The Sweet, Chewy Delight of Mochi Cookies: A New Favourite for Your Sweet Tooth

Did you know that the global mochi market is projected to grow to more than $10 billion by 2027! That’s right! Mochi, the chewy, sticky rice cake made from glutinous rice, has expanded well beyond its Japanese origins. In fact, it found its way into kitchens and bakeries worldwide — and one especially has stolen hearts and mouths — mochi cookies.

If you haven’t already tried them, you’re missing out on that delicious meet of traditional Japanese products and, well, the modern cookie that we all know and love. But in this article, we break down this chewy bind that they find themselves in and explore the world of mochi cookies––their history, the best tactics for success, and why you might never go back to your old cookies.

What Are Mochi Cookies?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to make them, let’s take a step back and define what mochi cookies actually are. Mochi cookies have the chewy, dense texture of mochi, balanced with the crispy, tasty nature of a traditional cookie. They’re made with glutinous rice flour (sometimes referred to as sweet rice flour), which is responsible for that chewy, stretchy texture. But don’t be deceived — mochi cookies aren’t soft or crunchy cookies in the traditional sense. They have a lovely bite that’s chewy in the middle and slightly crisp on the outside.

Mochi cookies, which have a deliciously chewy and dense flavor, can be neither sweet or nutty and come in all sort of variations, from chocolate chip mochi cookies inspired by the classic to matcha, coconut, and even peanut butter mochi cookies. No matter the flavor, though, one thing is guaranteed: every bite is chewy and satisfying.

The History of Mochi and Its Journey to the Cookie World

In Japan, whole generations of people have been eating Mochi for centuries. Traditionally made using glutinous rice, mochi-making is the process of taking steamed rice and pounding it down until it reaches a sticky, dough-like consistency. The result: admirable versatility, plus a myriad of applications, from savory dishes to sweet desserts.

Dating back more than a thousand years in Japan, the history of the chewy rice cake known as mochi is an ancient one — but it has only been in the last few decades that people started to experiment with this traditional ingredient in other forms, including that of a cookie. The popularity of fusion desserts, which pair elements of different culinary traditions, gave rise to what we now know as mochi cookies. They are gaining popularity globally as each one of us would like to have the charm of an old dessert in a new style.

Why Are Mochi Cookies So Unique?

1. Unique Texture

One of the first things you’ll notice when you bite into a mochi cookie is its distinctive texture. The chewy and crunchy combo is unlike any other cookie. The cookie is crisp at the edge but chewy within — a perfect bite.

2. Versatile Flavors

This has to be another reason mochi cookies became so popular as you can have them taste like whatever you want. You can play with classic chocolate chips, green tea matcha, red bean paste or even tropical options like coconut. The chewy texture goes well with a variety of flavors, and the options are limitless.

3. Gluten-Free Option

Mochi cookies are a great alternative for anyone on a gluten-free diet or anyone who has gluten sensitivity. Since they’re made from glutinous rice flour, they also contain no wheat, so they’re a great treat for anyone avoiding gluten. And you don’t have to skimp on flavor and mouthfeel — these cookies taste just as good as cookies filled to the brim with gluten.

4. A Beautiful Fusion of Cultures

Mochi cookies are the perfect melding of Japanese tradition and Western dessert culture. Though the idea of adding mochi to baked goods may be new to some, it is a great example of how food is not constrained by countries. That’s not just an appetizer: It’s a merger of two worlds that makes for something absolutely delicious.

How to Make Mochi Cookies: Our Recipe

Now that we know what makes mochi cookies special, let’s come right into how we make them! As a bonus, the process for making mochi cookies is deceptively straightforward, and once you’ve got it down, you can crank them out in no time. Here’s an easy recipe for making mochi cookies at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sweet rice flour (or glutinous rice flour)
• 3/4 cup sugar (any type of sugar works, granulated or brown sugar)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (to help add texture
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (or alternative fillings: matcha powder, red bean paste, coconut flakes, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the glutinous rice flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt. This will help combine your dry ingredients as best as you can.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. All this should take 2-3 minutes if you’re using an electric mixer.
4. Mix in egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Introduce the dry and wet elements: Slowly add the dry combination into the wet components, mixing until a dough develops. It might be a little crumbly but that’s completely normal!
6. Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips (or whatever your fillings of choice).
7. Make the dough: With your hands or a spoon, drop spoonfuls of dough, about the size of a tablespoon, onto the prepared sheet pan. Gently flatten each ball, which will help them bake evenly.
8. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown. The center will stay chewy and soft.
9. Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, serve yourself these mochi cookies either with a cup of tea or coffee!

Tips to Make Perfect Mochi Cookies

• Don’t overbake: The trick to a great mochi cookie is to make sure not to overbake them. They are supposed to be soft and chewy on the inside, with a light crisp around the edges. Watch them in the oven to make sure you don’t overcook them.
• Use quality ingredients: Because mochi cookies hinge on the distinctive stickiness of glutinous rice flour, it’s important to use a good-quality flour to get the best result.
• Fill it right: You can use any flavor of filling you like! Chocolate chips are traditional, obviously, but try filling your cookies with matcha, coconut, or even dried fruit for a new take on the classic mochi cookie.
• Serve while fresh: Mochi cookies are great fresh out of the oven as they have that chewy mouthfeel. If you need to, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Why We Love Mochi Cookies

After testing a number of mochi cookie variations ourselves, we can safely say we are all hooked. They are a beloved item in our households for their chewy texture, the touch of sweetness, and the fact that we can dress them up any way we want them. Baking them for a family gathering, or just for an afternoon treat, mochi cookies are sure to impress.

Conclusion

Mochi cookies have been having a moment in the dessert world, and for good reason. They provide a unique texture, endless possibilities for flavor and a fun twist on the traditional cookie. If you’re anyone who enjoyed Japanese desserts or searching for some new one to try, for your sweet tooth these chewy treats are must-have. So why not give them a try? We bet you’ll go goo-goo over the chewy, soft and kind of crispy combination that renders mochi cookies unlike any other kind.

Key Takeaways:

• Mochi cookies combine the chewy texture of the mochi with that of a traditional cookie.
• These are made with glutinous rice flour, making them a gluten-free option for regular cookies.
• They can be stuffed with anything from chocolate chips to coconut or matcha.
• These cookies have an unusual chewy center and a slight crispiness on the outside that leaves you wanting more.

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