Name: Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 125 grams glutinous rice flour; 1 tablespoon matcha powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup honey; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Unsalted butter for greasing muffin tin; 2 squares dark chocolate (for drizzling, optional); Icing sugar (for dusting, optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a treat that’s both delightfully soft and satisfyingly chewy, look no further than these Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites. This Japanese-inspired dessert combines the earthy vibrancy of matcha green tea with the unique, tender chew of glutinous rice flour, creating little pockets of pure joy with every bite. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a unique party dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Once you try these Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites, you’ll quickly understand why they’ve become one of my absolute favorite go-to sweets.

Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make your Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites is a breeze, thanks to a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create something magical. Each one plays a crucial role: from the glutinous rice flour giving that perfect chewy texture, to matcha powder bringing its vibrant color and flavor, this recipe is a harmonious balance of taste and texture.

Glutinous rice flour (125 grams): The secret behind the chewy, stretchy texture that defines authentic mochi.
Matcha powder (1 tablespoon): Adds a natural green hue and a slightly bitter, earthy note that balances sweetness beautifully.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the bites rise just enough to be light and airy without losing chewiness.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and prevents blandness.
Unsalted butter: Used for greasing the muffin tin so the mochi bites release easily and have a subtle richness.
Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds creaminess and moisture; feel free to adjust slightly for batter consistency.
Honey (1/4 cup): Natural sweetness that also keeps the mochi tender and moist.
Egg (1): Binds the ingredients together while lending structure and a soft crumb.
Melted unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Brings in depth of flavor and helps with the tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a warm, sweet aroma that complements the matcha perfectly.
Dark chocolate (2 squares): Optional but highly recommended for drizzling over the finished bites to add a touch of indulgence.

How to Make Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease six cups in a muffin tin generously with room temperature unsalted butter. This step is vital to ensure your mochi bites come out clean and maintain their shape after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the glutinous rice flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This dry mixture is the base that will give your bites their iconic chew and vibrant color—take a moment to appreciate that lovely green powder as you sift it all together.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Next, pour whole milk, egg, honey, melted butter, and vanilla extract into a separate medium bowl or measuring cup. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. These wet ingredients add richness, sweetness, and a subtle fragrant lift to balance the matcha’s earthiness.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly add your dry ingredient mix to the wet mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. The batter should be thick but pourable, similar to a thick syrup. If you find it too dense, gradually add a tablespoon more milk until you achieve that perfect consistency to pour into your muffin cups.

Step 5: Bake the Mochi Bites

Divide the batter evenly among the six greased muffin cups. Pop the tin into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When they come out, you’ll notice the mochi bites puff up nicely and have a lovely light crust on top.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Let the bites cool in the pan for about 10 minutes—this resting time helps them set. Then transfer them thoughtfully to a cooling rack to cool completely. You’ll observe that they deflate slightly, which is expected, as the chewy texture emerges during this phase. For an extra touch, dust with icing sugar or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top for an irresistible finish.

How to Serve Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites

Garnishes

Sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle drizzle of dark chocolate transforms these mochi bites from simple treats into elegant delights. You can also add toasted sesame seeds or a pinch of edible gold dust for extra flair if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with a hot cup of green tea or jasmine tea to complement the matcha flavor. A scoop of vanilla or black sesame ice cream alongside the Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites creates a balanced contrast of temperature and textures that’s truly exceptional.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites on a minimalist wooden platter or delicate ceramic dish to highlight their vibrant green color. For a fun twist, stack a few bites with thin slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or kiwi, and add a drizzle of honey or coconut cream on the side for interactive dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, store your Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and wonderfully chewy for 2 to 3 days—enough time to savor multiple servings or share with friends without any rush.

Freezing

To enjoy these bites later, you can freeze them. Wrap each mochi bite individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want a quick treat, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours; the texture magically remains intact.

Reheating

If you’d like your Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites warm, gently reheat them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or steam them briefly. Avoid overheating, as too much heat can dry them out or make them tough. A warm mochi bite, with that chewy texture and matcha flavor shining through, is pure comfort.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice flour instead of glutinous rice flour?

Glutinous rice flour is essential here because it creates that signature chewy texture. Regular rice flour does not contain the sticky starches needed and would result in a denser, crumbly bite rather than chewy mochi.

Is matcha powder necessary, or can I substitute it?

Matcha powder is key for the distinctive flavor and color of these bites. If you can’t find matcha, you could try a mild green tea powder, but the unique vibrancy and earthiness might be less pronounced.

Can I make the recipe vegan?

To make these bites vegan, consider substituting milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat, and replace the egg with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer. The texture might vary slightly but still be delicious!

Why do the mochi bites sink after baking?

It’s completely normal for the mochi bites to puff up in the oven and then sink as they cool. This happens because the batter is dense and chewy rather than airy, so the structure settles into that perfect chewy consistency once cooled.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

The best way is either at room temperature or slightly warmed to bring back the softness. Pair them with tea or a scoop of ice cream to elevate the experience even if enjoyed the next day.

Final Thoughts

Making Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites at home is such a rewarding experience—and once you taste how perfectly chewy, subtly sweet, and wonderfully matcha-flavored they are, I guarantee this treat will become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings or pairings; these little bites invite joy with every chewy mouthful. Happy baking and savor every bite!

Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 mochi bites 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Chewy Matcha Mochi Bites offer a delightful blend of traditional Japanese mochi with vibrant matcha flavor. Soft, chewy, and subtly sweet, these bite-sized treats are perfect for a snack or dessert. The recipe combines glutinous rice flour with matcha powder, honey, and a touch of vanilla to create a smooth batter baked to perfection. Finished with a dusting of icing sugar or a drizzle of dark chocolate, these mochi bites are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for baking the mochi bites.
Prepare Muffin Tin: Grease 6 cups of a muffin tin with room temperature unsalted butter to prevent sticking, then set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the glutinous rice flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl or measuring cup, whisk the whole milk, egg, honey, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Form Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and thick but still pourable, similar to syrup. Add extra milk by tablespoons if needed to adjust consistency.
Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the batter into the 6 greased muffin cups.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the mochi bites are set and beginning to puff.
Cool: Allow the mochi bites to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Note that they will deflate slightly as they cool.
Finish: Optionally dust the cooled bites with icing sugar or drizzle melted dark chocolate over them for added sweetness and decoration.
Store: Keep the mochi bites in a sealed container at room temperature. Consume within 2-3 days for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use glutinous rice flour (also called sweet rice flour) for the chewy texture traditional to mochi.
Whole milk adds richness, but a non-dairy milk such as coconut milk can be substituted for a dairy-free version.
Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture; maple syrup may be used as an alternative.
Mochi bites will be soft and chewy; do not overbake or they may become tough.
Refrigeration is not recommended as it can alter the texture negatively; consume within 2-3 days at room temperature.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Japanese