Easy Mochi

Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade mochi. Trust us: The process is way simpler than you think. This easy mochi recipe comes together quickly with just a few ingredients.

What Is Mochi?

Mochi is a bun-shaped Japanese dessert made from sweet glutinous rice flour, or mochigome. It has a soft, chewy texture that is somewhat elastic. Mochi is often flavored with matcha (or green tea powder), which gives it a light green hue.

Learn more: What Is Mochi and How Do You Make It at Home?

Mochi Pronunciation

"Mochi" is pronounced "MOE-chee."

What Is Mochi Made Of?

Here's what you'll need to make homemade mochi:

Red Bean PasteYou can buy sweetened red bean paste (also called adzuki bean paste or anko) at the store or you can make it at home with our easy recipe.

Glutinous Rice FlourMake sure to get glutinous rice flour (mochigome) instead of regular rice flour. This ingredient is essential for mochi's signature chewy texture.

Green Tea PowderGreen tea powder (or matcha) has a complex, earthy flavor that works well with mochi. Plus, it gives the dessert its gorgeous green color.

WaterWater thins the dough, creating the perfect consistency (and making it easier to work with).

SugarPlain granulated white sugar will add just the right amount of sweetness.

CornstarchCornstarch prevents sticking when you're rolling out the dough.

How to Make Mochi

You'll find the full recipe below, but here's what you can expect when you make this top-rated mochi recipe:

Freeze Red Bean Paste

Wrap red bean paste in foil and freeze until solid. Once the paste is frozen, divide and roll into eight equal balls. Set aside or return to the freezer.

Prepare and Cook Dough

Mix sweet rice flour and green tea powder in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in water, then stir in the sugar. Mix until smooth. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and cook in the microwave for about 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Stir the mixture, then heat in the microwave for an additional 15-30 seconds.

Roll Dough Balls

Dust your work surface with cornstarch. Roll the (still hot) dough into balls. Flatten each ball and place one frozen red bean paste ball in the center. Pinch the mochi over the paste until covered. Sprinkle with more cornstarch and place the mochi (seam side down) in a paper muffin liner.

Repeat the steps until all the dough and frozen paste is used.

How to Eat Mochi

Try to eat mochi immediately, as it is best enjoyed fresh. Since mochi is extremely sticky, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces and make sure to chew thoroughly before swallowing.

How to Store Mochi

Fresh mochi should be stored in the freezer. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as it will quickly dry out and harden. Store mochi in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. To prevent sticking, either flash freeze the mochi before transferring it to the storage container or individually wrap each mochi ball.

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise

“This recipe was a home run,” says Susan Sliger. “It was extremely easy to make. I made it today for 10 tour guides from Japan. They gave it a 10 and could not believe this was the first time I had made it. I doubled the recipe with no issues and made the red bean paste with red kidney beans.”

“It was super quick and easy to make the mochi,” raves larissa Levon. “Nothing beats fresh mochi!”

“Very easy to make,” according to sushihorsey. “Side note: The mochi dough is SUPER sticky, so be sure to prepare your surface and hands with starch before making the balls. Otherwise, it’s very yummy and easy and fun!”