These Matcha Mochi Bites are soft, chewy, and lightly sweet with a beautiful green tea flavor. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a simple dessert, these mochi bites are a delightful treat.
Their signature texture is what makes them special—slightly crisp on the outside and wonderfully chewy inside. You can enjoy them plain, dust them with powdered sugar, or drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
What Are Mochi?
Mochi (pronounced MOH-chee) is a traditional Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice flour, also known as sweet rice flour or mochiko.
Despite the name, glutinous rice flour does not contain gluten. The term “glutinous” refers to the sticky, chewy texture the flour develops when mixed with liquid and cooked.
Unlike regular muffins or cakes, mochi baked goods are dense, chewy, and slightly stretchy, giving them a unique and satisfying texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These matcha mochi bites are popular for several reasons:
• Simple ingredients that are easy to find
• Unique chewy texture that’s different from traditional baked goods
• Quick to make with only about 45 minutes from start to finish
• Perfect for snacks, breakfast, or dessert
Plus, the earthy flavor of matcha pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey and the richness of chocolate.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 125 g glutinous rice flour (sweet rice flour or Mochiko)
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- 2 squares dark chocolate (for drizzling)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Matcha Mochi Bites
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Grease six cups of a muffin tin with softened butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- glutinous rice flour
- matcha powder
- baking powder
- salt
Mix until evenly combined.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- milk
- egg
- honey
- melted butter
- vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and fully combined.
4. Combine the Batter
Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and whisk until smooth.
The batter should be thick but pourable, similar to a syrup.
If the mixture is too thick, add a little extra milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the correct consistency is reached.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin
Pour the batter evenly into the six greased muffin cups.
A measuring cup with a spout makes this step easier and cleaner.
6. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tops are set and lightly golden.
7. Cool
Allow the mochi bites to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Why Mochi Bites Deflate
When you first remove them from the oven, the mochi bites will look puffy and rounded, similar to muffins. Within a minute or two, they will sink slightly.
This is completely normal.
Unlike traditional baked goods that remain airy, mochi naturally settles as it cools, creating its signature dense and chewy texture.
Optional Toppings
These mochi bites are delicious on their own, but you can easily dress them up.
Powdered Sugar
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and a bakery-style finish.
Melted Chocolate
Drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top creates a wonderful contrast between the slightly bitter matcha and the rich chocolate.
Simply melt a few squares of chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled mochi bites.
Drink Pairings
Matcha mochi bites pair beautifully with warm or refreshing drinks.
Try serving them with:
- hot coffee
- green tea
- ginger honey tea
- ginger milk tea latte
- cold brew coffee
- iced English tea latte
They also make a great addition to lunchboxes or afternoon snack plates.
Storage Tips
Store matcha mochi bites in an airtight container at room temperature.
They stay fresh for about 2–3 days.
The texture will become slightly firmer the next day, but they will still remain soft and chewy.
If you prefer them warm, simply heat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Helpful Tips
• Use glutinous rice flour only. Regular rice flour will not produce the same chewy texture.
• Make sure the batter is thick but pourable before baking.
• Avoid mixing chocolate chips directly into the batter—they tend to sink to the bottom.
Nutrition (Per Bite)
- Calories: 175 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
Final Thoughts
These Matcha Mochi Bites are the perfect combination of chewy mochi texture and earthy green tea flavor. They’re simple to make, beautifully unique, and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.