How to Make Soft & Fluffy Matcha Donuts (Baked, Not Fried)

Soft & Fluffy Matcha Donuts (Baked, Not Fried)

Why You’ll Love These Baked Matcha Donuts

If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make soft and fluffy matcha donuts at home, this baked recipe is the perfect place to start.
These donuts are baked—not fried—so they stay light, tender, and easy to make, without sacrificing that cozy bakery-style texture.

Instead of heavy oil or complicated steps, this recipe relies on simple pantry ingredients and ceremonial-grade matcha for a gentle green tea flavor.
As a result, the donuts feel bakery-inspired while still being approachable for everyday baking.

Baked, Not Fried (And Still Bakery-Soft)

Because these matcha donuts are baked rather than fried, they come together quickly and cleanly.
There’s no hot oil to manage, which makes them perfect for relaxed mornings or stress-free weekend baking.

At the same time, the texture stays soft and cake-like thanks to the balanced batter and gentle baking method.
In other words, you get the comfort of a donut with the ease of a simple baked treat.

A Gentle Matcha Flavor That Never Overpowers

Ceremonial-grade matcha gives these donuts their natural green hue and smooth, earthy flavor.
However, the matcha is carefully balanced so it never tastes bitter or overwhelming.

Instead, each bite feels lightly sweet, warm, and calming—making these donuts ideal for pairing with coffee, tea, or a quiet afternoon moment.

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Why This Recipe Works

First, the Texture Is Soft and Bakery-Tender

To begin with, these baked matcha donuts rely on a balanced batter rather than heavy fat or excess sugar. As a result, the crumb stays light, cake-like, and tender without feeling dense.

Additionally, using room-temperature ingredients allows everything to blend smoothly, which helps create a consistent texture from the first donut to the last.

Next, the Matcha Flavor Stays Smooth — Never Bitter

Instead of overpowering the batter, ceremonial-grade matcha is carefully measured and evenly dispersed. This ensures a clean green-tea flavor that tastes refined rather than sharp.

At the same time, a touch of vanilla and gentle sweetness round out the earthy notes, creating a balanced flavor that feels calm and approachable.

Finally, Baking Keeps Things Simple and Reliable

Because these donuts are baked instead of fried, the process stays clean and predictable. There’s no oil to manage and no guesswork involved.

Most importantly, the donuts bake evenly and hold their shape, giving you soft, fluffy results every single time.

Ingredients

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoons ceremonial-grade matcha

Wet Ingredients

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened or neutral oil
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Donut pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Whisk
  • Piping bag or spoon
  • Cooling rack
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Directions

  1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 6-count donut pan and set aside.
    Step 1: Greasing a donut pan for baked matcha donuts
  2. Next, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and matcha in a medium bowl. Set aside.
    Step 2: Whisking dry ingredients for matcha donuts
  3. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
    Step 3: Whisking wet ingredients for baked matcha donuts
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  5. Then, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—do not overmix.
    Step 4: Folding matcha donut batter until just combined
  6. After that, spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut cavities, filling each about ¾ full.
    Step 5: Filling donut pan with matcha donut batter
  7. Finally, bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched. Cool briefly, then remove from the pan.
    Step 6: Removing baked matcha donuts from the pan
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Bakery-style

Nutrition (Approx.)

Per serving
Calories210
Total Fat8 g
Saturated Fat8 g
Carbohydrates32 g
Sugar14 g
Protein4 g

Why This Recipe Works

First, baking the donuts instead of frying keeps them light, tender, and evenly cooked while avoiding excess oil. As a result, you get a soft, cake-like texture every time.

Next, ceremonial-grade matcha delivers smooth green-tea flavor without bitterness. Because it’s balanced with gentle sweetness and vanilla, the matcha shines without overpowering the donuts.

Finally, mixing the batter just until combined prevents dense donuts. This simple step ensures a fluffy crumb and bakery-style finish that feels effortless yet refined.

  • Baked for a lighter, tender texture
  • Balanced matcha flavor without bitterness
  • Simple method with consistent results

Flavor Profile

These baked matcha donuts are soft, cake-like, and delicately sweet, with an earthy green-tea depth that feels refined rather than bold. The matcha is smooth and balanced, never bitter, allowing its natural elegance to shine.

Finished with a tender crumb and a subtle vanilla warmth, each donut feels light yet satisfying — the kind of treat that pairs effortlessly with coffee, tea, or a slow afternoon moment.

Soft & Fluffy Earthy Matcha Lightly Sweet Baked, Not Fried
FAQ
Quick answers for your best baked matcha donuts.
What kind of matcha should I use for donuts?

