There’s something unmistakably nostalgic about biting into a warm, sugar-dusted Chinese sweet donut. It’s soft, golden on the outside, and airy on the inside—a simple indulgence that brings back memories of visits to your favorite Chinese buffet. This version takes that comfort food a step further by filling it with a smooth and sweet red bean paste, elevating the humble fried treat into a crave-worthy dessert that feels both familiar and fresh. If you've been curious about how to make Chinese donuts or are looking for a unique twist on a filled donut recipe, this one is a must-try.
Chinese Sweet Donuts with Red Bean Paste
Prep Time 1 hour hr
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine Chinese
Mixing bowls You'll need a couple—one for the dough, one for the flour, and one for the sugar coating.
Stand mixer (optional) Helpful for kneading, but you can definitely knead by hand.
Rolling Pin For shaping the dough (a clean wine bottle will do in a pinch).
Round cutter A 3-inch biscuit or cookie cutter works well.
Frying pan or deep fryer Make sure it’s deep enough for frying.
Slotted spoon or spider strainer For safely removing the donuts from hot oil.
Cooling rack and paper towels To drain excess oil after frying.
For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dry active yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk about 110°F
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg
For the Filling
- 1 cup red bean paste smooth or chunky, depending on preference; available at most Asian grocery stores
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for deep frying; enough to submerge the donuts
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. If nothing happens, your yeast may be expired—start again with fresh yeast.
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine flour and salt. Add in the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Knead until the dough comes together and becomes smooth—about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a dough hook.
Let It Rise
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let it rise for 45 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
Shape and Fill
Punch down the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about ½ inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles.
Take one circle, place a teaspoon of red bean paste in the center, and top with another dough circle. Pinch the edges to seal well, then gently roll into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Pro tip: Seal tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during frying. If you're new to filled donut recipes, this step might take a little practice—but it's worth it.
Second Rise
Place the filled dough balls on a parchment-lined tray. Cover loosely and let them rest for 15 minutes. This second rise ensures a light, fluffy interior.
Fry the Donuts
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the donuts into the oil, frying a few at a time. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and puffed.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.
Coat in Sugar
While the donuts are still warm (but not too hot to handle), roll them in granulated sugar until evenly coated.
And that’s it—you’ve just mastered how to make Chinese donuts with red bean paste!
Perfect Pairings
These Chinese sweet donuts pair beautifully with a hot cup of jasmine or oolong tea. The floral notes of the tea balance the richness of the fried dough and sweet bean filling.
If you want to go full-on dessert platter, serve them alongside other Chinese desserts like sesame balls (jian dui), almond cookies, or even mooncakes. Want something lighter? Fresh fruit with a drizzle of honey or a simple fruit salad with lychee and mango works well.
You could also serve these with a scoop of vanilla or matcha ice cream for a fusion-style dessert plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! While red bean paste is traditional, lotus seed paste, black sesame paste, or even Nutella can work beautifully. But if you're aiming to stay close to Chinese desserts, stick with red bean or lotus.
2. What type of dough works best for this recipe?
The dough here is closer to a Chinese buns recipe—it’s a bit richer than basic bread dough, with milk, egg, and butter for a tender crumb. It’s similar in texture to other Chinese bread recipes but enriched for that soft bite.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
You could, but the texture won’t be quite the same. These are meant to be Chinese sugar donuts—frying gives them that light, puffy, golden crust that baking just can't replicate.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape and fill the dough, then refrigerate them overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise again before frying. They’re best fresh, but will keep in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
5. How many donut calories are in one of these?
On average, each filled donut contains about 180–220 calories, depending on how large they are and how much sugar and oil they absorb. They’re definitely a treat, but totally worth it.
