Why Are Mochi Donuts So Popular? (And How to Make Them!) もちドーナツ (Video Recipe)

Asian and Asian-inspired foods tantalize tastebuds everywhere, from Korean-style spicy-crunchy chicken to bubble teas and the ever-popular ramen. From time to time, these Eastern flavors collide with Western cuisine to form incredible creations. And well, it so happens that at some point, one of Japan’s traditional sweets (mochi) met up with an American classic (the donut) to form the wonderous mochi donut　もちドーナツ・餅ドーナツ. However, this delightful combination has flown under the radar in many countries. That is, until now.

Mochi What!?

Yes, those little squishy balls of sweet rice have had a date with the deep frier and turned into something equally splendid. If you want to find out what mochi is, what a mochi donut is, or better yet, how to make a mochi donut yourself, then this article is for you!

What is Mochi餅?

Before we get into what mochi donuts are, it’s good to understand what mochi is in the first place. Usually, when someone from outside of Japan tries mochi for the first time, they have one of two reactions: Is this squishy food for aliens? What the heck is it? Or, this is incredible; where can I get more!?

An All-Time Favorite

Traditionally, mochi is highly pulverized rice to the point that it becomes a soft, sticky, and creamy sort of 'dough.' While most people are exposed to mochi as a type of dessert, it can also be used in savory dishes such as Ozoni お雑煮, a type of soup eaten during new year in Japan. When eaten as a dessert, it is filled with something like sweet red bean paste, formed into a ball, and dusted with mochiko flour  (made from Japanese mochigome rice.) These days, you can easily find mochi filled with all sorts of things, from sweet matcha fillings to even frozen mochi filled with ice cream (highly recommended!)

Japan’s Oldest Dessert

Mochi dates back to the Nara period (the 8^th Century)奈良時代 and has ingrained itself into Japanese culture. Even today, in rural villages, families still gather to celebrate the new year by making mochi the traditional way—pounding up hot rice with big wooden mallets! This process is called mochitsuki, and it is undoubtedly a great way to relieve some of the year's stress.

Modern Mochi Making

Nowadays, most people, particularly those living in cities, will use a mochi-machine or a pot on their stove. Instead of using hot cooked rice, mochiko flour  is often used to make the process faster and easier (but far less entertaining than pounding rice with a giant hammer with friends and family). Of course, one can always purchase amazing mochi almost anywhere in Japan, but making it is a much more fun holiday activity.

Japanese Mochi Machine

The Mochi Donut

However, you didn't come here to learn about mochi, but mochi donuts! These beautiful creations are not precisely like mochi, but it's easy to see why they have become so popular. They have a delicious crispy-chewy texture, are easy to cook at home, baked or deep fried, and are much quicker to make as they don't require yeast or rising time. So, it's no wonder people have become obsessed with these sweet treats.

Origin of Mochi Donuts

Funnily enough, mochi donuts both are and are not a Japanese invention. They first appeared in Hawaii in the 1990s, likely inspired by the mochi brought to Hawaii by the large Japanese community living there. However, an American donut chain, Mister Donut, first made mochi donuts somewhat popular. The chain was started in the United States but spread to Asia, especially Japan, and is now mostly considered a Japanese franchise. It really is a Japanese-American invention!

Growing Popularity of Mochi Donuts

Around the early 2000s, Mister Donut started selling a donut made from tapioca starch called the "Pon De Ring." In the last few years, mochi donuts have gained more traction. Their unique shape and beautiful presentation have made them prominent on social media. Mochi donuts can now be found in many specialty bakeries, and many people enjoy making them at home. 

Buying Mochi Donuts Today

While you might struggle to find Mister Donut in the U.S. now, you can still find some great mochi donuts in other bakeries. We have a couple in our city of Portland, Oregon. See the bottom of this article for more details on our favorite mochi donut bakeries, and others around the world as we continue to add more locations!

How to Make Mochi Donuts at Home

Below is our super easy recipe for making mochi donuts at home. You'll find that it's much faster to make than traditional donuts, as there is no rising time. As a bonus, because our version is baked instead of deep fried, it contains far less fat. Additionally, to make things even easier, we use a traditional ring shape rather than connected balls. To make this recipe, the only special equipment you will need is a donut pan, which is cheap and readily available online.

Strawberry Mochi Donuts with Matcha Buttercream Frosting

Yields: 6 servings

Calories: 245 kcal/serving

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Strawberry Mochi Donuts

• 1 cup + 2 tbsp or glutinous rice flour
• 2 tbsp ground freeze-dried strawberries
• ¾ cup + 2 tbsp milk
• 3 ½ tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• small pinch of salt 

Matcha Buttercream Frosting

• 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
• ¾ cups cubes of butter, room temperature
• ¼ cup egg whites
• 1 tbsp matcha powder
• ½ tbsp vanilla extract 

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease the donut pan with cooking spray or butter. Set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk the rice flour, baking powder, freeze-dried strawberries, and salt.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and brown sugar. Add in the egg and whisk until well combined. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a batter-like consistency forms, ensuring all dry ingredients are well-mixed.
5. Pour the batter into a ziploc bag and cut the edge of a corner to pipette the dough into each donut cavity. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the donuts are slightly browned on the edges.
6. Meanwhile, make the buttercream by whisking the egg whites and powdered sugar with a stand mixer for about 5 minutes until stiff peaks form. Add the cubes of butter and mix for another 3-5 minutes until a fluffy, buttercream consistency forms. Add the matcha and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Add the buttercream to a ziploc bag and cut the edge of the corner to pipette the buttercream onto each donut. Play around with designs and sprinkle ground freeze-dried strawberries on top for a pop of color!

Can I Use Other Types of Flour?

Yes. Most glutinous rice flour and tapioca flour will work for this recipe. However, the texture can change dramatically depending on which flour you use (not necessarily bad, depending on what you like.) is what we prefer and what works best for this recipe. Glutinous rice flour is different from , even if the mochigome rice used in mochiko flour is a type of glutinous rice.

Are They Gluten Free?

Yes! Even though the types of flour in mochi donuts are called "glutinous," this only refers to the texture of the flour when cooked. So, if you are gluten intolerant, you should be OK with consuming our recipe. Some flour brands, of course, could differ – always consult the packaging to be safe. And, if you ever buy mochi donuts from a bakery, be aware that they have very likely come into contact with flour from other products in the store.

Can I Make the Traditional Shape of Mochi Donuts?

You can make the traditional shape of a mochi donut using our recipe. You can easily find mochi donut-shaped baking rings online. Or you can deep fry them the "traditional" way. Just note that it’s a little trickier than baking them in the oven, so it could require some practice to get it right (you might have to eat lots of donuts as a punishment if you fail. Not so bad, eh?)

Enjoying Mochi Donuts

Mochi pairs exceptionally well with Japanese green tea, and donuts are coffee's best friend. So, your mochi donuts can be served with either of these hot beverages to balance the sweetness. Try having your mochi donuts with something like our Nozomi loose-leaf tea, or try out our Quattro Mountain blend if you prefer coffee.

If you try out our recipe, take a photo and send it to us! We'd love to see how your mochi donuts turned out. And let us know what you think—are mochi donuts better than regular donuts? Are they worth the hype? Personally, I think we’re going to have to keep eating both donuts to compare. For scientific reasons, naturally.

Where to Find Mochi Donuts Near You

Below is a list of locations where you can find good quality mochi donuts around the world. We’re starting with our city, Portland, Oregon, but keep checking back as we will continually update the list. Do you know of a great mochi donut place in your town or city? Share it with us, and we might add it to the list!

