Mochi Donut Recipe

Chewy, crispy, and sweetly glazed — mochi donuts are a delightful cross between traditional American donuts and Japanese mochi. Made with glutinous rice flour, these donuts have a satisfyingly chewy texture that’s completely different from cake or yeast donuts. Whether you’re new to this treat or a longtime fan, this homemade mochi donut recipe brings a bakery-style experience right into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love donuts but want something with a unique texture, this is for you. Mochi donuts are bouncy, light, and just the right amount of sweet. Unlike dense fried options, these are airy thanks to the tapioca flour and are naturally gluten-free. The possibilities for glazes and toppings are endless — you can make them matcha-flavored, chocolate-dipped, or even fruity!

Pure Comfort

Warm, chewy, and dipped in your favorite glaze — few things feel as indulgent and comforting as biting into a fresh mochi donut. Whether you enjoy them with coffee in the morning or as an after-dinner treat, their nostalgic-yet-novel texture brings joy to every bite.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour (mochiko)
• ½ cup tapioca starch
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¾ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Oil, for frying

For the Glaze (optional):

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: matcha powder, cocoa powder, or fruit puree for flavoring

What You Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Piping bag or zip-top bag
• Parchment paper
• Frying thermometer
• Slotted spoon
• Cooling rack

Time to Cook

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 mochi donuts

Steps to Make It

1. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the glutinous rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, and baking powder. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet into the dry and mix until a smooth, sticky dough forms.

2. Pipe the Donuts

Transfer dough into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the tip cut. Pipe small balls in a ring shape (about 8 balls per ring) onto parchment paper squares.

3. Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a deep pot to 325°F (165°C). Drop one donut with parchment paper into the oil. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and puffed. Remove the paper once it loosens.

4. Drain and Cool

Use a slotted spoon to transfer donuts to a cooling rack lined with paper towels. Let cool slightly before glazing.

5. Glaze Time

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip each donut and let the glaze set for a few minutes. Add sprinkles or toppings if you like.

Make It Perfect

Keep the oil temperature consistent around 325°F to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts. Use parchment paper for perfect shapes and easy transfer. Make sure your dough is sticky but pipeable — add a bit more milk if needed.

Mix It Up

Flavor your dough with matcha powder, cocoa, or even black sesame. Swap out the glaze for a chocolate ganache or strawberry icing. You can also dust them with cinnamon sugar or coat in sweetened shredded coconut.

Perfect Partners

These mochi donuts pair beautifully with:

• Iced matcha latte
• Bubble milk tea
• Black coffee
• Fresh fruit salad
• Vanilla ice cream

Busy Day Hero

You can make the dough a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before piping and frying. The donuts fry up in minutes, making this a quick treat even on hectic days.

Work Ahead

Pipe your donuts onto parchment squares and freeze them. When ready to fry, drop them directly into hot oil from frozen — just add an extra minute to the frying time. You can also make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Save Some For Later

Mochi donuts are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 8–10 seconds to revive the chewiness.

Everyone’s Happy

Gluten-free friends rejoice! These donuts are naturally gluten-free and customizable for dairy-free diets. Kids love the chewy texture and colorful glaze options, and adults can enjoy gourmet twists like espresso or earl grey glaze.

Good For You Too

While they’re still a sweet treat, mochi donuts use less oil compared to traditional donuts due to the quick frying time. They’re also made without yeast, so no proofing is needed — fewer steps and less fuss!

Easy Clean Up

Use parchment squares to avoid dough sticking to your surface. Frying with a thermometer reduces mess and splatter. A slotted spoon and paper towel setup make cleanup a breeze.

Switch It Up

Try baked mochi donuts using a silicone donut mold and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes. You won’t get the same crispy outside, but you’ll still enjoy the chewy interior.

Simply Perfect

Chewy on the inside, lightly crispy on the outside, and endlessly customizable — mochi donuts are a dessert lover’s dream. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can bring this trendy treat home with ease.

FAQs

1. What makes mochi donuts different from regular donuts?
Mochi donuts are made with glutinous rice flour, giving them a chewy, bouncy texture unlike traditional yeast or cake donuts.

2. Are mochi donuts gluten-free?
Yes! Glutinous rice flour and tapioca starch are both naturally gluten-free.

3. Can I bake mochi donuts instead of frying them?
Absolutely. Use a donut mold and bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes.

4. Why do I need parchment paper?
It helps hold the donut shape while frying and prevents the dough from sticking.

5. What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil are ideal for frying.

6. How do I get the perfect glaze?
Use sifted powdered sugar and adjust the milk gradually to reach a thick, pourable consistency.

7. Can I make mochi donuts dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk and a vegan butter substitute to keep it dairy-free.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting brunch, indulging a sweet tooth, or looking for a fun kitchen project, this mochi donut recipe delivers on every front. Chewy, crispy, and dipped in a sweet glaze of your choice, these donuts are the perfect treat to wow your friends and family. Get creative, mix and match flavors, and enjoy the joy of making (and devouring) homemade mochi donuts.

Discover More Sweet Sensations

If you’re diving into the delicious world of mochi donuts, you’ll love trying other unique and delightful treats available on Goodie Recipes. For another chewy, flavor-packed dessert, the Churro Cheesecake Recipe offers a crispy cinnamon twist you can’t resist. Looking for a fruity alternative? These Strawberry Mochi Balls are the perfect match. If you’re in the mood for a decadent frozen creation, don’t miss the Oreo Ice Cream Cake Recipe. And for a playful presentation, try the Cotton Candy Swirl Candy Apples that delight kids and adults alike. Lastly, for those who love creamy and crunchy desserts, the Crispy Strawberry Cheesecake Wontons are a fun twist worth tasting.

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