Green Tea Donuts are a fusion of Eastern flavor and classic Western baking, offering a delicately sweet and slightly earthy treat that’s perfect for any time of day. These baked donuts are infused with matcha green tea powder for a rich, aromatic flavor and finished with a vibrant, glossy matcha glaze. Light, fluffy, and eye-catching, they’re ideal for everything from afternoon tea to elegant dessert platters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These donuts are baked, not fried, making them a lighter alternative to traditional donuts without sacrificing flavor or texture. The matcha provides a natural, subtle bitterness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze. Quick to prepare and visually stunning, these donuts are both a treat for the palate and a feast for the eyes—perfect for matcha lovers and anyone looking to try something unique and elegant.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Donuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Matcha Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, matcha powder, and milk until smooth and pourable.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Set aside for 10–15 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8 donuts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per donut
Variations
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and egg substitutes such as flax egg or applesauce.
- Citrus Twist: Add a touch of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted white chocolate after glazing for a sweet contrast.
- Filled Version: Add a small amount of red bean paste to the center before baking for a Japanese-inspired variation.
- Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats and reduce the baking time to 8–9 minutes.
storage/reheating
Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. To refresh the donuts, warm them in a microwave for 10–15 seconds. Avoid stacking glazed donuts directly to prevent sticking; use parchment paper between layers if necessary.
FAQs
What is matcha, and where can I find it?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. It’s available at most grocery stores, tea shops, or online.
Can I substitute regular green tea for matcha?
No, matcha has a concentrated flavor and fine texture that regular green tea cannot replicate in baking.
Do I need a donut pan?
Yes, a donut pan is necessary for achieving the classic shape. Alternatively, use a muffin tin and cut out the centers after baking.
Why are my donuts dry?
Overmixing or overbaking can lead to dry donuts. Mix until just combined and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, the donuts can be baked a day in advance. Glaze them just before serving for the best appearance and texture.
How do I adjust the glaze consistency?
Add more milk to thin it or more powdered sugar to thicken it until your desired consistency is reached.
Can I use a different glaze?
Yes, vanilla, chocolate, or citrus glazes also pair well with the earthy matcha flavor.
Is there caffeine in these donuts?
Yes, matcha contains caffeine, although in smaller amounts than coffee. Each donut will have a mild caffeine content.
Can I freeze the donuts?
You can freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
What pairs well with these donuts?
Serve with green tea, matcha lattes, or light herbal teas to complement the flavor profile.
Conclusion
Green Tea Donuts are a refined and flavorful twist on a traditional baked treat. With their earthy matcha notes, soft crumb, and elegant glaze, they offer a sophisticated option for breakfast, tea time, or dessert. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, these donuts bring both visual appeal and culinary delight to any occasion.
PrintGreen Tea Donuts
Fluffy baked donuts infused with earthy matcha green tea and topped with a glossy, vibrant matcha glaze—perfectly balanced between sweet and slightly bitter for a uniquely delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp matcha powder
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a donut pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until incorporated—do not overmix.
- Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and matcha with milk until smooth and pourable.
- Dip cooled donuts into the glaze and let set for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality matcha for the best color and flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep donuts light and fluffy.
- Adjust milk in the glaze to get your desired consistency.
- Best enjoyed the same day for optimal texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg