Are you a sweet lover looking for new and exciting ways to satisfy your cravings? Look no further! Dango, a traditional Japanese dessert, has been given a modern twist with these 20 mouth-watering recipes. From classic flavors like Mitarashi to innovative combinations like Strawberry Milk and Pumpkin Spice, there’s something for everyone on this list.
In the following pages, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the world of dango, showcasing a diverse range of flavors and textures that are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of sweet treats or looking for a unique dessert to impress your friends and family, these 20 delicious dango recipes have got you covered.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to indulge in the sweetness!
Classic Mitarashi Dango
Mitarashi dango, a popular Japanese dessert, consists of small balls of rice flour dough coated with a sweet and savory sauce. This classic recipe is a staple at many Japanese festivals and celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rice flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet Japanese cooking wine)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine rice flour and water to form a dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth.
2. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Heat the sugar, soy sauce, sake, and mirin in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
4. Add the dango balls to the saucepan and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are well coated with the sauce.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Matcha Green Tea Dango
Experience the harmony of Japanese flavors with this refreshing dessert, perfect for warm weather or any time you crave a sweet treat. These chewy balls of goodness are infused with the bright green tea flavor and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup matcha powder
– 1/2 cup water
– Food coloring (optional)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and granulated sugar.
2. Gradually add in the matcha powder and mix until well combined.
3. Add in the water and mix until a dough forms. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the dango.
4. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
5. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Dust the dango with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: None! These sweet treats are ready to be enjoyed straight away.
Strawberry Milk Dango
Experience the sweet fusion of Japanese-style dango and creamy strawberry milk in this unique dessert recipe. Perfect for warm weather or any time you crave a refreshing treat!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mochiko flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup strawberry milk (or regular milk with strawberry syrup)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– Food coloring (optional)
– Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine mochiko flour and water to form a dough.
2. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Cook the dango in boiling water for 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface.
5. Drain and rinse with cold water.
6. In a small saucepan, combine strawberry milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk until smooth.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
8. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
9. Serve the dango with the warm strawberry milk syrup and garnish with sliced strawberries.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Black Sesame Dango
These soft and chewy dango are infused with the nutty flavor of black sesame seeds, making them a unique and delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup black sesame seeds
– Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and sugar.
2. Gradually add in the water while kneading the mixture until it forms a sticky dough.
3. Add the black sesame seeds to the dough and mix well.
4. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the dango.
5. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Cook the dango by boiling them in water or steaming them for 10-15 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Sweet Red Bean Dango
Sweet Red Bean Dango Recipe
These bite-sized Japanese sweets are made with sweet red bean paste and glutinous rice flour, perfect for a quick dessert or snack. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the simple process of making these delicious treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sweet red bean paste
– 2 cups glutinous rice flour
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and salt.
2. Gradually add in the water while kneading the mixture until it forms a sticky dough.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Flatten each ball slightly to create a small indentation.
5. Place a small spoonful of sweet red bean paste in the center of each dango.
6. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal the dango.
7. Serve with sesame seeds on top, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chocolate Drizzle Dango
Get ready to elevate your dessert game with this indulgent treat! Chocolate Drizzle Dango is a simple and decadent dessert that combines the classic Japanese dessert, dango, with rich chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of mochi (Japanese rice flour) or glutinous rice
– 1/2 cup of water
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
– Fresh fruit and nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mochi or glutinous rice, water, and salt. Knead until dough forms.
2. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. In a separate pan, melt sugar and butter over medium heat.
4. Add the dango balls to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until lightly toasted.
5. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
6. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the toasted dango balls.
7. Garnish with fresh fruit and nuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Peanut Butter Dango
Sweet and chewy dango balls infused with creamy peanut butter goodness! This simple recipe is perfect for a tasty treat or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of glutinous rice flour (also known as mochiko)
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of unsalted roasted peanuts
– 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– Water, for mixing
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and sugar.
2. Add peanuts, peanut butter, and salt to the bowl; mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add water to form a dough. Knead until smooth and pliable.
4. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions; shape each portion into a ball.
5. Cook the dango balls in boiling water for 10 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
6. Remove from water, let cool, and serve.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Dango
Experience the warm flavors of fall with this unique dessert that combines the sweetness of dango with the spices and comfort of pumpkin. These bite-sized treats are perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup glutinous rice flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 cup water
– Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, glutinous rice flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until well combined.
2. Gradually add in the water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and pliable.
4. Cut into small pieces and shape into spheres or crescents.
5. Cook the dango in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
6. Remove from water and dust with confectioner’s sugar (if desired).
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Coconut Milk Dango
These soft and chewy dango balls are infused with the rich flavor of coconut milk, perfect for a unique dessert or snack. In just a few simple steps, you can create this delicious treat at home.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add in the coconut milk while kneading the mixture until a dough forms.
3. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the dango.
4. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Serve the Coconut Milk Dango warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None (no cooking required)
Lavender Honey Dango
Experience the harmonious blend of floral lavender and rich honey in these tender Japanese-style dango treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup lavender syrup (see note)
– 1 tsp honey
– Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and water to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
2. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Cook the dango in boiling water for 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface.
4. In a separate pan, combine the sugar and lavender syrup over low heat. Stir until dissolved.
5. Add the cooked dango to the honey-lavender mixture and toss to coat.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Note: To make lavender syrup, steep 1/4 cup dried lavender buds in 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water for 2 hours. Strain before using.
