These Baked Matcha Donuts are the perfect balance of light, airy texture and deep, earthy matcha flavor. Unlike traditional fried donuts, they are baked for a healthier twist while maintaining the deliciously soft and moist texture. The rich matcha powder gives them a vibrant green color and a slight hint of bitterness, beautifully contrasted by the luscious white chocolate glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or an elegant dessert for tea time, these donuts are easy to make and absolutely irresistible. The creamy glaze, enhanced with a touch of corn syrup for that silky shine, adds the final touch to a gourmet treat you can make at home. Enjoy them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate indulgence.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Donuts
- 2 cups cake flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1¾ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons culinary-grade matcha powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon table salt)
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the White Chocolate Glaze
- 150 grams white chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two standard non-stick donut pans with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, sugar, matcha powder, cardamom, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine melted butter, egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag and fill each donut cavity about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, melt white chocolate and butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Whisk in milk and corn syrup until smooth.
- Dip each cooled donut into the white chocolate glaze, allowing excess to drip off.
- Place the donuts back on the wire rack to set before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with matcha powder or coconut flakes for decoration.
Prep Time: 8 minutes | Cooking Time: 11 minutes | Total Time: 19 minutes
Kcal: 299 kcal | Servings: 12 donuts
Why Choose Baked Over Fried?
Donuts are often associated with deep frying, which gives them their signature crispy exterior. However, baked donuts have their own set of advantages:
- Healthier Option – Since these donuts are baked instead of fried, they contain significantly less oil and fat, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
- Less Mess, Less Effort – No need to deal with messy deep frying or worrying about oil splattering. Baked donuts are quick and easy to make with just a donut pan.
- Light and Fluffy Texture – While fried donuts tend to have a more dense and chewy bite, baked donuts are lighter and more cake-like, which makes them perfect for absorbing glazes and toppings.
The Magic of Matcha
Matcha isn’t just a trendy ingredient; it’s been used for centuries in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It’s derived from specially grown green tea leaves that are ground into a fine, vibrant green powder. Unlike steeped tea, where you discard the leaves after brewing, matcha allows you to consume the entire leaf, providing a concentrated dose of nutrients.
The benefits of matcha include:
- Rich in Antioxidants – Matcha contains catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps fight inflammation and supports overall health.
- Boosts Energy and Focus – With a moderate amount of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, matcha provides sustained energy without the jitters often associated with coffee.
- Enhances Metabolism – Studies suggest that matcha may aid in weight management by supporting metabolism and fat burning.
- Supports Calm and Relaxation – L-theanine in matcha promotes relaxation and mental clarity, making it an excellent ingredient to enjoy in both food and beverages.
White Chocolate: A Perfectly Sweet Companion
While matcha has a naturally earthy and slightly bitter taste, white chocolate provides the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess. The combination of matcha and white chocolate is well-loved in Japanese-inspired desserts because the richness of the chocolate complements the tea’s delicate bitterness.
The glaze in this recipe is made with high-quality white chocolate, melted together with butter and a touch of light corn syrup to create a smooth, shiny finish. The corn syrup prevents crystallization, ensuring the glaze stays soft and glossy. A light dusting of matcha powder on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of matcha flavor.
The Perfect Occasion for Matcha Donuts
These baked matcha donuts are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings:
- Breakfast or Brunch – Pair them with a cup of matcha latte or a hot espresso for a satisfying morning treat.
- Tea Time Snack – Serve them with green tea for a delightful afternoon break.
- Elegant Dessert – Their vibrant green color and glossy glaze make them a visually stunning dessert for dinner parties.
- Gifting – Pack them in a beautiful box as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Customizing Your Baked Matcha Donuts
One of the great things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ways you can tweak the donuts to suit your preferences:
1. Adjusting the Sweetness
Matcha has a naturally bitter profile, so if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can slightly increase the sugar in the donut batter or add a touch of honey to the glaze.
2. Experimenting with Flavors
Matcha pairs beautifully with various flavors, so consider incorporating different ingredients for a unique twist:
- Coconut Flakes – Sprinkle shredded coconut over the white chocolate glaze for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus Zest – Add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a fresh, citrusy note.
- Dark Chocolate Drizzle – If you prefer a stronger contrast, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the donuts.
3. Making It Dairy-Free
For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with coconut oil and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of whole milk in the glaze. Dairy-free white chocolate can also be substituted.
4. Gluten-Free Option
To make these donuts gluten-free, substitute cake flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that gluten-free flours absorb liquid differently, so you may need to adjust the wet ingredients accordingly.
Tips for the Best Baked Matcha Donuts
To achieve the best results when making these donuts, follow these key tips:
- Use High-Quality Matcha – Culinary-grade matcha is best for baking. It provides a strong flavor and retains its vibrant green color when baked.
- Sift Dry Ingredients – This helps prevent lumps and ensures an even distribution of matcha powder throughout the batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can result in dense, tough donuts. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
- Pipe the Batter Evenly – Using a piping bag helps distribute the batter evenly into the donut molds, preventing air bubbles and uneven shapes.
- Allow Donuts to Cool Before Glazing – If the donuts are too warm, the glaze will melt and slide off instead of coating them smoothly.
Storing and Freezing
These matcha donuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If refrigerated, they will stay fresh for about four days. To enjoy them warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
If you want to make a larger batch ahead of time, the donuts (without glaze) can be frozen for up to four weeks. Simply thaw them at room temperature and glaze them before serving.
Conclusion:
Baked Matcha Donuts with White Chocolate Glaze are an absolute treat for matcha lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike. Not only are they a healthier alternative to traditional fried donuts, but they also offer a beautiful balance of earthy matcha and creamy sweetness.
Whether you’re indulging in them for breakfast, serving them at a gathering, or gifting them to a friend, these donuts are sure to impress. Their vibrant green color, soft texture, and luscious glaze make them a standout dessert that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.