Matcha Donuts: A Sweet Treat with a Japanese Twist

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If you love the comforting indulgence of donuts but want something a bit different from the usual sugary glaze, then these Matcha Donuts are a must-try. With a rich, vibrant green hue and a slightly earthy flavor that is perfectly complemented by a semi-sweet chocolate glaze, these donuts offer a delightful balance of sweetness and complexity. Baked, not fried, they provide a lighter option, making them perfect for those who want to enjoy their favorite treat with a bit less guilt. Plus, the addition of matcha adds an element of sophistication, bringing a taste of Japan right to your kitchen.

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Matcha, known for its health benefits, has been a beloved ingredient in Japanese culture for centuries. Packed with antioxidants and offering a smooth, savory taste, it pairs wonderfully with desserts. When added to donuts, it brings a unique twist that’s both unexpected and irresistible. Whether you’re serving these donuts for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, they are sure to make an impression. The combination of matcha and chocolate is truly magical, creating a treat that satisfies both the eyes and the palate.

In this article, we will walk you through every step of making these Matcha Donuts, providing detailed instructions, ingredient tips, and serving suggestions. By the end, you’ll not only have a batch of donuts ready to enjoy, but also a deeper appreciation for the beauty and flavor of matcha.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need

To get started, gather the following ingredients for your Matcha Donuts:

For the Donuts:

• ¾ cup cake flour: Cake flour is ideal for achieving a light, airy texture in baked goods. If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio. It’s important to weigh the flour for accuracy or use the “fluff and sprinkle” method, where you fluff the flour with a spoon, sprinkle it into the measuring cup, and level it off to avoid packing too much flour into your measurements.
• 2 Tbsp sugar: A small amount of sugar is enough to add sweetness to the donuts without overpowering the matcha flavor.
• ½ tsp baking powder: This helps the donuts rise as they bake, giving them a fluffy, light texture.
• ¼ tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
• 1 Tbsp matcha (green tea powder): The star ingredient! Matcha not only adds flavor but also gives these donuts their signature green color. Be sure to use high-quality matcha for the best taste.
• 1 large egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the donuts’ structure and moisture.
• ⅓ cup whole milk: Whole milk adds richness to the batter and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Butter provides a rich, tender texture to the donuts. Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
• 1 Tbsp honey: Honey adds a subtle floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with matcha.

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• ¼ cup chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best for the glaze, offering just the right amount of sweetness to complement the matcha. You can also use milk or dark chocolate if you prefer a different flavor profile.
• Sprinkles of your choice: Optional, but sprinkles add a fun pop of color and a touch of whimsy to your donuts. Whether you choose colorful sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, or a more elegant option like powdered sugar, they’re sure to make the donuts even more appealing.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Matcha Donuts

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you begin, it’s always a good idea to gather all your ingredients and tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. If you have a kitchen scale, it’s highly recommended to weigh your ingredients, especially the flour, for the most accurate results. Once you have everything set up, preheat your oven to 425ºF (220ºC), or 400ºF (200ºC) for a convection oven. Lightly coat your donut pan with cooking spray to prevent the donuts from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add the ¾ cup of cake flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon of matcha powder. Whisk the dry ingredients together until evenly combined. The vibrant green color of the matcha powder will start to blend with the other ingredients, setting the stage for the rich color and unique flavor that will define the donuts.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Crack the 1 egg into the bowl, followed by the ⅓ cup of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Use a whisk to mix everything together until the ingredients are just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense donuts. The batter should be thick but smooth, with no visible streaks of flour.

Step 4: Pipe the Batter into the Donut Pan

Now it’s time to transfer the batter into the donut pan. For a neat and easy process, use a pastry bag fitted with a round tip, or if you don’t have one, simply use a large Ziploc bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into each mold, filling them about three-quarters full. This will ensure that your donuts bake up with a perfect dome shape.

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Place the donut pan into the preheated oven and bake the donuts for about 8 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the donuts comes out clean. The donuts should spring back when you gently press on them. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. Once baked, remove the donuts from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, it’s time to make the chocolate glaze. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the ¼ cup of chocolate chips. If you’re using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is mostly melted. The last few pieces will melt when you stir it, so avoid over-microwaving. Once melted, the glaze should be smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Dip the Donuts in Chocolate Glaze

Once the donuts have cooled to room temperature, dip each donut into the melted chocolate glaze. Gently twist the donut as you remove it from the glaze to avoid excess chocolate dripping down the sides. After dipping, place the donuts on a cooling rack or plate. If desired, add sprinkles on top of the glaze while it’s still soft, or let the glaze set for a more elegant finish.

Step 8: Enjoy Your Matcha Donuts

After the chocolate glaze has set, your Matcha Donuts are ready to enjoy! These donuts are perfect for a sweet breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a special dessert to share with friends and family. They’re not only delicious but also visually striking, with their green matcha flavor and glossy chocolate coating.

Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

While the original recipe for these Matcha Donuts is simply irresistible, there’s always room for customization based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few tips for ingredient substitutions and variations:

• Flour: If you don’t have cake flour, you can use all-purpose flour in the same quantity. To make it closer to cake flour, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. This will help keep the texture light and tender.
• Milk: You can substitute whole milk with any milk of your choice, such as almond milk or oat milk, if you prefer a dairy-free version.
• Honey: If you’re not a fan of honey or want to try something different, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness with a hint of unique flavor.
• Butter: For a dairy-free version, substitute the unsalted butter with melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
• Matcha: The quality of your matcha powder is key to the flavor. Look for culinary-grade matcha, which is more affordable and perfect for baking. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of matcha slightly.
• Chocolate Glaze: If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can try a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a lighter topping. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, such as white chocolate or dark chocolate, to create your own signature glaze.

Serving Suggestions

These Matcha Donuts are versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different occasions and moods:

• For Breakfast: Pair these donuts with a steaming cup of green tea or coffee to start your day on a delicious note. The earthy matcha flavor pairs wonderfully with both beverages.
• For Dessert: These donuts are an elegant and unexpected dessert option. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for an indulgent treat.
• For a Tea Party: Serve these donuts at your next tea party or gathering. Their beautiful green color will impress guests, and their unique flavor profile will be a conversation starter.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Matcha Donuts, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh, it’s best to place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture. Before serving, you can gently warm the donuts in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back some of their freshly baked texture.

Conclusion

These Matcha Donuts are the perfect combination of light, fluffy texture, rich green tea flavor, and indulgent chocolate glaze. Whether you’re a matcha lover or a donut enthusiast, this recipe offers a new way to enjoy both. The process is simple enough for beginners, and the results are impressive enough to wow any crowd. The subtle bitterness of matcha is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the honey and chocolate glaze, creating a harmonious dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of matcha in donut form.