Midnight Mocha Mochi Balls

Oh wow, I just tried the best midnight treat! They are called mocha mochi balls. They are soft, chewy, and so yummy.

They have chocolate and coffee flavor. Every bite is sweet and a little bit rich. I love how squishy they feel.

I want to eat them every night. My friends think they are so cool. I feel happy making them.

Let’s make some now. Get your cocoa and coffee ready. It will be so fun and tasty!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: The deep, bittersweet mocha flavor from espresso powder and cacao powder is a perfect contrast to the sweet and chewy texture of the mochi.
• Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated flavor combination, this recipe is surprisingly simple to put together.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or coffee intensity based on your preferences. Want it extra chocolatey? Add more cacao!
• Chewy and Fun: Mochi’s texture is unlike anything else. It’s chewy, sticky, and fun to eat, making these a unique treat that will surprise and delight your guests.
• Perfect for Dessert or Snack Time: These mochi balls are delicious for any time of the day, whether it’s an after-dinner dessert or a mid-afternoon snack with your favorite cup of coffee.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the following tools ready:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients.
• Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To stir and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
• Saucepan: For boiling the coconut milk and dissolving the sugar.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To get your proportions just right.
• Heatproof Bowl or Plate: To cool the mochi dough once it’s cooked.
• Ice Cream Scoop or Small Spoon: To portion out the mochi balls.
• Parchment Paper or Non-stick Surface: For cooling and shaping the mochi balls without sticking.
• Bowl for Coating (Optional): If you want to dust your mochi balls with powdered sugar or cornstarch for easier handling.

Ingredients

These Midnight Mocha Mochi Balls rely on a combination of traditional mochi ingredients with the added richness of chocolate and coffee. Below are the ingredients you’ll need to gather (exact measurements are in the recipe card):

Mochi Dough Ingredients

• Glutinous Rice Flour: This is the base of your mochi dough, providing its signature chewy texture.
• Unsweetened Cacao Powder: For that deep, chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the coffee.
• Espresso Coffee Powder: Adds an irresistible mocha flavor to the dough — coffee lovers will appreciate this bold kick.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough, balancing the bitterness of the cacao and coffee.
• Water: Used to mix the dry ingredients together into a dough.
• Coconut Milk: Adds richness and a hint of tropical flavor to the dough, making it extra soft and pliable.
• Cornstarch: For dusting the mochi balls so they don’t stick together after cooking.

Variations for Midnight Mocha Mochi Balls

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! If you’re feeling adventurous or want to tweak the flavor, try one of these variations:

• Add a Filling: For a little extra surprise, you can add a small piece of chocolate or even a dollop of chocolate ganache inside each mochi ball before sealing it up.
• Use Dark Chocolate: For a richer flavor, swap the cacao powder for high-quality dark chocolate powder or melted dark chocolate.
• Try Different Coffee: Instead of espresso powder, use your favorite ground coffee or cold brew concentrate for a different flavor profile.
• Flavor the Mochi Dough: Add a touch of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist on the classic flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Make sure to double-check that your glutinous rice flour is certified gluten-free, as some brands may cross-contaminate with gluten.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, unsweetened cacao powder, and espresso coffee powder. Stir until well combined. This dry mixture creates the flavor base for your mocha-infused dough.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a saucepan, pour in the water and coconut milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warm but not boiling. Stir in the granulated sugar until it dissolves completely. The sugar will help balance out the bitterness of the cacao and espresso.

3. Make the Mochi Dough

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients while stirring to avoid lumps. Use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to mix until the dough starts to come together and becomes smooth. The texture should be thick but not overly stiff.

4. Cook the Mochi Dough

Transfer the dough into a heatproof bowl or saucepan that can withstand heat. Steam the dough over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes. Stir the dough every few minutes to prevent it from sticking and ensure even cooking. The dough will thicken and become smooth and glossy as it cooks.

5. Cool the Mochi Dough

Once the mochi dough is fully cooked and smooth, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, transfer it onto a surface dusted with cornstarch to prevent sticking. Let it cool down further, but don’t let it get too cold or it will harden and become difficult to handle.

6. Shape the Mochi Balls

Once the dough has cooled down enough to handle (but still slightly warm), dust your hands with some cornstarch to avoid sticking. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. You can use an ice cream scoop or a small spoon to ensure the portions are uniform in size. Once you have your dough balls, place them on a parchment paper-lined tray or plate.

If you want a smoother finish, you can lightly dust the balls with more cornstarch as you shape them. This will help prevent them from sticking together and give them that perfect, velvety texture that is signature to mochi.

