Pumpkin season is upon us, and these pumpkin spice matcha glazed donuts may be the only treat you need. They’re perfect for fall, wonderfully spiced, and have a delicious, rich flavor. Just like any good donut, the dough is fluffy and light, with an earthy umami flavor from matcha green tea powder. The glaze adds the pumpkin spice, making for the perfect pairing. These pumpkin matcha glazed donuts are ideal for eating while sipping a warm cup of matcha or a cold glass of milk. These donuts are delicious and the perfect way to warm up on a chilly fall morning!
Why pumpkin and matcha work so well together
Matcha has a grassy, earthy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs excellently with warm spices. Pumpkin spice is typically made with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, which add a dose of warmth and coziness to just about everything. The combo is comforting, balanced, and perhaps just a bit unexpected. If you’ve never tried pumpkin spice and matcha together, this is the perfect recipe to give it a go!
How to make pumpkin spice matcha glazed donuts:
Ingredients:
Matcha donuts
7 grams active/instant dry yeast
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2/3 cup milk, room temp
2 cups bread flour
2 tbsp matcha powder
1 large egg, room temp
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold
Pumpkin spice glaze
4 tbsp butter, melted
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp pumpkin puree
5 tbsp milk
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Directions
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Whisk together the yeast, sugar, and milk in a small bowl. Let sit until frothy.
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In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the bread flour and matcha. Create a well in the center. Add the egg and the activated yeast mixture into the well.
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With the dough hook attached, mix until a rough dough forms. Add the cold butter and continue kneading until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
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Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled in size.
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Punch down the dough, roll it out, and cut into donut shapes. Place each on a small square of parchment. Cover and proof until puffy.
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Heat oil in a heavy pan. Fry donuts until golden on both sides. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
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In one bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp melted butter, pumpkin purée, 2 tbsp milk, pumpkin pie spice, and ½ cup powdered sugar.
In another bowl, whisk the remaining powdered sugar with the remaining 2 tbsp melted butter and 3 tbsp milk. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the white glaze to create swirls. Gently swirl, don’t mix! -
Dip each donut into the swirled glaze, then set it back onto the rack to firm up.
Enjoy!
Tips and tricks for the perfect donuts
- Use a high-quality culinary-grade matcha powder. Make sure it’s vibrant green and not dull or brownish. Be sure to sift your matcha before using it to prevent clumps.
- Keep ingredients at the right temperatures. Room-temp milk and eggs help the yeast activate properly, while cold butter gives you a better texture.
- Don’t rush the rise. A slow, full proof gives you lighter and airier donuts.
- Check your frying temperature (typically around 350°F). Too cool, and you’ll wind up with greasy donuts; too hot, and you’ll get donuts that are burned on the outside and raw on the inside.
- Cut donuts evenly to help them cook at the same rate.
- For a stronger matcha flavor, add an extra 1/2 – 1 tablespoon of matcha powder to the dough or sift a tiny pinch over the glazed donuts.
- For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner one, add an extra 1-2 teaspoons of milk.
Bottom Line
These pumpkin spiced matcha donuts are the perfect fall treat. They’re soft, pillowy, and delicious. Matcha adds a bit of earthiness, which is well balanced by the pumpkin-spiced glaze. Serve them with a cup of matcha or make them part of a fun, festive weekend activity. We think they’ll be a new seasonal favorite!
If you loved this, check out our other recipes!
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