Discover a delightful twist on a classic treat with these Matcha Glazed Doughnuts! These vibrant green beauties infuse your favorite baked delight with the unique flavor and rich history of matcha green tea. Easy to make and utterly delicious, they’re a fantastic way to explore the world of matcha beyond your morning latte.
Doughnuts, or donuts, hold a special place in our hearts and taste buds! From classic glazed treats to gourmet creations, these fluffy rings of fried dough are a universal symbol of delicious indulgence. Here’s why doughnuts are so irresistible:
- Simple Joy: The simple combination of dough, sugar, and a touch of oil creates an utterly satisfying and comforting treat.
- Endless Variations: Doughnuts offer a blank canvas for flavour creativity. From classic glazes to sprinkles, filled delights, and unique toppings, there’s a doughnut to please every palate.
- Nostalgic Treat: Doughnuts evoke feelings of fun and childhood nostalgia, making them a timeless treat for all ages.
Matcha: More Than Just a Tea
Matcha green tea has become a culinary sensation, and with good reason! While its popularity as a healthy and energizing beverage has soared, matcha’s roots stretch deep into Japanese tradition and history. Here’s a glimpse into what makes matcha so special:
- Centuries of Tradition: Matcha played a central role in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, prized for its meditative qualities and ability to promote focus and clarity.
- Unique Cultivation: Matcha tea leaves are shaded during the final weeks of growth, increasing chlorophyll production and resulting in its vibrant green color and intensely rich flavor.
- Finely Ground Goodness: Unlike other green teas, the entire matcha leaf is finely ground into a powder, allowing you to consume the full spectrum of nutrients and antioxidants.
Matcha Glazed Doughnuts Recipe
Ingredients:
For the doughnuts:
- 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
- 2 ¼ teaspoon (1 packet) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 4 ½ cups (560g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the matcha glaze:
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
- 1 cup (120g) icing sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Instructions:
- Make the Dough: Combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the eggs, melted butter, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead and Rise: Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Fry: Punch down the dough and roll it out to ½-inch thickness. Cut into doughnut shapes using a doughnut cutter or two round cookie cutters. Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 175°C (350°F). Fry doughnuts for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together the melted butter, matcha powder, icing sugar, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
- Glaze and Enjoy: Dip the cooled doughnuts into the matcha glaze, let the excess drip off, and place them on a wire rack to set. Enjoy the vibrant colour and delicious flavour of your homemade Matcha Glazed Doughnuts!
5 Tips for the Perfect Matcha Donuts:
1. Choose the Right Matcha
Use high-quality matcha powder for the best flavour and colour. Culinary or latte-grade matcha are perfect for this recipe, offering a balance of flavour and accessibility. Look for matcha with a smooth texture and bright green hue.
2. Experiment with Glaze Thickness
Your ideal glaze consistency is a matter of personal preference! Start with 2 tablespoons of milk and gradually add more, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired thickness. A thicker glaze will give you a more opaque coating, while a thinner glaze creates a translucent, drippy effect.
3. Add a Sprinkle of Joy
Elevate your Matcha Glazed Donuts with a final touch of texture and flavour. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle nutty note, while coconut flakes offer a hint of tropical sweetness. Chopped nuts or even a sprinkle of edible glitter can make your glazed donuts extra special.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When frying, ensure you give the donuts enough space in the oil. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature of the oil and can lead to greasy donuts. Fry in batches if necessary.
5. Get Creative!
The Matcha Glazed Donut is a delightful starting point. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough, filling them with matcha custard, or experimenting with different matcha glaze flavours like vanilla or white chocolate.
