Indulge in these delightful deep-fried donuts filled with a rich matcha-flavored pastry cream. The earthy notes of matcha perfectly complement the sweetness of the soft donuts, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

Donuts:

• 4 cups (520 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50 g) white sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (about 110°F / 40°C)
• 1 tbsp dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (55 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Oil for deep frying

Matcha Pastry Cream:

• 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp matcha green tea powder
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 tbsp (20 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp (20 g) cornstarch
• 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream

Garnish:

• 1 1/2 cups (200 g) white sugar

Directions

1. Prepare the Donut Dough: Proof the dry yeast in warm milk until frothy. In a stand mixer, combine all dough ingredients and knead on medium-low speed for 7-10 minutes until the dough is soft and non-sticky. If necessary, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time. On a lightly floured surface, finish kneading by hand, form a smooth ball, and roll out to 1/2 inch thickness. Using a 3-inch diameter cookie cutter, cut out donuts and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each. Re-roll leftover dough and repeat cutting. Cover loosely with a lint-free towel and let proof for 1 hour.
2. Make the Matcha Pastry Cream:nIn a bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar, then add flour and cornstarch, mixing until incorporated. In a saucepan, warm milk with vanilla extract and matcha powder to a gentle boil, whisking to dissolve matcha. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until thickened. Strain the pastry cream through a mesh strainer into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and let cool completely.
3. Deep-Fry the Donuts: Heat about 3 inches of frying oil in a large pot or fryer to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a tray or sheet pan for the fried donuts. Fry donuts in batches for approximately 1 1/2 minutes per side or until lightly golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the prepared tray to cool.
4. Assemble the Donuts: Whisk the cooled matcha pastry cream with heavy whipping cream on high speed to lighten it. Transfer the cream to a piping bag fitted with a closed star tip. Using a chopstick or skewer, poke a hole into the side of each donut up to the center. Insert the piping tip into the hole and gently fill the donut with cream, being careful not to overfill. Roll filled donuts in sugar to coat.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 290 kcal
• Total Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugars: 10 g
• Protein: 5 g

The Appeal of Matcha in Desserts

Matcha has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries, often used in tea ceremonies for its smooth, umami-rich flavor. Over time, matcha has found its way into Western desserts, enhancing everything from cakes to ice cream with its distinctive green hue and slightly bitter undertones. Its unique taste profile makes it an excellent ingredient for pastries like these donuts, where it adds depth to the sweet and creamy filling. Aside from its flavor, matcha is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help fight free radicals in the body. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for promoting relaxation and mental clarity. This makes matcha not only a delicious ingredient but also a health-conscious addition to desserts.

What Makes These Donuts Special?

Unlike traditional ring-shaped donuts, matcha cream-filled donuts have a soft, pillowy texture, similar to classic filled donuts like Boston cream or jelly-filled varieties. The key differences lie in the filling and overall taste experience. Instead of a custard or fruit jam, the matcha pastry cream brings a velvety, herbal richness that contrasts beautifully with the sugary exterior. The process of making these donuts involves deep-frying, which gives them a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside light and airy. After cooling slightly, they are coated in sugar, adding an extra layer of texture and sweetness. The final step piping the matcha cream into the center transforms them into a gourmet-level dessert.

Tips for the Best Matcha Donuts

To achieve bakery-quality donuts at home, there are several key factors to consider:

• Choosing the Right Matcha: High-quality matcha is essential for achieving the best flavor and vibrant green color. Culinary-grade matcha works well in baked goods, but for a more refined taste, using ceremonial-grade matcha will elevate the pastry cream.
• Perfecting the Dough: The dough should be soft, elastic, and slightly sticky after kneading. Over-kneading can result in tough donuts, while under-kneading may lead to dense and uneven textures. Proper proofing is also crucial—letting the dough rise fully ensures a light and fluffy final product.
• Controlling the Frying Temperature: The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (180°C). If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. If too cool, they will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Using a kitchen thermometer can help maintain consistency.
• Ensuring the Perfect Filling: The matcha pastry cream should be thick enough to hold its shape while still being smooth and pipeable. Straining the cream through a fine mesh sieve removes any lumps, ensuring a silky texture.

How to Store and Serve

Matcha cream-filled donuts are best enjoyed fresh, as the pastry cream retains its smooth texture and the donut remains light and airy. However, if storing them for later:

• Refrigeration: Since the filling contains dairy, leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
• Freezing: The donut dough can be made ahead and frozen before frying. Simply thaw and allow them to rise before cooking. However, filled donuts do not freeze well due to the texture changes in the cream.
• Reheating: If needed, unfilled donuts can be warmed in the oven for a few minutes at 300°F (150°C) to refresh their texture. Avoid microwaving filled donuts, as this can cause the cream to become too runny.

When to Enjoy Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts

These donuts make for a perfect treat at any time of the day. They can be served as a decadent breakfast alongside coffee or matcha tea, enjoyed as an afternoon snack, or even presented as a fancy dessert for special occasions. Their elegant appearance also makes them a great choice for celebrations like birthdays, tea parties, or Japanese-themed gatherings. For an extra indulgent experience, pairing these donuts with a hot cup of matcha latte or a chilled matcha milkshake enhances the flavor even more. The combination of warm, deep-fried dough and creamy matcha filling alongside a soothing matcha drink creates a harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist.

Conclusion

Matcha cream-filled donuts are a fantastic fusion of Japanese and Western flavors, bringing together the best of both worlds. The soft, airy donut combined with a rich, earthy matcha cream filling offers a satisfying contrast of textures and tastes. Whether you’re a fan of matcha or simply love gourmet-style donuts, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With the right techniques, high-quality ingredients, and a bit of patience, these homemade donuts can easily rival those found in specialty bakeries. The versatility of the recipe allows for customization, making it adaptable to different flavor preferences and dietary needs. Whether enjoyed fresh with a dusting of sugar or glazed for a glossy finish, matcha cream-filled donuts are a treat worth savoring.