Mochi doughnuts, or Pon de Ring doughnuts, bring a delightful fusion of Japanese mochi and classic American doughnuts. These treats stand out with their unique chewy texture and their fun, spherical shape. Each doughnut is composed of several small, connected balls, making them easy to pull apart and share. The subtle sweetness, combined with the chewy bite, makes them incredibly addictive. These doughnuts are perfect for anyone looking for something a little different from traditional doughnuts. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat, Mochi Doughnuts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Mochi Doughnuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mochi doughnuts are a unique twist on the traditional doughnut, offering a chewy texture that’s soft and satisfying with every bite. The doughnuts’ shape makes them perfect for sharing or enjoying alone. The glaze adds a sweet, smooth finish, and the optional sprinkles or food coloring make them a fun and customizable treat. Best of all, they are surprisingly simple to make and are perfect for impressing friends and family with something a little different. Whether you enjoy them fresh and hot or let them cool, these doughnuts will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

1 cup glutinous rice flour (mochi flour)
1/2 cup tapioca starch
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Glaze (optional):

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles, for topping (optional)

Tip: You can find a list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the glutinous rice flour, tapioca starch, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. The batter will be sticky.
Rest the Dough:
Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the glutinous rice flour to absorb the liquid fully and creates a better texture.
Shape the Doughnuts:
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with one of the corners cut off. On a piece of parchment paper, pipe out 8 small circles, each about 1-1.5 inches in diameter, connected in a ring shape to form a doughnut. Each circle should touch the next. Repeat with the rest of the dough to make 12 doughnuts. Cut around each doughnut so they are on individual squares of parchment paper.
Fry the Doughnuts:
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or fryer, about 2-3 inches deep, and heat the oil to 325-350°F (160-175°C). Carefully lower the doughnuts, parchment paper and all, into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and puffed up. The parchment paper will detach after a few seconds, and you can remove it using tongs. Place the doughnuts on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Glaze and Decorate:
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Add food coloring to customize the color if desired. Dip each doughnut into the glaze, making sure it’s fully coated. After glazing, sprinkle with your choice of toppings, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or chocolate shavings.
Let the Glaze Set:
Place the glazed doughnuts back on the wire rack and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the glaze to set before serving.

Variations

Flavor variations: Add a few drops of flavored extracts like almond, coconut, or even matcha powder to the dough for unique flavor variations.
Toppings: Experiment with different toppings such as crushed candies, colored sprinkles, or drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence.

Heating/Storage

Storage: Store leftover mochi doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 4 days for longer shelf life.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat doughnuts in the microwave for a few seconds or lightly toast them in a toaster oven. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can still be delicious after a quick reheating.

10 FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of flour for these doughnuts?
No, glutinous rice flour (mochi flour) is essential to achieving the chewy texture of the doughnuts. Tapioca starch also helps give them the right consistency.

2. Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and fry the doughnuts in advance and store them in an airtight container. Glaze them just before serving.

3. Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying them?
These doughnuts are traditionally fried to achieve their chewy texture. Baking them may not provide the same result, but you could experiment by baking at a high temperature (around 350°F) for 10-12 minutes.

4. Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.

5. How do I know when the doughnuts are done frying?
The doughnuts should be golden brown on both sides and puffed up. If unsure, you can insert a toothpick to check that the center is fully cooked.

6. How can I make these doughnuts more festive?
For special occasions, you can use colored glazes, add themed sprinkles, or even shape the doughnuts into fun designs like hearts or stars.

7. Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes, you can use any neutral oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil for frying.

8. Can I freeze these doughnuts?
Yes, you can freeze unglazed doughnuts for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature, then glaze before serving.

9. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the glaze?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate for the glaze. Simply melt the chocolate and dip the doughnuts into it instead of the sugar glaze.

10. Can I add fillings to the doughnuts?
Yes, you can experiment by adding fillings such as chocolate chips, peanut butter, or fruit jam to the doughnuts before frying them.

Conclusion

Mochi doughnuts are a fun, chewy twist on the traditional doughnut, offering a unique texture and flavor that will delight both kids and adults. Their simple yet delicious ingredients make them an easy dessert to prepare, while the customization options let you make them your own. Whether served for breakfast, as a snack, or at a party, these doughnuts are sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different glazes and toppings to make them even more exciting