If you’re craving something both sweet and a little adventurous, this Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for weekend breakfasts, afternoon tea, or any time you want a special treat, these donuts bring together the earthy freshness of matcha with a luscious cream filling. I love making these when friends come over—you’ll notice how their eyes light up with every bite!
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Why You’ll Love This
This Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe is a wonderful mix of light, fluffy dough paired with a rich, creamy interior that highlights matcha’s unique flavor. It’s a comforting homemade treat that feels fancy without requiring complicated techniques.
- Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The dough is tender yet holds its shape perfectly, while the matcha cream adds a fresh, slightly grassy note that brightens every bite.
- Crisp–Golden Finish: Frying the donuts yields a satisfyingly crisp exterior that’s golden brown, giving a pleasant contrast to the soft filling inside.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You probably have everything in your kitchen already—no need for fancy or pricey items.
- Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: The steps are straightforward enough to do on a busy evening but special enough for a weekend treat or gathering.
Ingredient Snapshot
Choosing quality ingredients really elevates this Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe. You’ll want a flavorful matcha powder and fresh cream to bring out the best notes in the filling, while the dough benefits from simple, well-measured basics.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a clean, neutral base – it lets the matcha flavor shine through.
- Matcha Powder: Look for culinary grade matcha with a vibrant green color and fresh aroma, not bitter or dull.
- Heavy Cream: Full-fat cream whips up nicely and creates that silky filling that melts in your mouth.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a touch adds warmth and balance to the matcha’s earthiness.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe
Step 1 — Set Up & Season
Start by mixing your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt—in a big bowl. This ensures even distribution of rising agents and seasoning, which is key for a perfect crumb. In another bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and a large egg. The wet mixture should feel smooth and well blended. Slowly combine the wet into dry until you get a soft but not sticky dough. If it feels too wet, add a tiny bit more flour. That gentle adjustment will save you from dense donuts later.
Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix
Heat your frying oil to 350°F; a kitchen thermometer really helps keep things consistent. Carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, frying each side about 2 to 3 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and puffed up. You’re looking for a crisp exterior with an inviting color—not too dark, and not too pale. Alternatively, if you prefer baking, grease donut molds and bake at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Either method will give you a warm, toasty donut, ready for the best part—the filling.
Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture
While donuts cool, whip your matcha cream filling. Combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, matcha powder, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl. Whip until firm peaks form—that’s your sign the cream is stable and luscious. When your donuts are cool to touch, fill a piping bag with the matcha cream and gently insert the tip into each donut’s side or center, squeezing in enough filling for a creamy surprise in every bite. Don’t overfill or the cream might spill out. Finally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle white chocolate for a pretty, mouthwatering finish.
Smart Little Tips
I’ve made these donuts multiple times, and a few little tricks make all the difference in getting the perfect bite every time.
- Doneness Cue: Look for a golden brown color and puffed texture before removing from oil or oven.
- Temperature Trick: Keep your frying oil steady around 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked spots.
- Make-Ahead Move: Prepare the matcha cream a few hours ahead and keep chilled for easier piping and better flavor melding.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t fill the donuts while warm—it’ll melt the cream and cause leakage.
Serving Ideas
Finishing Touches
I love finishing these Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe treats with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic look or a delicate drizzle of white chocolate to highlight the matcha’s green vibrancy. Both add a slight sweetness without overpowering the fresh cream inside.
Pair It With
A cup of hot green tea or jasmine tea complements the matcha filling beautifully, balancing the sweetness while amplifying the earthy notes. For a little crunch contrast, serve alongside toasted nuts or fresh fruit slices—for me, citrus works wonders to cut through the creaminess.
Easy Plating Upgrades
Arrange your donuts neatly on a pretty plate or tiered stand for a brunch crowd. Sprinkle edible flowers or a pinch of extra matcha on the side for a pop of color. Even a simple wooden board surrounded by fresh mint leaves turns it into a little celebration.
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Store your filled donuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the dough softens as it chills, which some friends actually enjoy because it makes the donut extra tender inside.
Freezing Tips
These donuts freeze well unfilled; wrap them individually in plastic and place in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw completely and fill with matcha cream fresh to keep that creamy texture. Freezing filled donuts can make the cream watery when thawed.
Reheating Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe Without Drying Out
Warm your donuts gently to revive that fresh-from-the-kitchen feeling. I recommend a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave or 3-4 minutes in a 300°F oven wrapped loosely in foil. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the dough and melt the filling too much. If using an air fryer, low temp for a few minutes works wonders without crisping them too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Matcha powder by itself is quite bitter and dry, so it's best used as part of a cream filling where its flavor can shine without overpowering. Simply sprinkling powder inside would lack the creamy balance that makes this recipe special.
You can use full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Try chilling the coconut cream well and whipping it like heavy cream. Avoid light creams, which won’t whip properly.
Both methods work well, but frying yields that classic crisp and golden crust that I personally love. Baking is cleaner and lighter but won’t have the same crunch. Choose based on your preference and kitchen setup.
Absolutely! Whip the matcha cream up to a day in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. This also helps flavors meld nicely, making your filling even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe is a wonderful way to bring something fresh and vibrant to your baking repertoire. It combines simple ingredients with a touch of green tea sophistication, elevating everyday donuts to a delightful treat. I find that once you master this, you’ll keep coming back to that perfect balance of fluffy dough and silky matcha cream—always a hit whether you’re sharing or indulging solo.
PrintPrint Recipe
Matcha Cream-Filled Donuts Recipe
Delight in these fluffy, golden-fried donuts filled with a luscious matcha cream. This recipe combines the classic comfort of homemade donuts with the unique, earthy flavor of matcha, making an irresistible treat perfect for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Donuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 large egg
- Oil for frying
Matcha Cream Filling
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar to taste
- White chocolate drizzle to taste
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and egg, whisking well to blend.
- Combine batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until you get a smooth batter without lumps.
- Cook donuts: Heat oil to 350°F in a skillet and fry the donuts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown, or alternatively, pour batter into greased donut molds and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Whip matcha cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar, matcha powder, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, creating a light and creamy filling.
- Fill donuts: Once donuts are cooled, use a piping bag to fill them with the matcha cream gently.
- Add toppings: Dust the filled donuts with powdered sugar or drizzle white chocolate over the top as desired for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F to cook the donuts evenly without absorbing excess oil.
- If baking, check the donuts with a toothpick to confirm they are fully cooked before removing from the oven.
- For a vegan version, substitute milk with almond milk, butter with coconut oil, and use a vegan cream alternative.
- Matcha powder quality affects flavor; use a high-grade matcha for best results.
- Donuts should be cooled completely before filling to prevent the cream from melting.
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