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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 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Proofing Time 1 hour
Servings 4
Calories 623kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 500 g all-purpose flour provides gluten structure
  • 2 eggs about 100g, adds fluffiness and egg aroma
  • 5 g yeast powder helps fermentation and creates pull-apart texture
  • 50 g granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps yeast work
  • 200 ml warm water about 35°C, for kneading
  • 40 g cooking oil + extra as needed 40g for dough, extra for frying

Additional:

  • breadcrumbs as 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 623kcal | Carbohydrates: 108g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 164mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 119IU | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 6mg