Mochi Donuts Pon de Ring – The Chewy Donut You’ll Fall in Love With

I still remember the first time I tried a Pon de Ring donut at a bakery. It looked so cute, round little balls stuck together in a ring shape, but when I took a bite—wow. It was soft, chewy, and not too sweet.

I had never eaten a donut like that before. That’s when I knew I had to make my own version at home. And trust me, once you try these mochi donuts, you’ll never look at regular donuts the same way again.

In this article, I’ll walk you through what makes Pon de Ring donuts special, how to make them at home, and why you’ll probably end up as obsessed as I am.

What is a Mochi Donut Pon de Ring?

A Pon de Ring is a special Japanese-style donut made from tapioca or glutinous rice flour. Instead of being fluffy like American donuts, it’s soft and chewy, almost like mochi. The donut is shaped like a ring of little round balls connected together—so it looks fun and unique.

The best part? It’s slightly chewy on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside. When glazed with chocolate, matcha, or sugar coating, it becomes even better.

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Why I Fell in Love with These Donuts

When I first tried this donut, I was surprised at how different it was. Regular donuts are sweet and bready, but Pon de Ring has a stretchy, chewy bite that makes you want to keep eating. It’s not heavy, so you don’t feel stuffed after one.

I also love how you can pull the donut apart piece by piece. It’s fun to eat, and honestly, it feels like a snack and dessert all in one.

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Ingredients You Need for Mochi Donuts

The magic of Pon de Ring comes from the glutinous rice flour (sometimes called mochiko). This is what makes the donuts chewy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Glutinous rice flour (mochiko) – the star ingredient for chewiness.
• Tapioca starch – adds stretchiness.
• All-purpose flour – helps balance the texture.
• Baking powder – makes the donuts puff up.
• Sugar – for sweetness.
• Eggs – for structure.
• Milk – keeps the batter soft.
• Butter or oil – for richness.
• Glaze (chocolate, matcha, or sugar) – to finish.

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Step-by-Step: How to Make Mochi Donuts Pon de Ring

Here’s the process, broken down simply:

1. Make the Dough

Mix glutinous rice flour, tapioca starch, all-purpose flour, sugar, and baking powder. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients until you get a soft dough.

2. Shape the Donuts

Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch each). Place 8 balls in a circle so they form a ring. This gives you the classic Pon de Ring look.

3. Fry the Donuts

Heat oil and fry each ring until golden brown. They cook quickly, so don’t leave them too long. Drain on paper towels.

4. Glaze and Enjoy

Dip your donuts in chocolate, matcha glaze, or just sprinkle with powdered sugar. You can even try honey or cinnamon sugar if you like.

Tips to Make the Perfect Pon de Ring

• Use fresh oil when frying, or your donuts won’t taste light.
• Don’t overwork the dough, or the donuts can get tough.
• Keep the balls small so they cook evenly.
• Always glaze after the donuts have cooled slightly, so the coating sticks well.

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Fun Glaze Ideas

Here’s how I love to glaze mine:

• Chocolate glaze – classic and rich.
• Matcha glaze – earthy and very Japanese.
• Strawberry glaze – sweet and colorful.
• Simple sugar glaze – quick and easy.
• Cinnamon sugar – if you want a warm flavor.

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Why You’ll Love Making These at Home

What I enjoy most is the process. Making Pon de Ring donuts at home feels rewarding because they look bakery-quality but are actually simple. Kids love pulling them apart, and adults love the chewy texture. Plus, you can experiment with flavors, so every batch feels exciting.

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FAQs About Mochi Donuts Pon de Ring

Q1: What makes Pon de Ring different from regular donuts?
Pon de Ring donuts are chewy because they use glutinous rice flour, unlike regular donuts which are fluffy and bread-like.

Q2: Do I need a special pan to make these donuts?
No, you just shape the dough balls by hand and stick them together into a ring.

Q3: Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes, but the texture won’t be the same. Frying gives them that light crispy outside.

Q4: Where can I buy glutinous rice flour?
You can find it in most Asian grocery stores or order online.

Q5: How long do mochi donuts stay fresh?
They taste best the same day, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat before eating to bring back some chewiness.