ½ cup vegan butter, softened; ¾ cup coconut sugar; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water); Edible gold dust for dusting

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✨ Moana 2 Te Fiti Heart Matcha Cookies 🌺🍃

1. Introduction

Step into the magical world of Moana 2 with these enchanting Moana 2 Te Fiti Heart Matcha Cookies — soft, vibrant green treats shaped like the sacred heart of Te Fiti, infused with earthy matcha and sweetened with coconut sugar for a naturally balanced treat. Inspired by the film’s return to Polynesian mysticism and the return of the green heart, each cookie is a edible homage to hope, identity, and the ocean’s wisdom.

These cookies bring together the calm, grounding essence of ceremonial matcha with whimsical cookie artistry — perfect for movie nights, themed gatherings, or gifting to your Moana-themed cookies loving fans. With a subtle vanilla-citrus background and a delicate matcha crinkle finish, they’re equal parts beautiful and delicious.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thematic Magic — Captures the beauty and symbolism of Moana 2 with zero effort — just shape, bake, and marvel at the reactions.

Matcha Benefits — A natural source of antioxidants and L-theanine for calm focus (perfect for planning your next voyaging adventure).
One-Batch Wonder — No double-panning, chilling, or complicated piping. Mix, roll, bake.
Clean-Ingredient Friendly — Refined sugar-free (using coconut sugar), plant-based adaptable, and easy to make gluten-free.

Fan-Favorite Easy — Ideal for bakers of all levels — even beginners can master the heart shape!

3. Kitchen Tools You Need

While you *can* make these cookies with basic tools, having the right gear makes the process smoother and more joyful — and you’ll thank yourself when your cookies have perfect rise and crisp edges.

For precise matcha blending and mixing, my go-to is the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange — it effortlessly blends matcha with butter without overmixing, and the橘-orange hue pairs *perfectly* with your cookie aesthetic. If you prefer hand mixing or have limited counter space, the KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer is a lightweight powerhouse.

For clean-up and storage, I swear by the JoyJolt Airtight Glass Food Storage Set — keep your baked cookies fresh for days and store extra dough in clear jars for peekable motivation (and Instagrammable moments 📸).

Love oven-baked precision? The Ninja 12-in-1 Smart Double Oven with FlexDoor & Air Fry offers dual-zone baking — bake these matcha hearts while roasting savory sides all at once. And if you love festive air-frying, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 doubles as a convection oven for crispier cookie edges (my hack for extra texture!).

4. Ingredient Notes

Every element in this recipe is intentional — from ceremonial-grade matcha to unrefined sugar — to honor both flavor and symbolism.

Matcha Powder

Use ceremonial grade matcha if possible. Culinary grade is fine (and budget-friendly), but ceremonial has brighter color, smoother taste, and higher antioxidants. Look for Uji or Nishio origin — those regions are gold standards.

Sift it before adding! Matcha clumps easily and can lead to uneven green streaks instead of that dreamy uniform hue.

Coconut Sugar

This gives a soft caramel note and subtle molasses depth — no weird aftertaste like some sugar substitutes. Plus, its golden contrast against the green makes your cookies pop.

Unsalted Butter

Room temperature is key — too cold = crumbly dough; too warm = flat cookies. Aim for ~65°F (18°C). I always let mine sit for 45 minutes before mixing.

Vanilla & Lemon Zest

A tiny bit of real vanilla extract and fresh lemon zest brightens the matcha’s bitterness — it’s like the ocean breeze for your tastebuds. Always zest your lemon *before* juicing — it saves time and gets more oil (and fragrance!) from the peel.

Green Food Coloring (Optional)

Only if you want an *extra* vivid heart. I recommend natural beet or spirulina powder (not synthetic dyes) for clean color and added nutrients. Start with 1/8 tsp — matcha deepens in heat!

5. How to Make Moana 2 Te Fiti Heart Matcha Cookies

Let’s channel Te Fiti’s grace — slow, intentional, and full of heart.

Phase 1: Prep & Chill

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp ceremonial-grade matcha powder (sifted!), and 1/2 tsp baking soda. Set aside.

In your stand mixer (or large bowl with hand mixer), beat 3/4 cup unsalted butter until creamy — about 2 minutes. Add 3/4 cup coconut sugar and beat 3 more minutes until fluffy and pale.

