Easy Chinese Donuts Recipe
Easy Chinese Donuts Recipe. I’m telling you, this isn’t your average donut. It’s got that crispy outside, soft inside, and a glaze that’s just… chef’s kiss. Plus, it’s way easier to make than you think. So ditch the donut shop and let’s get frying!
My hubby, bless his heart, is the PICKIEST eater EVER. But even he begs me to make these Easy Chinese Donuts Recipe every other weekend. And the kiddo? She literally does a happy dance when she sees me pulling out the ingredients. One time, I tried to be “healthy” and make banana bread instead. BIG mistake. Let’s just say there were tears involved (mostly mine, after cleaning up the rejected banana mush). So now, I just stick to what works, and these donuts are a certified crowd-pleaser. Seriously, make these. Your family will love you forever.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chinese Donuts Recipe
- They’re ridiculously easy. Like, even I can’t mess them up (most of the time).
- That crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture? To die for.
- The glaze is sweet, a little sticky, and totally addictive.
- They’re way cheaper than buying donuts from a fancy bakery. More money for shoes, am I right?
- They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a “I deserve this” snack.
How to Make It
Okay, so first things first: grab a big bowl. Like, the biggest one you have. Now, throw in all the dry stuff – flour, sugar, baking powder, a pinch of salt. Whisk it all together like you mean it. I sometimes skip the whisk and use a fork if I can’t find it.
Next, in a separate bowl (or a big measuring cup, I’m not judging), mix the wet stuff – milk, egg, vanilla extract. Honestly, I usually eyeball the vanilla. A little extra never hurt anyone, right?
Pour the wet into the dry and mix it all together. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are fine. It should be a sticky dough.
Now, heat up some oil in a big pot or deep fryer. You want it hot enough so a little piece of dough browns in about 30 seconds. I usually test it with a wooden spoon.
Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of dough into the oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot! Fry them until they are golden brown and delicious-looking.
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Take them out and put them on a plate with paper towel to soak up the extra oil.
While the donuts are cooling off a little, mix together the glaze ingredients: powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla. Dip each donut in the glaze and put them on a wire rack to let the excess drip off.
Sprinkle them with sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. And that’s it! Try not to eat them all in one sitting. (I usually fail at this part.)
Ingredient Notes
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our donut, so don’t skip it! I mean, you could try a gluten-free blend, but I haven’t had much luck with it. They tend to get a little gummy.
- Granulated Sugar: For sweetness, duh! You can use brown sugar if you want a slightly caramel-y flavor. I do it all the time when I am out of white sugar.
- Baking Powder: This is what makes the donuts all light and fluffy. Make sure yours is fresh! Old baking powder will give you flat, sad donuts.
- Milk: Any kind of milk works! Dairy, almond, soy, whatever. I usually use 2%, cause that’s what’s in the fridge.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together. I’ve accidentally forgotten it before and… well, let’s just say the donuts were a bit crumbly.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a little something-something. Don’t skip it! Unless you’re really in a pinch. Then, eh, it’s fine.
- Powdered Sugar: Makes the glaze all smooth and sweet. Don’t try to substitute granulated sugar – it won’t work!
- Oil: For frying! Vegetable, canola, peanut… whatever you have on hand. Just make sure it’s neutral-flavored.
Recipe Steps:
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Heat oil in a pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, frying until golden brown.
- Remove donuts and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze.
- Dip each donut in the glaze and place on a wire rack.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
What to Serve It With
Okay, so obviously, these are amazing on their own. But if you wanna get fancy, here are a few ideas:
- Coffee (duh!)
- Tea (also duh!)
- A big glass of milk (for the kiddos… and me)
- Fresh fruit (for a slightly healthier vibe)
- Ice cream (because why not?)
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t overmix the dough! This will make the donuts tough.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough! Otherwise, the donuts will be greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot! Fry the donuts in batches.
- Keep an eye on them! They can burn quickly.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the glaze! Add a little cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a drop of food coloring.
- If you accidentally burn a batch, don’t panic! Just toss them and start over. It happens to the best of us.
- And most importantly, have fun! Cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is a big “if”), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best eaten fresh, but they’ll still be good for a day or two. Pro tip: If they get a little stale, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up. And honestly, cold donuts for breakfast? Don’t judge. I’ve totally done it.
Variations and Substitutions
- Honey instead of sugar: Adds a nice flavor, just don’t go overboard.
- Tamari for soy sauce: Gluten-free!
- Different extracts: Almond, lemon, orange… get creative!
- Sprinkles instead of sesame seeds: For a more festive look.
- No glaze at all: Just dust them with powdered sugar.
I once tried to make these with coconut flour because I thought I was being all healthy and stuff. Let me tell you, it was a DISASTER. They turned out dense, dry, and just plain weird. So yeah, stick to all-purpose flour. And don’t try to be too healthy. It’s donuts, people!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Easy Chinese Donuts Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (16-ounce can)
- 3 cup vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Separate biscuits and cut each one into quarters.
- Fry biscuit pieces in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- While still warm, roll the donuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Chinese donuts!
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
