Crispy Twisted Donuts (Ma Hua) – Chinese Street Snack Favorite
These twisted donuts (ma hua) are soft inside, golden outside, with a crisp breadcrumb crust and a chewy, stretchy bite. They're fun to make and even more fun to eat!
Course Snack
Cuisine Chinese
Prep Time 40 minutesminutes
Cook Time 15 minutesminutes
Proofing Time 1 hourhour
Servings 4
Calories 623kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
500gall-purpose flourprovides gluten structure
2eggsabout 100g, adds fluffiness and egg aroma
5gyeast powderhelps fermentation and creates pull-apart texture
50ggranulated sugaradds sweetness and helps yeast work
200mlwarm waterabout 35°C, for kneading
40gcooking oil + extra as needed40g for dough, extra for frying
Additional:
breadcrumbsas needed (for crisp coating)
Instructions
Make the dough
In a large bowl, add 500g flour, 50g sugar, 5g yeast, and crack in 2 eggs. Gradually stir in 200ml warm water with chopsticks until the dough becomes shaggy. Add 40g oil and knead into a soft, smooth dough (add a little extra water if too dry, or sprinkle some flour if too sticky).
Note: The dough should feel soft but not sticky.
First Proof: Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place for 10 minutes—just long enough for the flour to absorb water and soften.
Develop the gluten window
Transfer dough to a board. Knead and stretch it like you're washing clothes, for 5–8 minutes, until the surface is smooth and stretchy. Test for the “glove film” stage—stretching a small piece should create a thin, elastic membrane without tearing easily.
Divide and rest
Cut dough into pieces about 50g each (adjust size if desired). Roll each piece into a rope. Brush lightly with oil, cover with plastic wrap, and rest for 10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax for easier shaping.
Roll into ropes and twist into donuts
Take one rested piece and roll it evenly into a 30 cm-long rope.
Hold one end of the rope, then use your other hand to twist the other end in the opposite direction until the rope naturally coils into a spiral. Lift both ends to let it twist into a double-helix shape. Pinch the ends together to seal.
Coat and final proof
Dip each shaped twist quickly in water to moisten the surface, then roll in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help them stick.
Place on a tray, cover, and proof in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour). The proofed twists should feel light and slowly bounce back when pressed.
Fry the donuts
Heat enough oil in a pot to 150–160°C (medium heat). You'll know it's ready when bubbles form around a chopstick.
Carefully add the donuts and fry over low heat, turning gently with chopsticks to prevent sticking. Fry until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Remove, drain oil, and cool slightly before enjoying.