Baked Mochi Donuts with Kinako Sugar Dusting

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chewy baked mochi donuts coated with a nutty kinako sugar blend for a traditional Japanese sweet treat with a modern twist. This japanese-inspired desserts ready in about 33 minutes layers glutinous rice flour (mochiko), baking powder, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 6 Japanese cuisine 180 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a donut pan.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup glutinous rice flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 1 large egg, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter until combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; the batter will be thick.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the batter into the donut pan cavities, filling each about 3/4 full.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the tops are set and lightly golden.
  7. Step 7: While donuts bake, combine 1/4 cup kinako and 2 tbsp powdered sugar in a shallow dish.
  8. Step 8: Let the donuts cool slightly, then toss each donut in the kinako sugar mixture until coated evenly for a fragrant, nutty finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Mochi Donuts with Kinako Sugar Dusting take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Baked Mochi Donuts with Kinako Sugar Dusting?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Mochi Donuts with Kinako Sugar Dusting?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Mochi Donuts with Kinako Sugar Dusting for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Mochi Donuts with Kinako Sugar Dusting?

Japanese desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.