 United States

• Portland, Oregon
  
  Mochinut (3616 SE Hawthrone Blvd, Portland, OR 97214)
  
  There are two well-known bakeries for mochi donuts in Portland. The first is a large chain called Mochinut, which has quite a few locations around the U.S. On their website, you can check to see if there’s a location in your state – and there’s a good chance that there’s at least one. Mochinut began in Cerritos, California and is expanding rapidly. Its Portland location opened sometime around 2023. They also serve boba tea; if you’re looking for something savory, they even have Korean-style hot dogs. You can see some beautiful mochi donuts on their Instagram.
  
  
  Outside Mochinut, Portland
  
  
  Mikiko Mochi Donuts (300 NE 28th Ave. Portland, OR 97232)
  
  Another bakery, that’s dear to the hearts of the mochi donut lovers in Portland, is Mikiko Donuts. Mikiko has been around for many years and has a dedicated following. They have two locations – one closer to the center of Portland and the other in Beaverton. If you want a big batch of donuts for an event or celebration, they’re a good choice as they offer catering. Mikiko doesn’t use the “traditional” mochi donut shape but believe us, these are seriously delicious treats. As a bonus, their kitchen is entirely gluten-free – so it’s completely celiac-safe.
  
  
• New York
  
  Mochi Dolci (222 West 79th St, New York, NY 10024)
  
  If you're a fan of unique and delicious treats, you’ll want to visit Mochi Dolci in NY!
  
  Made from glutinous rice flour, these donuts have a delightful chewiness that sets them apart from traditional donuts.
  At Mochi Dolci, they offer a diverse array of flavors to suit every palate. Whether you're craving the rich taste of matcha, the sweet and earthy notes of ube, or the indulgent flavor of chocolate, we’ve got something to satisfy your cravings.
  
  Mochi Dolci has quickly become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. Their welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff ensure that each trip to Mochi Dolci is enjoyable from start to finish. Whether you’re a mochi donut aficionado or a newcomer to these delightful treats, you are welcome to experience the perfect blend of texture and flavor at our shop.
  
  Their cozy, welcoming shop is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious treat and a refreshing drink. Visit and find out why mochi donuts are quickly becoming a must-try indulgence.
  
  
  
• Massachusetts
  
  Pinku Mochi (9 Park St, Attleboro, MA 02703) Also in Rhode Island (2190 Broad St, Ste 11, Cranston, RI 02905)
  
  

  If you’re looking for a donut experience that goes beyond the ordinary, Pinku Donuts is the place to be. Here, every bite is a burst of flavor and fun. The shop specialize in crafting mochi donuts, a delightful twist on the classic donut.

  Their donuts are made from scratch daily, using premium ingredients to ensure the highest quality and flavor in every treat. Whether you're a fan of classic flavors or adventurous combinations, they got something to satisfy your cravings.

  To enhance your mochi donut experience, they offer a variety of beverages that pair beautifully with their treats. From a smooth, freshly brewed coffee to a refreshing iced tea, their drink menu is designed to complement the unique flavors of mochi donuts. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, they got the perfect beverage to accompany your donut.

  Pinku Donuts has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Their commitment to quality, creativity, and customer satisfaction sets them apart and makes every visit a special occasion. They strive to create a welcoming environment where you can relax, enjoy, and indulge in some of the best donuts around.

  Ready to discover why Pinku Donuts is the talk of the town? Stop by the shop and treat yourself to a delightful donut experience.

  
  
  
  

FAQs about Mochi Donuts

What is mochi (餅), and what makes it different from regular dough? What is a mochi donut, and how is it different from a regular donut? Why have mochi donuts gotten so popular outside Japan? How do you make mochi donuts at home, and what flour do you need? What flavors of mochi donuts pair well with Japanese green tea?

What is mochi (餅), and what makes it different from regular dough?

Mochi (餅) is a traditional Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice — a specific variety called mochigome (もち米) that has higher starch content than regular sushi or table rice. The rice is steamed, then pounded (traditionally with wooden mallets in a process called mochitsuki, 餅つき) until the grains break down and you end up with a soft, sticky, stretchy dough that holds together like nothing else in your pantry.

