Soft, green matcha donuts topped with a delicate floral glaze
If you love the idea of pairing classic baked treats with fresh, creative flavors, these Vegan Matcha Mini Donuts with Lavender Glaze are a dreamy dessert or brunch option. These small baked donuts combine the earthy, slightly sweet flavor of matcha green tea with a subtly floral lavender glaze. They are light, colorful, and perfect for serving to friends, family, or enjoying as a little everyday treat.
These donuts are baked, not fried, which makes them lighter and easier to prepare in a home oven. Plus, the green color of the matcha and the pale purple lavender glaze make them look especially beautiful on a dessert platter.
Ingredients
For the Matcha Mini Donuts
These ingredients will make about a dozen mini donuts:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Culinary-grade matcha powder
- Granulated sugar
- Plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk)
- Plain vegan yogurt
- Neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
- Vanilla extract
For the Lavender Glaze
- Powdered sugar
- Plant-based milk or plant-based cream
- Culinary grade dried lavender buds
- Optional: light purple food coloring
These basic components come together to form a soft, fragrant baked donut with a glossy lavender-infused glaze on top.
How to Make the Matcha Mini Donuts
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to a moderate baking temperature (around 175–180°C). Lightly grease your mini donut pan to make sure the donuts release easily once baked.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and matcha powder. Matcha not only provides the vibrant green color but also a smooth, earthy flavor.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, blend the plant-based milk, vegan yogurt, neutral oil, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients help give the donuts moisture and sweetness while keeping them tender.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix; you want the batter just smooth enough to hold air and rise well.
5. Fill the Donut Mold
Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner cut off. Pipe the batter into each cavity of the donut pan so that each is about ¾ full. This ensures even rising without spilling over during baking.
6. Bake Until Done
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Once baked, let the donuts cool in the pan a few minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.
How to Make the Lavender Glaze
7. Heat the Plant-Based Cream
While the donuts cool, warm the plant-based milk or cream in a small bowl until it’s steaming but not boiling. The warmth will help extract the flavor from the lavender buds.
8. Steep the Lavender
Stir the dried culinary lavender into the warm plant milk and let it steep for a few minutes. The longer it sits, the more noticeable the floral notes will be.
9. Strain the Lavender
Strain out the lavender buds so you are left with the infused milk. Press lightly on the buds to extract all the fragrant liquid.
10. Whisk the Glaze
In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar with about half of the lavender-infused milk. Stir until smooth, then gradually add more infused milk until the glaze reaches a thick but pourable consistency. If you like, add a drop or two of light purple food coloring to enhance the pastel look.
11. Glaze the Donuts
Dip the tops of the cooled mini donuts into the lavender glaze. Place them glaze-side up on a plate or rack to set. It may take an hour or two for the glaze to fully firm up, giving your donuts that beautiful finish.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
These mini donuts make a lovely afternoon treat or a refreshing dessert after a meal with friends. The soft matcha flavor pairs especially well with hot tea, coffee, or even a glass of plant-based milk. Their bite-sized shape makes them ideal for platters, brunch gatherings, or celebrations.
If you want to highlight the lavender even more, serve with a lightly sweetened herbal tea that has floral notes. For a contrasting flavor, combine with fresh berries or citrus slices on the side.
Tips for Best Results
- Use culinary-grade matcha powder: This ensures the green color and flavor are vibrant without being bitter.
- Do not skip steeping the lavender: It gives the glaze a subtle floral taste that really sets these donuts apart.
- Cool the donuts completely before glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting off and ensures a nice finish.
These Vegan Matcha Mini Donuts with Lavender Glaze bring together unique flavors in a delightful baked treat. They are simple enough for home bakers yet elegant enough to impress guests, with a balance of earthy, sweet, and floral profiles that make every bite special.