Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

These mochi donuts are the ultimate cultural fusion dish. Chewy mochi center, crunchy, golden brown exterior, all rolled in sweet sugar. The perfect finger food dessert for any occasion.

Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (1)

In typical Hawai’i fashion we have a cultural blend that creates the most delicious treat around. A little bit of Japanese mixed with a little bit of Portuguese and a whole lot of good.

Fry up these little bite sized pieces of goodness and you’ll be sure to attract a crowd. I mean it’s deep fried, so it has to be good right?

Mochi donuts take a blend of Japanese mochi and Portuguese malasadas, or better yet call it a mochisada.

Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (2)

Japanese mochi is a sweetened rice cake popular for many special occasions in both Japan and Hawai’i.

Malasadas are a Portuguese deep fried donut rolled in granulated sugar and also a popular treat in Hawai’i.

Mix those two together and you’ve got yourself one amazing dessert.

Ingredients for mochi donuts

Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (3)
  • 2 cups mochiko flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 tablespoon butter, unsalted, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg

Let’s talk mochiko flour. Mochicko is a sweet rice flour that can be found in the Asian aisle at most grocery stores. This gives the mochi donut it’s characteristic chewiness. I would not recommend replacing this with traditional flour.

Next the sugar. Traditional malasadas are rolled in granulated sugar. This recipe calls for the same. You could roll the donuts in powdered sugar or even make a yummy glaze if you wish.

Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (4)

One of the keys to this recipe is baking powder. This is not your typical yeast risen donut dough. It uses the power of leavening with baking powder, which cuts back on the prep time. That’s a win in my books.

And of course you can’t forget to add just a touch of vanilla extract. Try out my homemade vanilla extract recipe here.

What type of oil do I use?

I’d suggest using a neutral flavor oil like vegetable, canola, avocado, etc. The oil is heated to 350F when frying, so you can use most types of oil safely here.

Are mochi donuts gluten free?

Yes! Mochiko is naturally gluten free unlike many other flours. You’ll sometimes see it described as glutinous rice flour, but don’t let that fool you. Glutinous is used to describe the sticky, chewy consistency when cooked.

How to store mochi donuts?

These are best eaten fresh. If you manage to have some leftovers, place in an airtight container and store at room temperature.

Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (5)

How long do mochi donuts last?

If stored in an airtight container the mochi donuts will keep for 2-3 days.

How to reheat mochi donuts?

As previously mentioned, these are best eaten fresh. If you did not toss the donuts in granulated sugar you can re-fry the donuts to bring back the crispiness. Another option would be to microwave, but this will not yield the original crispiness.

Can you refrigerate/freeze mochi donuts?

I would not recommend refrigerating or freezing already cooked mochi donuts. You can, however, refrigerate or freeze the dough once mixed for future use.

More Recipes for the mochi lovers

  • Chocolate butter mochi
  • Mochi brownies
  • Mochi pancakes
  • Ube mochi
  • Ozoni
  • Mochi
  • Butter mochi

How to make mochi donuts?

For the dry ingredients: To a large bowl add mochiko flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well combined and set aside.

Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (6)

For the wet ingredients: Heat milk in the microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute. To another bowl add heated milk, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (7)

For the dough: Add wet ingredients to the dry and begin mixing. Once the wet ingredients have just begun incorporating with the dry add the egg. Mix until well combined.

Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (8)

Heat a pot with the cooking oil of your choice to 350F.

Using a small cookie scoop, carefully scoop and drop the dough into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (9)

Add about 1/2 cup granulated sugar to a small bowl.

Once the donuts have finished frying, remove from oil, and place in the bowl of sugar and toss to coat.

Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (10)

Remove from sugar and place on a cooling rack to cool slightly and ENJOY!

Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (11)

Mochi Donuts

Relle Lum

These mochi donuts are the ultimate cultural fusion dish. Chewy mochi center, crunchy, golden brown exterior, all rolled in sweet sugar. The perfect finger food dessert for any occasion.

4.61 from 213 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine Local

Servings 28 pieces

Calories 57 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • For the dry ingredients: To a large bowl add mochiko flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until well combined and set aside.

  • For the wet ingredients: Heat milk in microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute. To another bowl add heated milk, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

  • For the dough: Add wet ingredients to the dry and begin mixing. Once the wet ingredients have just begun incorporating with the dry add the egg. Mix until well combined.

  • Heat a pot with the cooking oil of your choice to 350F.

  • Using a small cookie scoop, carefully scoop and drop the dough into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

  • Add about 1/2 cup granulated sugar to a small bowl.

  • Once the donuts have finished frying, remove from oil, and place in the bowl of sugar and toss to coat.

  • Remove from sugar and place on a cooling rack to cool slightly and ENJOY!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 57kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 43mgSugar: 2g

Keyword asian food, desserts, donut holes, donuts, Hawaii food, keeping it relle, mochi, mochi donuts, mochisada, mochisadas, treats

Did you make this recipe?Share a photo and tag @keeping.it.relle on Instagram so I can see all your delicious creations and Let me know how it was!