7. Chill the Mochi Balls

After shaping your mochi balls, you can let them cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows them to firm up and set properly. However, if you’re in a rush or want to speed up the process, you can place the tray of mochi balls in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. This will help them firm up faster, and they will have a slightly denser texture, which some people prefer.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Your Midnight Mocha Mochi Balls are now ready to enjoy! These little chewy bites are perfect for sharing with friends and family or keeping them all to yourself for a personal indulgence. The combination of the rich chocolatey mocha flavor with the chewy, delicate mochi texture makes each bite incredibly satisfying.

How to Serve Midnight Mocha Mochi Balls

You can serve these mochi balls in a few fun and creative ways:

• As a Dessert: Serve them on their own as a sweet treat after a meal, or pair them with a small scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for the ultimate mocha-flavored dessert.
• In Coffee or Tea: These mocha balls pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They enhance the coffee experience with their rich mocha flavor, creating the perfect dessert-like accompaniment.
• As a Snack: Keep a batch in your fridge for an anytime snack — they’re perfect for satisfying that mid-afternoon chocolate craving or when you need a pick-me-up.
• For a Party or Gathering: These little mocha balls are visually appealing and can be served as an elegant dessert at dinner parties, brunches, or potlucks.

Storing Midnight Mocha Mochi Balls

• Room Temperature: If you’re planning to eat the mochi within a couple of days, you can store them at room temperature. Just keep them in an airtight container, and they’ll last for about 2-3 days.
• Refrigeration: To keep your Midnight Mocha Mochi Balls fresher for longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to a week, but do keep in mind that the texture of the mochi may firm up slightly in the fridge. Simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying for a softer texture.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the mochi balls for up to 2 months. To freeze, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or enjoy them directly from the freezer for a chilled, chewy treat.

Midnight Mocha Mochi Balls FAQs

Can I make these mocha mochi balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! These mochi balls are perfect for preparing in advance. In fact, they can be made up to a few days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will even intensify as they sit, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

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

Unfortunately, glutinous rice flour is essential for achieving the chewy, sticky texture of mochi. Regular rice flour won’t work the same way, so I recommend sticking to glutinous rice flour for the best results.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the mochi dough?

Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet mochi ball, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the dough to suit your taste. I recommend starting with less sugar and tasting the dough before shaping the balls.

Can I make these mocha mochi balls without the coffee flavor?

Yes! If you’re not a coffee fan or prefer a more chocolate-forward flavor, you can skip the espresso coffee powder. Simply replace it with more cacao powder or even add a bit of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent the mochi dough from being too sticky?

The trick is to work quickly while the dough is still warm, and be sure to dust your hands, the dough, and your workspace with cornstarch. You can also dust the finished mochi balls with cornstarch to keep them from sticking together as they cool.

Nutrition Information for Midnight Mocha Mochi Balls

Mochi is a treat that combines indulgence with a fun texture, and these Midnight Mocha Mochi Balls are no exception. While they’re a delicious dessert or snack, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content. Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per serving:

Estimated Nutrition per Mocha Ball (1-inch ball):

• Calories: 120-150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15-18g

Health Benefits:

While mochi is primarily a sweet treat, it does have some nutritional value:

• Rice Flour: Glutinous rice flour is the base of this dough and provides a good source of energy from carbohydrates.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a small amount of healthy fats and offers a dairy-free option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Cacao Powder: Provides antioxidants and may offer heart health benefits in moderation, thanks to its rich flavonoid content.
• Espresso Powder: Packed with caffeine, this ingredient gives your mocha balls an energy boost, which may come in handy for an afternoon pick-me-up!

If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider reducing the sugar content and opting for a sugar alternative or using a lighter coconut milk variety to cut down on calories and fat.

Conclusion

Midnight Mocha Mochi Balls are a decadent, chewy dessert that perfectly blends the deep flavors of coffee and chocolate in a delightful bite. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or simply a fan of unique, mouthwatering treats, these mochi balls will hit the spot. They’re easy to make, customizable, and a great option for any occasion—from casual snacks to fancy desserts at parties.

The chewy texture combined with the rich mocha flavor creates an irresistible combination that’s sure to become a new favorite. Plus, they’re a fantastic treat to make ahead and store, meaning you can enjoy them any time the craving strikes.

I hope this recipe brings some joy to your kitchen and that you enjoy each bite of these delightful mocha-infused mochi balls. Remember, they’re not just delicious — they’re also versatile and can be modified to suit your preferences. Try them with different fillings, flavors, or serve them in creative ways for your next gathering or sweet indulgence.