Description
Delightfully chewy and sweet, Mochi Donut Holes are bite-sized treats made from glutinous rice flour, offering a unique texture that blends the softness of mochi with the crispiness of a fried donut. These can be either deep-fried for a golden exterior or air-fried for a lighter option, then coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour (220g)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (plus up to 1/2 tablespoon as needed)
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/2 tablespoons melted butter (cooled)
Coating Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the glutinous rice flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Attach the paddle attachment to your mixer and add the milk, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until a smooth dough forms. If the dough feels too dry and isn’t coming together, add up to an additional 1/2 tablespoon of milk. The goal is a dough that can be rolled into a ball without sticky residue.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to firm up and develop the right texture.
- Shape the Donut Holes: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and transfer it to a clean work surface. Cut the dough into logs about 3/4 inch thick, then slice into small pieces. Roll each piece gently between your palms to form smooth spheres.
- Cooking Option 1 – Deep Frying: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a tall pot or Dutch oven to 325°F. Fry the donut holes in batches for 4 to 5 minutes, frequently moving them to ensure even cooking until they turn a golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Cooking Option 2 – Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil. Place the dough balls in the basket with space between them and spray the tops lightly with oil. Air-fry for 8 minutes. Note that air-fried mochi donut holes may crack on top and are less round in shape compared to deep-fried ones.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. While the donut holes are still warm, toss them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Notes
- For best texture, refrigerate the dough for several hours or overnight before shaping and cooking.
- Deep frying produces a more traditional crispy donut hole texture; air frying is a lighter alternative but affects shape and exterior cracking.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 325°F to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Adjust milk quantity slightly to prevent sticky dough that is difficult to shape.
- Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat to refresh texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Japanese-American