© Relle Lum for Keeping It Relle. Please do not copy and paste or screenshot recipes online or on social media. I’d love it if you share a link with a photo instead. Mahalo!

Tried this recipe? Tag me on social. I’d love to see and share it.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keeping.it.relle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keepingitrelle

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/keepingitrelle

Tried and love this recipe? Please give it a rating.

Pin for later.

Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (12)
Mochi Donuts Recipe (Mochisadas) (2024)

FAQs

What is mochi donut dough made of? ›

Mochi donuts are commonly formed into a circular shape, consisting of eight small balls that are easy to pull apart. They are made out of glutinous rice flour or tapioca flour.

What flour does Mochinut use? ›

Made with either gluten-free tapioca flour or glutinous rice flour, Mochinut offers an alternative for those looking to avoid traditional wheat-based donuts. Some recipes are entirely gluten-free, making them accessible to a wider audience without sacrificing taste or texture.

What are the ingredients in modo mochi donuts? ›

MODO HAWAII uses a blend of both rice and wheat flour to create a mochi donut that is soft and chewy. Our flagship products also contain eggs and soy.

What is the difference between mochi and mochi donut? ›

As mentioned before, mochi donuts are a combination of the American donut and Japanese mochi. The hybrid batter creates a moist and fluffy texture with a satisfying chew. The main ingredients in mochi donuts are tapioca or rice flour. Some recipes call for all purpose flour as well.

Are mochi donuts healthier than donuts? ›

The glutinous rice flour style uses mochiko and produces mochi donuts that are denser and more similar to Hawaiian butter mochi. Both types of mochi donuts are naturally gluten-free and have fewer calories than regular donuts.

Why is my mochi donut not chewy? ›

Tips for Making Mochi Donuts

It's important to keep stirring the dough over the stovetop until it becomes a ball to activate the “chewy.” This dough is very sticky and can also be piped instead of scooped and rolled.

What makes Mochinut chewy? ›

Unlike American donuts, mochi donuts are made with rice flour. The rice flour makes mochi donuts stretchy and chewy.

What is mochi flour called? ›

Mochiko is a white flour made of glutinous/sweet rice to make chewy, sticky mochi desserts. It's also a gluten-free thickener. Mochiko (もち粉), mochiko sweet rice flour, or mochi flour, is a glutinous rice flour (sweet rice flour) made of glutinous short-grain Japanese rice.

What is a substitute for glutinous rice flour in mochi? ›

This ground rice is used to make the bouncy, delicious mochi and rice cakes we've all come to love. Other rice flours, like plain rice flour and chapssal flour, can provide a similar chewy consistency as glutinous rice flour. So, they work well as substitutes.

Why are mochi donuts so good? ›

They are a bit healthier than regular donuts, so that's something — (frequently gluten free) and lower in sugar. They have a crispy outside but surprisingly satisfying chewy center.

What is in a Mochinut donut? ›

Using rice flour as the main ingredient, the Mochinuts are topped with flavors which include: pomegranate, mango, banana, and over 50 different types of toppings. The tasty and uniquely shaped doughnuts consist of eight small, round, and delicate dough balls connected in the shape of a circle.

How long do mochi donuts last? ›

Donuts may be stored for up to 1 day at room temperature or up to 1 week in the freezer.

Is mochi healthier than ice cream? ›

The average mochi ball is about 100 calories. Whereas filling up a bowl of ice cream might equate to over 350 calories, a small 100 calorie snack won't throw off your weight loss goals. A small taste of indulgence will keep you motivated and happy throughout the day.

Why is mochi so yummy? ›

Texture-wise it's difficult to explain if you haven't yet tried it, but essentially it's a gooey combination of rice and dough. By itself, mochi is relatively flavourless, but when mixed with other ingredients such as sugar and anko (sweet red bean paste), it becomes a delicious and rather delicate treat.

Are mochinut donuts fried? ›

Texture & taste of mochi donuts

It's also well-loved for its similar mochi-like texture on the inside and deep-fried donut crust.

Is Mochi dough made of rice? ›

Mochi (もち, 餅) [motɕi] is a Japanese rice cake made of mochigome (もち米), a short-grain japonica glutinous rice, and sometimes other ingredients such as water, sugar, and cornstarch. The steamed rice is pounded into paste and molded into the desired shape.

What is original mochi made of? ›

Mochi is made of mochigome, a Japanese variety of sweet glutinous rice, that is soaked overnight, steamed, pounded into dough and molded into various shapes. Some sweet mochi confections contain fillings such as bean paste, ice cream or fresh fruit.

What is mochi coating made of? ›

Mochi are small, sweet Japanese cakes made with glutinous rice flour (mochiko). They have a soft, chewy outer layer and a deliciously sticky filling made of sweetened red bean paste.

What is donut dough made of? ›

Start by sprinkling yeast over warm water to activate, then add flour, sugar, salt, milk, shortening, and eggs to create the dough. Knead the dough until smooth, cover it, and allow it to rise until doubled in size. Roll the dough out to a ½ inch thickness before using a doughnut cutter to create a shape.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6229

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.