Use a high-quality culinary matcha (or ceremonial if you want a smoother, more refined flavor). Fresh, bright-green matcha gives the best color and the cleanest taste.

Why did my baked donuts turn out dry?

Dry donuts usually come from overbaking or too much flour. Bake just until the tops spring back lightly, and measure flour by spooning into the cup (then leveling) instead of scooping.

How do I keep matcha from tasting bitter?

Use fresh matcha, don’t overdo the amount, and avoid overbaking. A touch of vanilla + the right sweetness balances matcha’s natural earthiness beautifully.

Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?

Yes. You can bake the batter in a mini muffin pan (donut “holes”) or in a regular muffin tin. The bake time may change slightly—start checking a few minutes early.

Why are my donuts dense instead of fluffy?

Dense donuts usually mean the batter was overmixed (which develops gluten). Fold until just combined—small lumps are fine. Also make sure your baking powder is fresh.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best baked right away for the fluffiest texture. If needed, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them right before baking.

How do I store baked matcha donuts?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 4 days (then bring to room temp for best texture).

Can I freeze matcha donuts?

Yes. Freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer until firm, then store in a freezer bag up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze fresh if you’d like.

Storage & Make Ahead
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1–2 days. Baked donuts are best fresh, and this keeps them soft without drying out.
Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days in a sealed container. For the best texture, let donuts sit at room temp 15–20 minutes before serving.
Freeze: Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months. Wrap individually (or layer with parchment), then store in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temp.
Make Ahead Tip: Bake the donuts a day ahead and glaze right before serving for the prettiest finish. If glazing early, let glaze fully set before stacking.
Recipe Variations
  • Matcha Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar + ½ tsp matcha + 1–2 tbsp milk until silky, then dip or drizzle.
  • Vanilla Bean Glaze: Add vanilla bean paste (or extra vanilla) for a soft, bakery-style finish.
  • Strawberry Matcha: Dip in vanilla glaze, then dust with freeze-dried strawberry powder.
  • White Chocolate Dip: Dip tops in melted white chocolate and sprinkle a pinch of matcha.
  • Citrus Pop: Add lemon/orange zest to the batter for a brighter, fresher matcha vibe.
  • Almond Cozy: Swap ½ tsp almond extract for vanilla and top with sliced almonds.
  • Sesame Luxe: Add a pinch of toasted sesame to glaze (or sprinkle on top) for a nutty finish.
  • Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan and start checking at 6–8 minutes.

Printable Recipe Card

Soft & Fluffy Matcha Donuts (Baked, Not Fried)

Prep: 10 min  •  Bake: 10–12 min  •  Yield: 6 donuts

Ingredients

  • Flour, baking powder, salt
  • Matcha powder
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Melted butter (or neutral oil)
  • Vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a donut pan.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, matcha, salt).
  3. Whisk wet ingredients (sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla) until smooth.
  4. Fold dry into wet until just combined—don’t overmix.
  5. Spoon or pipe batter into cavities, filling about ¾ full.
  6. Bake 10–12 minutes, until tops spring back lightly. Cool briefly, then remove from pan.
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About The Matcha Table

The Matcha Table began with a moment I still think about often: in 2012, I traveled to Japan to visit my sister and we shared matcha at a beautiful onsen—quiet, steamy air, soft light, and that first sip that felt both grounding and special.

That experience shaped how I see matcha today: not just as an ingredient, but as a ritual—calm, intentional, and quietly luxurious.

Here, you’ll find tea-forward recipes where elevated flavor meets everyday ease—desserts and drinks that are balanced, refined, and thoughtfully crafted for slow mornings, cozy afternoons, and moments worth savoring.

Where matcha meets calm, comfort, and craft.

Benefits of Ceremonial-Grade Matcha

A soulful, antioxidant-rich powder known for calm focus, steady energy, and an overall feel-good, bakery-style glow.

  • Calm, Focused Energy – gentle lift from L-theanine and caffeine, without the jitters or crash.
  • Rich in Antioxidants – concentrated catechins, especially EGCG, help fight everyday oxidative stress.
  • Supports Metabolism – may gently support metabolism and fat-burn when paired with a balanced lifestyle.
  • Steady Mood & Clarity – the L-theanine + caffeine duo is loved for promoting clarity, focus, and a more centered state.
  • Everyday Ritual – turning matcha into a small daily ritual can encourage slower mornings and intentional self-care.

"> Matcha isn’t a medical treatment, but it can be a beautiful part of a balanced lifestyle. Learn more about potential matcha benefits from this evidence-based overview .