Delightful Chinese Sweet Donuts You Can Make at Home

Introduction

Welcome to Recipes in Style! I’m Sophie Grace, the culinary mind behind this blog. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe for Chinese sweet donuts, a delightful treat that’s both simple and indulgent. These donuts are a popular dessert in many Chinese bakeries, known for their crispy exterior and soft, sweet interior. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe will guide you to creating a batch of these irresistible confections in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Chinese sweet donuts are not only delicious but also versatile. They’re perfect for serving at parties, enjoying as an afternoon snack, or indulging in a sweet breakfast treat. This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions that ensure success every time. So, let’s dive into the world of sweet indulgence and create some magic!

If you’re exploring more authentic dishes to complement these donuts, browse our full collection of Chinese recipes. You’ll discover appetizers, mains, and desserts that pair beautifully with this sweet treat.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Key Benefits

This Chinese sweet donut recipe stands out due to its simplicity and the delightful results it delivers. Not only are these donuts easy to make, but they also bring authentic flavors to your table. The ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making this an accessible recipe for any home chef. Additionally, these sweet treats are perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings without the need for complex techniques or equipment.

Unique Features

One unique feature of these Chinese sweet donuts is their texture. Achieving the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a fluffy, tender interior is what makes these donuts truly special. Moreover, this recipe allows for creativity with optional add-ins and variations, so you can customize the donuts to your liking. Whether you keep them traditional or add your own twist, these donuts are bound to impress.

Ingredients for Chinese Sweet Donuts

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Optional Add-ins

• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. If using, fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cinnamon to the dough.

Cooking Process

1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, drop small balls of dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Fry the donuts for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the donuts from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
5. Allow the donuts to cool slightly before dusting them with powdered sugar, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results

Pro Chef Tips

For the best results, ensure that your oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Too hot, and the donuts will burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. Too cool, and they will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Additionally, make sure to let the dough rest for a few minutes before frying to allow the baking powder to activate fully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough donuts. Also, do not overcrowd the frying pot, as this will cause the oil temperature to drop and result in unevenly cooked donuts. Lastly, ensure the donuts are drained properly to avoid excessive oiliness.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Calories and Macros

Each serving of Chinese sweet donuts (approximately two donuts) contains roughly 250 calories, 10g of fat, 35g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein. These values can vary based on the specific add-ins and variations you choose.

Health Benefits

While Chinese sweet donuts are undoubtedly a treat, enjoying them in moderation can be part of a balanced diet. The ingredients include essential nutrients such as carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein. Moreover, homemade donuts allow you to control the quality and quantity of the ingredients, making them a better option than store-bought varieties.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Dietary Modifications

If you’re looking to make these donuts suitable for different dietary needs, consider these substitutions: use almond milk or soy milk for a dairy-free version, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Flavor Variations

Get creative with your Chinese sweet donuts by adding different flavors. Try incorporating matcha powder for a green tea twist, or add a hint of citrus zest for a fresh flavor. You can also experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch.

If you want more ideas on dough variations or alternative baking methods, BBC Good Food offers reliable guides that complement this Chinese sweet donut recipe perfectly.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

How to Store

Store any leftover Chinese sweet donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a ziplock bag once frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to enjoy them warm again.

Serving Ideas

Serve these delightful donuts with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting snack. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream for a more indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel before serving.

If you love combining sweet and savory dishes, try serving these donuts alongside our crispy Chinese chicken balls. Their light crunch and savory flavor create a delicious balance when paired with your warm, sugary donuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

For another crowd-pleasing treat, you might also enjoy our fluffy Chinese char siu bao. These soft steamed buns make a wonderful addition to any dessert or dim sum spread.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Chinese sweet donuts are a wonderful addition to any home baker’s repertoire. With their irresistible combination of crispy exteriors and soft interiors, they’re sure to become a favorite treat. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or add your personal touch with flavor variations, these donuts are a testament to the joy of homemade desserts. I hope you enjoy making and savoring these delightful treats as much as I do. Bon appétit, and don’t forget to share your creations with the Recipes In Style community!

Delightful Chinese Sweet Donuts You Can Make at Home

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 16–18 small donuts 1x

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Description

Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, these Chinese sweet donuts are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Easy to make with pantry staples and customizable to your taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts
• Optional: 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• Optional: Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
3. Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until dough forms. Do not overmix.
4. If using, fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or cinnamon.
5. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
6. Drop spoonfuls of dough into oil without overcrowding.
7. Fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
9. Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Let dough rest before frying for fluffier texture. Keep oil temperature steady to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts. Do not overcrowd the pan when frying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 donuts
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Chinese sweet donuts, fried donuts, dessert, easy donuts