Phase 2: Mix & Fold

Add 1 large egg (room temp), 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp lemon zest. Beat until just combined. Do *not* overmix.

Gradually add your dry ingredients on low speed — stop as soon as no flour lines remain. You’ll see a soft, vibrant green dough.

Gently fold in 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (optional but *highly* recommended — it nods to island heritage and adds texture).

Phase 3: Shape the Heart of Te Fiti

Roll dough into 1.5-inch balls. Place on baking sheet with space between each. Then gently flatten each ball between your palms — not too firm — and use your thumb or fingertip to press a heart shape: make a small “V” on the top half, then pinch two gentle curves down to form the bottom lobes.

Pro Tip: Chill shaped cookies for 10 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and keeps the heart definition sharp.

Phase 4: Bake & Crinkle

Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 11–13 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are *just* golden and the centers still look slightly underdone — they’ll firm up as they cool.

Let rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

6. Expert Tips for Success

Matcha = Light-Sensitive — Store unused matcha in the fridge in an airtight container. Light and air degrade chlorophyll, turning it dull and bitter.
Don’t Skip the Sift — Clumpy matcha = green flecks, not smooth color. A quick 30-second sift with a fine-mesh sieve makes *all* the visual difference.

Underbake Slightly — Matcha browns faster than regular flour. If you bake until fully set, your cookies will turn olive-gray instead of emerald green.
Flavor Rest — For deeper flavor, refrigerate dough for 2 hours (or up to 24 hours). The matcha and vanilla marry, and the cookies will spread less — keeping those heart shapes intact.
Heart Perfection — If your dough is too sticky, add 1 tbsp flour. Too dry? A few drops of almond milk will help mold the heart without losing integrity.

7. Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free — Swap flour for 1:1 gluten-free blend (like Bob’s Red Mill). Add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
Vegan — Replace butter with refined coconut oil, egg with flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg), and ensure your sugar is vegan (some coconut sugar is processed with bone char).
Matcha-Free — Omit matcha and add 1/2 tsp pistachio powder + 1 tbsp matcha-grade matcha (yes, really) — or go full vanilla and add matcha extract for subtle color.

Extra Coastal — Add 1/4 cup crushed amaretti cookies for a hazelnut-ocean vibe, or swipe each cooled cookie with white chocolate “foam” (melted white choc + coconut oil).

8. Storage & Reheating

Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Layer with parchment to prevent sticking.

Fridge: Up to 10 days — though they may firm up. Let sit at room temp 10-15 minutes before eating.

Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer (on a tray) until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag. Store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen — add 2–3 minutes.

Reheating: A quick 30–45 seconds in a Ninja Smart Double Oven (air crisp setting) or toaster oven revives texture without sogginess. Avoid microwaves alone — they soften too much!

9. FAQ

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Most often: butter was too warm, or you didn’t chill the shaped cookies.Also check your baking soda — if it’s older than 6 months, it may not activate properly.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Bake at 320°F for 7–9 minutes in batches, shaking the basket halfway. Use parchment cups to keep shape. The Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics is *perfect* for small batches.

How do I get that “crinkle” effect?

Roll dough balls in a little coconut sugar *before* shaping the heart — the sugar will concentrate on the surface and create those delicate cracks when baked.

What if I don’t have matcha?

Powdered green tea packets (like La Llorona) won’t cut it — they contain sugar and milk solids. Matcha requires stone-ground whole leaf tea. If absolutely needed, swap for matcha-flavored cake mix (1/4 cup) + reduce flour, but flavor won’t be as clean.

10. Conclusion

These Moana 2 Te Fiti Heart Matcha Cookies are more than just a sweet — they’re a tactile love letter to identity, resilience, and the quiet magic of回家 (homecoming). Whether you’re hosting a movie night, baking with kids, or adding island spirit to your routine, these cookies carry meaning in every bite.

And remember: just like Moana, your journey begins with a single step — and a perfectly shaped heart. 🌺

Love themed bakes? Dive into more Disney magic with our fan favorites: Lilo & Stitch Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Loaf, Monsters Inc. Mike Wazowski Apple Snacks, or Beauty and the Beast Grey Stuff Mousse.

Moana 2 Te Fiti Heart Matcha Cookies