How to Make Thai Tea Mochi Crinkle Cookies Easily
If you’re craving something uniquely chewy and bursting with flavor, these Thai Tea Mochi Crinkle Cookies are exactly what you need. Combining the beloved aromatic notes of Thai tea with the delightfully soft, chewy texture of mochi, these cookies are a sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a special snack. The crinkled powdered sugar coating adds a charming look and a delicate sweetness that balances the rich tea flavor perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chewy Texture: Thanks to mochi flour, these cookies have an irresistibly soft and chewy bite unlike any traditional cookie.
- Unique Flavor: The blend of Thai tea powder brings warm, creamy notes with subtle hints of star anise and vanilla.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples plus a few special touches, this recipe is easy to recreate at home.
- Perfectly Crinkled: The powdered sugar coating cracks beautifully when baked, making the cookies look stunning.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether for a tea party, dessert plate, or gift, these cookies stand out with their unique appearance and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a straightforward set of ingredients where every component plays an important role in taste and texture. From the glutinous mochi flour that ensures chewiness to the vibrant Thai tea powder that delivers authentic flavor and color, each ingredient is essential for these cookies to shine.
- Mochi Flour: Provides the chewy texture that sets these cookies apart from traditional ones.
- Thai Tea Powder: Adds the signature aromatic flavor and warm color that makes these cookies unique.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances the tea’s slight bitterness.
- Baking Powder: Gives a gentle rise and forms the crinkle effect on the cookie surface.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps keep the cookies tender.
- Egg: Binds the dough and contributes to the chewy yet soft structure.
- Powdered Sugar: Used to coat the cookies before baking, creating the iconic crinkle appearance.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle hint of warmth and depth.
Variations for Thai Tea Mochi Crinkle Cookies
You can easily customize these cookies depending on taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with add-ins or tweak flavors to make this recipe uniquely yours.
- Matcha Twist: Substitute half the Thai tea powder with matcha for a vibrant green tea flavor.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips or swirl melted dark chocolate into the dough.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped toasted almonds or pistachios for texture and an extra flavor dimension.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg to make them vegan-friendly.
- Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to amplify the warm, aromatic vibe.
How to Make Thai Tea Mochi Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, sift together mochi flour, Thai tea powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This helps prevent spreading during baking and makes the dough easier to handle.
Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking and promote even baking.
Step 4: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out dough balls roughly one inch in diameter. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until coated. The sugar layer creates the signature crinkles when the cookies bake.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cookies puff up and develop beautiful cracks on the surface. Avoid overbaking to maintain the chewy center.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps set the chewy texture and enhances flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Thai Tea Mochi Crinkle Cookies
- Use Fresh Thai Tea Powder: For the best flavor, source fresh Thai tea powder from a trusted store or online vendor.
- Don’t Overbake: Baking just until cracks appear ensures a chewy inside rather than a brittle cookie.
- Chill Dough Properly: Refrigerating the dough makes it easier to handle and prevents spreading during baking.
- Roll Generously in Powdered Sugar: A thick layer helps create pronounced, beautiful crinkles.
- Store Properly for Moisture: Keep cookies in an airtight container to preserve their soft and chewy texture.
How to Serve Thai Tea Mochi Crinkle Cookies
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar or dust with a pinch of matcha powder to elevate the look and flavor even more. You can also drizzle a bit of white chocolate for added sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of Thai iced tea, green tea, or coffee for an authentic experience. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate lined with banana leaves for a tropical vibe or serve them in small colorful paper cups for parties. Gift-wrapping a batch in cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for a thoughtful homemade present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Thai Tea Mochi Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully at room temperature.
Reheating
To refresh the cookies, warm them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes. This softens the texture and brings back that freshly baked appeal without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of mochi flour?
Regular wheat flour will not provide the signature chewy texture of these cookies; mochi flour is essential to achieve the soft, sticky chew that defines Thai Tea Mochi Crinkle Cookies.
Where can I find Thai tea powder?
Thai tea powder is available in many Asian grocery stores or online retailers; it’s the key ingredient for authentic flavor, so look for quality brands for the best results.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, when you use certified gluten-free mochi flour and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free, these cookies are suitable for a gluten-free diet.
How should I adjust baking time if making larger cookies?
If you make bigger cookies, increase the baking time by 2 to 4 minutes, but watch closely to prevent overbaking and preserve chewiness.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape the balls, coat them in powdered sugar, and freeze before baking. Just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time when baking from frozen.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make Thai Tea Mochi Crinkle Cookies, it’s time to get baking and enjoy a cookie experience like no other. These chewy, flavorful treats bring a beautiful fusion of textures and tastes that will impress everyone around you. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll quickly become a new favorite for your sweet cravings or special gatherings!
Related Posts
PrintThai Tea Mochi Crinkle Cookies
Thai Tea Mochi Crinkle Cookies combine the chewy texture of mochi flour with the warm, aromatic flavor of Thai tea powder. Coated in powdered sugar that crinkles beautifully when baked, these cookies offer a unique chewy bite with delightful hints of star anise and vanilla. Perfect for tea parties, snacks, or gifting, these gluten-free treats are easy to make and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup mochi flour
- 2 tablespoons Thai tea powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, sift together mochi flour, Thai tea powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This helps prevent spreading during baking and makes the dough easier to handle.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking and promote even baking.
- Shape and Coat the Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out dough balls roughly one inch in diameter. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar until coated. The sugar layer creates the signature crinkles when the cookies bake.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cookies puff up and develop beautiful cracks on the surface. Avoid overbaking to maintain the chewy center.
- Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps set the chewy texture and enhances flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh Thai tea powder for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake to maintain a chewy center.
- Chill dough properly to prevent spreading.
- Roll generously in powdered sugar for pronounced crinkles.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Thai tea cookies, mochi cookies, chewy cookies, gluten free cookies, crinkle cookies, Thai dessert