Tea Blog

The warm embrace of a good cup of tea often brings to mind cakes, scones, and pastries. Whether you’re enjoying tea as part of a formal occasion or simply indulging at home, pairing tea with baked goods is a timeless pleasure. Taking it one step further, incorporating tea directly into your recipes can enhance flavor and create a more cohesive tasting experience.

Here’s a recipe for delicious tea-infused doughnuts:

Tea Doughnuts Recipe

Ingredients

Tea-infused milk base:

• 1 cup milk (or substitute)
• 1 tbsp quality Assam black tea
• ¼ cup unsalted butter

Dough:

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs

Lemon sugar coating:

• 1 cup sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the tea-infused milk

Heat the milk in the microwave for about 1½ minutes. Add the tea using a strainer and steep for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, melt the butter. Remove the tea leaves, stir in the melted butter, and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Mix the dough

In a stand mixer (or large bowl), combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs into the cooled tea mixture. Gradually add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Shape the doughnuts

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out to about ¼ inch thickness and cut using a doughnut cutter (or two round cutters). Place doughnuts on a baking sheet, cover, and chill for about 1 hour.

Step 4: Prepare lemon sugar

Combine sugar and lemon zest in a bowl, rubbing together with your fingers until fragrant.

Step 5: Fry the doughnuts

Heat canola or corn oil (¼–½ inch deep) in a deep pan over medium heat. Test with a small piece of dough—if it bubbles and rises in 15–20 seconds, the oil is ready. Fry doughnuts in batches for about 1½ minutes per side until golden brown.

Step 6: Finish

Drain briefly on paper towels, then toss in the lemon sugar coating.

Serve warm with a fresh cup of tea that complements the Assam base for a truly satisfying experience.

As you sip your tea and enjoy a freshly made doughnut infused with its flavors, you may discover just how well tea and baking can come together.

See more of Janet Sanchez’s recipes and tea-inspired creations in this collection of tea baking and recipe articles.

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