Mochi Ice Cream

DifficultyBeginner

Mochi Ice Cream is a fusion of traditional Japanese glutinous rice dough and creamy ice cream centers. With a tender, chewy exterior and cool, smooth interior, these bite-sized delights are fun to make and even more fun to eat.

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Yields4 Servings
Prep Time20 minsTotal Time20 mins
For the Mochi Dough
 1 cup glutinous rice flour (e.g. Mochiko or Shiratamako)
 ¼ cup granulated sugar
 ¾ cup water
 Potato starch or cornstarch (for dusting)
For the Filling
 1 pint ice cream of your choice (matcha, vanilla, strawberry, mango, chocolate, etc.)
Prepare the Ice Cream Centers
1
  1. Scoop 10–12 small balls (~1½ tbsp each) of ice cream.

  2. Place each scoop on a parchment-lined tray.

  3. Freeze until completely solid (at least 1 hour). Keep frozen while working with the dough.

Make the Mochi Dough
2
  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix glutinous rice flour, sugar, and water until smooth.

  2. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid.

  3. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, then microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, for a total of about 2–3 minutes — until the dough is thick, slightly translucent, and sticky.

Roll and Chill the Mochi
3
  1. Generously dust a clean surface with potato starch.

  2. Turn the hot mochi dough out and dust the top.

  3. Using a rolling pin (dusted with starch), roll the dough to about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.

  4. Transfer the sheet to a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to cool and firm up.

Cut and Fill
4
  1. Use a round cutter (~3½–4 inches) to cut circles from the mochi dough.

  2. Keep the cut circles lightly dusted and covered while working.

  3. Place a frozen scoop of ice cream in the center of a dough circle.

  4. Quickly pinch and fold the edges around the scoop to seal the mochi.

  5. Place seam-side down in a muffin tin or lined tray.

  6. Freeze immediately for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.

To Serve
5
  • Let mochi ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating for the perfect texture.

  • Slice in half for a clean cross-section when serving to guests.

Flavor Ideas
6
  • Matcha Mochi + Red Bean Ice Cream

  • Strawberry Mochi + Vanilla Ice Cream

  • Chocolate Mochi + Peanut Butter Ice Cream

  • Coconut Mochi + Mango Ice Cream

Pairing Suggestions
7
  • Drink: Matcha tea, jasmine green tea, or iced hojicha

  • Occasion: Great as a summer dessert, afternoon treat, or playful dinner party finale

Ingredients

For the Mochi Dough
 1 cup glutinous rice flour (e.g. Mochiko or Shiratamako)
 ¼ cup granulated sugar
 ¾ cup water
 Potato starch or cornstarch (for dusting)
For the Filling
 1 pint ice cream of your choice (matcha, vanilla, strawberry, mango, chocolate, etc.)
Mochi Ice Cream