MOCHI DONUTS : DELICIOUS, CHEWY AND PERFECTLY SWEET
Mochi donuts are a fun twist on the classic American donut, blending the chewy, slightly crispy texture of mochi with the sweetness and flavor of a traditional donut. These delectable treats are gaining popularity worldwide, especially among fans of Japanese-inspired desserts. The secret to their unique texture lies in the use of glutinous rice flour, which creates the signature chewiness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this mochi donuts will guide you through every step to achieve the perfect batch.
In this recipe, we will go over all the necessary ingredients, tools, and techniques needed to create soft, chewy, and wonderfully sweet mochi donuts that are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Let’s dive into the world of these delightful donuts and learn how to make them at home!
INGREDIENTS FOR MOCHI DONUTS
To start, gather all the ingredients necessary for making mochi donuts. You’ll need a combination of glutinous rice flour, sweeteners, and other standard baking ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
DRY INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup of glutinous rice flou
- r (also known as mochi flour)
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
WET INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup of milk (or non-dairy milk for a vegan option)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp of butter (melted) or a vegan alternative (like coconut oil)
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR FRYING
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
FOR THE GLAZE (OPTIONAL)
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp of milk (or non-dairy milk)
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Food coloring (optional)

THE TECHNIQUE: HOW TO MAKE MOCHI DONUTS
Making mochi donuts at home is simple, but there are a few key steps to get them just right. The dough should be soft and easy to handle, while the frying process ensures they get that crispy exterior. Let’s go through the steps to make these irresistible donuts.
PREPARING THE DRY INGREDIENTS
The first step in this mochi donuts is to prepare the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and free of any lumps. This will ensure an even texture throughout the dough.
COMBINING THE WET INGREDIENTS
In a separate dish, mix together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla essence. The wet ingredients are the base that will bring the dry ingredients together, creating a smooth dough.
CREATING THE MOCHI DONUT DOUGH
Next, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients gradually while stirring constantly. Mix them until the dough starts to come together. You should have a smooth, sticky dough that is slightly thicker than traditional donut batter. If the dough is too dry, you can add a little more milk to achieve the right consistency.
Once the dough is well-mixed, let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will help the ingredients blend together and make the dough easier to handle.
SHAPING THE MOCHI DONUTS
Now it’s time to shape the dough into donuts. If you have a donut mold, this is the time to use it. Roll little amounts of dough into balls and place each ball of dough into the donut mold, pressing lightly to form the donut shape.
If you don’t have a donut mold, don’t worry! You can simply roll out the dough into small logs and shape them into donut rings by pinching the ends together. The rings should be about 2-3 inches in diameter, but you can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.
FRYING THE MOCHI DONUTS
Once the donuts are shaped, heat a large pot or deep fryer with vegetable oil. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the shaped donuts into the hot oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Fry the donuts for about 3-4 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. The exact frying time may vary depending on the size of your donuts, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
When the mochi donuts are done, take them from the oil and lay them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
MAKING THE GLAZE (OPTIONAL)
While the donuts are cooling, you can prepare the glaze if desired. In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla essence, and a sprinkle of salt. If you want to add a fun pop of color, you can mix in a few drops of food coloring.
Dip each cooled donut into the glaze and place them on a wire rack to set. You can also sprinkle toppings such as chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or sprinkles on top of the glaze for added texture and flavor.

SERVING YOUR MOCHI DONUTS
Once the glaze has set, your mochi donuts are ready to be served! These donuts are perfect for a morning treat, a fun snack, or even as a dessert to serve at a party. The chewiness of the mochi combined with the sweetness of the glaze makes for an irresistible combination.
Mochi donuts are best served fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. You can reheat them slightly in the microwave to bring back some of their freshness.
TIPS AND VARIATIONS
TIPS FOR MAKING THE PERFECT MOCHI DONUTS
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overworking the dough can cause the mochi donuts to be dense. Mix just until everything is combined, then rest the dough for the best texture.
- Use glutinous rice flour: This is the key ingredient that gives mochi donuts their chewy texture. Don’t substitute it with regular rice flour.
- Fry at the right temperature: The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) to ensure the donuts fry properly. If the oil is too hot, they may burn on the outside and remain raw inside. If it’s too cool, the donuts will become greasy.
- Experiment with flavors: You can add different flavors to the dough, such as matcha, cocoa powder, or cinnamon for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
VARIATIONS OF MOCHI DONUTS
- Matcha Mochi Donuts: Add matcha powder to the dough for a vibrant green color and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Chocolate Mochi Donuts: Mix in some cocoa powder or drizzle melted chocolate over the donuts for a decadent treat.
- Vegan Mochi Donuts: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk). You can also replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture.
CONCLUSION
Making mochi donuts at home is a rewarding and fun baking project that results in soft, chewy, and utterly delicious treats. The key to a perfect mochi donut lies in the balance of ingredients, the careful frying process, and the creativity in glazing and decorating. Whether you’re enjoying them plain or adding a colorful glaze, these donuts are sure to be a hit for any occasion.
So, gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and start frying up some homemade mochi donuts for an unforgettable treat!