When it comes to sweet treats, Chinese doughnuts (or “youtiao” in Mandarin) are a classic favorite that never goes out of style. These soft and fluffy fried or steamed delights are often coated with sesame seeds, sugar, or other toppings, giving them a delightful crunch and flavor. In this article, we’ll explore 19 mouthwatering Chinese doughnut recipes that will satisfy your sweet cravings and take you on a culinary journey across China.
From classic youtiao to innovative flavors like matcha green tea and pumpkin, these recipes showcase the versatility of Chinese doughnuts and their ability to be enjoyed at any time of day. Whether you’re in the mood for something traditional or adventurous, we’ve got you covered with our collection of Chinese doughnut recipes below.
Classic Chinese Youtiao (Fried Dough Sticks)
A staple breakfast or snack item in Chinese cuisine, Youtiao is a crispy and golden fried dough stick that pairs perfectly with congee, soy milk, or as a side to your favorite stir-fry.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Gradually add in the warm water to form a dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces.
4. Roll out each piece into a thin rope shape.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the dough sticks in batches, about 2-3 at a time, until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per batch).
7. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes total
Sweet Glutinous Rice Flour Doughnuts
These soft and fluffy doughnuts are made with glutinous rice flour, giving them a unique texture and subtle sweetness. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat anytime!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/2 cup warm water
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add yeast to the dry ingredients and mix well.
3. Gradually add warm water to form a sticky dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
6. Punch down the dough and shape into rings or balls. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil with paper towels and let cool.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sesame Coated Chinese Doughnuts
Experience the delightful combination of crispy sesame seeds and fluffy doughnuts with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Sesame seeds for coating
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let it rest in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
6. Punch down the dough and cut into desired shapes.
7. Fry doughnuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Coat with sesame seeds while still warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Red Bean Paste Filled Doughnuts
Elevate your doughnut game with these unique treats, featuring a sweet and savory red bean paste filling.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Red bean paste filling (store-bought or homemade)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, proof yeast by mixing with warm milk (105°F). Let sit for 5 minutes.
4. Add egg to yeast mixture and whisk until smooth.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
6. Knead dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
7. Roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
8. Fry doughnuts in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar. Fill with red bean paste filling.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pumpkin Chinese Doughnuts
These bite-sized doughnuts are a delightful combination of warm spices and sweet pumpkin flavors, perfect for a seasonal treat. With a light and airy texture, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 egg, beaten
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, milk, sugar, pumpkin puree, and salt. Mix until smooth.
2. Add yeast and stir to combine.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
6. Punch down dough, cut into small pieces, and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Matcha Green Tea Flavored Doughnuts
Start your day with a unique twist on traditional doughnuts – these matcha green tea flavored treats are infused with the subtle bitterness of Japanese-style green tea.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon matcha powder
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add matcha powder and whisk until well combined.
4. Add melted butter and mix until a smooth dough forms.
5. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then let it rest for 1 hour.
6. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness and use a doughnut cutter or a glass to cut shapes.
7. Fry the doughnuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Coconut Milk Chinese Doughnuts
These sweet and fluffy doughnuts are infused with the creamy richness of coconut milk and a hint of tropical flavor, perfect for a unique dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flours, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut milk, oil, eggs, and ginger.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
6. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop doughnuts into the hot oil, 3-4 at a time.
7. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
8. Drain and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes per batch
Black Sesame Chinese Doughnuts
These chewy doughnuts are infused with the nutty flavor of black sesame seeds, giving them a unique and addictive taste.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the melted butter and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
6. Once the oil is hot, punch down the dough and cut into desired shapes.
7. Fry the doughnuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Drain the doughnuts on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Honey Glazed Chinese Doughnuts
These sweet and fluffy doughnuts are infused with the warmth of honey and the comfort of a traditional Chinese dessert. Perfect for any occasion, these treats are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Gradually add milk, egg, and vegetable oil to form a smooth dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough and shape into rings or balls.
7. Fry the doughnuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
8. Drain excess oil and glaze with honey while still warm.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes
Five-Spice Chinese Doughnuts
These sweet and crispy doughnuts are infused with the warm, aromatic flavors of five-spice powder, perfect for a delightful Chinese-inspired treat. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these mouthwatering treats at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add milk, egg, and vegetable oil to form a smooth dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until elastic.
4. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. Punch down dough and shape into rings. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Taro Filled Chinese Doughnuts
These sweet and crispy doughnuts are filled with a creamy taro filling, giving them a unique Asian twist. Perfect for snacking or as a dessert to impress your friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1/2 cup cooked taro puree
+ 1 tablespoon cornstarch
+ 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
+ 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and yeast.
2. Gradually add warm water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Divide the dough into 8-10 portions and shape each into a ball.
5. Roll out each ball into a thin circle.
6. Place a spoonful of taro filling in the center of each circle.
7. Fold the dough over the filling and press edges to seal.
8. Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
9. Fry doughnuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
10. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chocolate Drizzled Chinese Doughnuts
These bite-sized doughnuts are a twist on traditional Chinese treats, drizzled with rich chocolate for an added layer of indulgence. Perfect as a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
• Dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate, for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Gradually add warm water, vegetable oil, and sugar; mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., circles or squares).
7. Fry doughnuts in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
8. Drain excess oil on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
9. Melt chocolate chips or chop dark chocolate; drizzle over cooled doughnuts.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (frying time) + resting time
Almond Crusted Chinese Doughnuts
Satisfy your cravings with these crispy-on-the-outside and fluffy-on-the-inside Almond Crusted Chinese Doughnuts.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon almond extract
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, warm water, yeast, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oil to 375°F (190°C).
5. Punch down the dough and cut into 8-10 pieces.
6. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten slightly.
7. Dip each doughnut in almond extract and then roll in sliced almonds to coat.
8. Fry doughnuts for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
9. Drain excess oil and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Potato Chinese Doughnuts
These sweet and fluffy doughnuts are a delicious twist on traditional Chinese treats. Made with roasted sweet potatoes and a hint of five-spice powder, they’re perfect for snacking or as a dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. Roast the sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 400°F for 45-50 minutes, or until soft.
3. Let the sweet potatoes cool, then mash and mix with flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, and five-spice powder.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar and milk.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
6. Fry the doughnuts in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil and dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Lotus Seed Paste Filled Doughnuts
A sweet and unique twist on traditional doughnuts, these treats combine the richness of lotus seed paste with a light and airy doughnut. Perfect for a special occasion or as a delightful treat any time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– Lotus seed paste (about 1/2 cup)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and yeast.
4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a doughnut cutter or glass.
7. Fry the doughnuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Allow the doughnuts to cool before filling with lotus seed paste and dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes per batch
Cinnamon Sugar Chinese Doughnuts
These sweet and fluffy doughnuts are a twist on the classic Chinese treat, coated in a crunchy cinnamon sugar mixture.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add milk and egg to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, then cover and let rest for 1 hour.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Punch down the dough and cut into small pieces.
6. Fry the doughnuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil and toss with cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mango Flavored Chinese Doughnuts
These bite-sized treats combine the sweetness of mango with the flaky, airy texture of traditional Chinese doughnuts. Perfect for snacking or as a dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup mango puree
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add in warm water to form a dough.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
5. Divide dough into small balls and roll out into thin circles.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry doughnuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Drain excess oil and dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pandan Leaf Flavored Doughnuts
Experience the exotic flavors of Southeast Asia with these delicate doughnuts infused with the unique aroma and taste of pandan leaves. Perfect for a sweet treat or a creative twist on traditional desserts.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup pandan extract or 2-3 fresh pandan leaves, blended into a paste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add yeast, milk, eggs, and pandan extract/paste; mix until smooth.
4. Cover and let the dough rest for 1 hour.
5. Pipe the dough into rings and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil and let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: approximately 15-20 minutes (including resting time)
Soy Milk Chinese Doughnuts
A classic Chinese treat gets a creamy twist with these soy milk-infused doughnuts. Fluffy, tender, and subtly nutty, they’re perfect for a sweet snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/2 cup soy milk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and sugar.
2. Add yeast and mix until combined.
3. Gradually add soy milk, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
4. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
5. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop doughnut mixture into hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain excess oil with paper towels, then dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Conclusion
Indulge in the sweet world of Chinese doughnuts with these 19 mouthwatering recipes! From classic Youtiao fried dough sticks to innovative flavors like matcha green tea and coconut milk, there’s something for every taste bud. Try your hand at making traditional glutinous rice flour doughnuts or get creative with fillings like red bean paste and taro. For a sweet treat, drizzle chocolate or honey over your doughnuts or coat them in sesame seeds and almonds. Whatever your craving, these recipes will satisfy your hunger and leave you wanting more!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
