Mochi Doughnuts: Crispy, Chewy & Irresistible

Introduction

Mochi doughnuts—crispy on the outside with a signature chewy interior—offer a crave-worthy twist on traditional donuts. Their unique texture comes from glutinous rice flour, resulting in a dessert that’s delightfully bouncy, lightly sweet, and beautifully golden. Whether glazed, dusted with sugar, or filled with your favorite flavors, mochi doughnuts are a showstopper at any gathering.

Not only do these doughnuts melt in your mouth, but they’re also naturally gluten-free, making them a crowd-pleaser for both flavor and dietary needs.

The Secret to the Mochi Doughnut’s Distinct Texture

What makes mochi doughnuts so memorable is their remarkable contrast: a shattering crisp crust encasing a soft, stretchy bite. Thanks to glutinous rice flour, these treats achieve a chewy texture reminiscent of Japanese mochi, but with a classic doughnut twist.

The dough is easy to shape and the classic ring or “pon de ring” style—using small dough balls—turns every doughnut into a pull-apart delight. This makes them fun to eat and perfect for sharing.

Preparing and Mixing the Perfect Dough

Because the secret ingredient is glutinous rice flour, accurate measurements are key. For best results, use a reliable scale like the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Black and Stainless Steel to ensure your ratios are spot on.

Start by whisking your dry ingredients, then blend wet and dry together. For a perfectly smooth dough (especially if making flavored glazes), a high-power blender like the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black makes quick work of any lumps—just pulse lightly, so the dough doesn’t become overly sticky.

Shaping and Frying—Or Air Frying—for Irresistible Results

Roll the prepared dough into small balls for the classic “pon de ring” effect or pipe it into doughnut molds for smooth rings. When frying, maintain oil temperature by using either a deep pan or a nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch for even browning and effortless cleanup.

Looking for a lighter twist? You can air fry your mochi doughnuts for a crispy finish without heavy oil. The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey delivers a golden crust while keeping the interior chewy, all with a simple push of a button.

To avoid sticking and achieve the perfect golden bottom, line your trays with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet.

Finishing Touches: Glaze, Dust, or Drizzle

Once your mochi doughnuts are fried or air fried and slightly cooled, dip or drizzle with your favorite toppings. Classic options include vanilla sugar glaze, matcha icing, or a chocolate ganache. For extra flair, dust with powdered sugar or roll in toasted coconut.

Mochi doughnuts are best eaten fresh—enjoy their uniquely crisp and chewy combo within hours of making.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 10 medium-sized mochi doughnuts. Each doughnut typically contains 120–150 calories, depending on your toppings or glazes. They’re gluten-free and lower in fat if using the air frying method, making them lighter than traditional yeast donuts.

Irresistible Mochi Doughnuts: Recap

With their crisp exterior, gooey center, and infinite customizations, mochi doughnuts deliver excitement and satisfaction in every bite. From their easy prep to crowd-wowing flavor and texture, these treats are bound to become a favorite at brunches, parties, or as a sweet afternoon snack.

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together glutinous rice flour, all-purpose flour or almond flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. For precise measurements, consider using the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display.
2. In a smaller bowl, combine milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until fully blended.
3. Gradually pour wet mixture into dry, stirring just until a sticky, smooth dough forms. Use the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender for an ultra-smooth dough by pulsing lightly.
4. Divide dough into tablespoon-sized balls. For the pon de ring shape, arrange eight balls touching in a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If using an air fryer, place balls or rings on Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper cut to fit your fryer basket.
5. To fry: Heat 2 inches of oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet to 325°F. Gently add doughnuts and fry until puffed and golden, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on a rack.
6. To air fry: Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 to 350°F. Arrange rings on parchment and air fry for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden and puffed.
7. For glaze: Combine powdered sugar and milk in a bowl, whisk until smooth. Dip slightly cooled doughnuts and add any toppings you like. Let set 10 minutes before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy the delightful interplay of crisp, chewy, and sweet in these stunning mochi doughnuts—an unforgettable treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!