The texture is what makes it distinctive. It's soft, but it has a chew that gives back. People new to mochi tend to react one of two ways — either "this is the most interesting texture I've ever put in my mouth" or "is this for aliens." Both are valid first reactions.

Mochi shows up across Japanese cuisine — sweet daifuku (大福), savory ozōni (お雑煮) soup at New Year, ice cream covered in mochi sheets, and now mochi donuts.

What is a mochi donut, and how is it different from a regular donut?

A mochi donut (もちドーナツ) is a fusion pastry — the Japanese rice flour dough that gives mochi its signature chew, deep-fried into a donut shape. The result is a donut that's crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with a much springier texture than a standard yeast or cake donut.

Visually, the iconic mochi donut style is the "pon de ring" — eight little balls connected in a circle, each ball pulling apart easily. The shape originated at Mister Donut in Japan and has since become the default for what most people think of when they hear "mochi donut."

Flavor-wise, the dough is naturally a little sweet, gluten-free, and pairs really well with glazes — strawberry, matcha, hojicha, brown butter, and ube being some of the most popular. They tend to be a bit lighter on the stomach than a yeast donut, partly because the rice starch behaves differently than wheat gluten.

Why have mochi donuts gotten so popular outside Japan?

Honestly, several things lined up at once. The texture is unfamiliar enough to be photogenic and Instagrammable, which always helps a food cross over. The pon de ring shape is visually distinctive — you can tell what one is from across a room. And the gluten-free aspect (since they're made from rice flour rather than wheat) made them appealing to a wider range of dietary needs than traditional donuts.

There's also been a slow but real wave of interest in Japanese desserts in the West over the past decade — taiyaki, dorayaki, mochi ice cream, and now mochi donuts. The mochi donut shops that started popping up in California, Hawaii, and New York gave people a low-stakes entry point into Japanese flavor profiles.

And honestly, the chewy texture is just genuinely fun. There's a reason people who grow up with mochi tend to crave that mouthfeel. The donut format made it accessible to people who'd never have tried a plain mochi cake on its own.

How do you make mochi donuts at home, and what flour do you need?

The key ingredient is glutinous rice flour, usually labeled mochiko (もち粉) or shiratamako (白玉粉). Mochiko is the more common form available in US grocery stores. You'll find it in the Asian aisle or any Japanese market. Avoid regular rice flour — it doesn't have the starch structure to give you the chewy texture.

The basic recipe is mochiko, milk or water, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and a small amount of all-purpose flour to help the dough hold its shape during frying. Mix into a soft dough, pipe into the pon de ring shape (eight balls in a circle, on a piece of parchment), then deep-fry until golden. Glaze while still warm.

They're easier than regular donuts in some ways — the dough doesn't need yeast or proofing time, and the rice flour is forgiving if your measurements are slightly off. The hardest part is piping the ring shape neatly. After your first batch you'll get the hang of it.

What flavors of mochi donuts pair well with Japanese green tea?

Honestly, matcha (抹茶)-glazed mochi donuts are the obvious pairing — the slight bitterness of matcha cuts through the sweetness of the donut and the chewy texture works beautifully against the powder. Ube (purple yam) is another favorite that has a mild, almost floral sweetness.

If you want to go more traditional, kinako (黄な粉, roasted soybean flour) glazes pair excellently with hojicha (ほうじ茶). The roasted, nutty notes echo each other, similar to how hojicha pairs with almond or sesame. Brown butter and miso glazes also work surprisingly well for the same reason.

For more delicate green teas like sencha (煎茶) or gyokuro (玉露), I'd lean toward simpler glazes — strawberry, yuzu (柚子), or just a light lemon glaze. Strong glazes will overwhelm the more nuanced tea flavors. The donut should complement the tea, not fight it.

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