Blueberry Cheesecake Dango
This unique dessert combines the sweetness of blueberries with the creaminess of cheesecake, all wrapped up in a traditional Japanese dango ball. Perfect for a sweet treat or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup blueberries
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– Dango mix (available at Asian grocery stores)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix blueberries, graham cracker crumbs, and sugar in a bowl.
3. Add melted butter and stir until combined.
4. Press mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
5. Beat cream cheese, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Pour cheesecake batter over the crust.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
8. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Tiramisu-Inspired Dango
Experience the harmony of Japanese dango and Italian tiramisu in this unique fusion dessert. These bite-sized treats combine the soft, chewy texture of dango with the rich flavors of coffee and mascarpone cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups glutinous rice flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar.
2. Gradually add water to form a dough. Knead until smooth.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Dip each ball into the cocoa powder mixture, then roll in granulated sugar.
5. Place the dango on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract.
7. Drizzle the coffee syrup over the dango, then top with the mascarpone mixture.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Caramel Apple Dango
Sweeten your day with this delightful dessert, combining crunchy dango balls with gooey caramel and crisp apple slices.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups glutinous rice flour
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large apple, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together glutinous rice flour and water until a dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes.
2. Divide the dough into small portions and shape each into a ball. Let rest for 30 minutes.
3. Heat the melted butter in a pan over medium heat. Cook the dango balls until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a separate pan, melt the caramel sauce over low heat. Add sliced apples and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Assemble by dipping each dango ball into melted caramel and placing on top of apple slices. Dust with confectioner’s sugar. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Lemon Poppy Seed Dango
Lemon Poppy Seed Dango: A Bright and Tangy Twist on a Classic Japanese Dessert
These bite-sized treats combine the classic Japanese mochi with the brightness of lemon zest and the crunch of poppy seeds, making for a refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Poppy seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and granulated sugar.
2. Gradually add in water while kneading the mixture until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
4. Flatten each ball slightly and place a few poppy seeds on top.
5. Fold the dough over to form a triangle and press edges together to seal.
6. Repeat with remaining dough and poppy seeds.
7. Cook dango by boiling them in water for 5-7 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
8. Remove from water and serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Earl Grey Tea Dango
These bite-sized dango are infused with the subtle citrus flavor of Earl Grey tea, perfect for a unique dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup warm Earl Grey tea (cooled)
– Food coloring (optional)
– Confectioner’s sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Gradually add the cooled Earl Grey tea to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and pliable.
4. Divide the dough into small portions and shape into spheres.
5. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and serve.
Cooking Time: None, as these dango are not cooked. Simply shape and dust before serving.
Toasted Almond Dango
A sweet and nutty twist on traditional Japanese dango, these bite-sized treats are perfect for a snack or dessert. Toasted almond adds a rich and buttery flavor to the soft and chewy dango.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and water to form a dough. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
2. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
3. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 tablespoon of water. Heat over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
4. Dip each ball of dough into the sugar syrup, coating evenly.
5. Roll each coated dango in chopped toasted almonds to coat.
6. Cook the dango in boiling water for 10-15 minutes or until they float to the surface.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Vanilla Bean Dango
Experience the traditional Japanese dessert with a sweet and fluffy twist. These bite-sized treats are infused with the warmth of vanilla bean and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and salt.
2. Gradually add water to the mixture and stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and pliable.
4. Divide the dough into small pieces, about the size of a small marble.
5. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly into disk shape.
6. Place a vanilla bean split in the center of each dango and fold the dough over to enclose the bean.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve.
Cooking Time: None, as these dango are best served fresh.
Rose Petal Dango
Experience the beauty of Japan with this delicate dessert, infused with the subtle flavor and fragrance of rose petals. Rose Petal Dango is a traditional Japanese sweet treat that combines the simplicity of mochi with the elegance of edible flowers.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups glutinous rice flour
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup rose petal syrup (or dried rose petals)
– Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and salt.
2. Gradually add in water while kneading the mixture until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Flatten each ball slightly to form a disk shape.
5. Brush the surface with rose petal syrup (or mix dried rose petals with sugar and sprinkle on top).
6. Cook the dango by boiling them in water for 10-15 minutes or until they float to the surface.
7. Remove from water, let cool, and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Spiced Chai Dango
Experience the comforting flavors of India with this Spiced Chai Dango recipe, a delightful twist on traditional Japanese mochi. Soft and chewy dango balls are infused with the warmth of chai spices, perfect for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups glutinous rice flour
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black tea leaves (or 1 teaspoon chai spice mix)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine glutinous rice flour and sugar.
2. Gradually add in water while kneading the mixture until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into small portions and shape into balls (dango).
4. In a separate pan, heat the melted butter over medium heat. Add cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and tea leaves (or chai spice mix). Stir to combine.
5. Cook dango in the spiced butter mixture for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
White Chocolate Raspberry Dango
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and tart with this simple recipe for White Chocolate Raspberry Dango.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup (120g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60g) water
– 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
– 1 cup fresh raspberries, rinsed and drained
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and gelatin. Heat over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 10-second increments, stirring between each interval.
4. Dip fresh raspberries into the cooled sugar mixture, then roll in melted white chocolate to coat.
5. Place coated raspberries on parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on the thickness of the coating)
Summary
Indulge your sweet tooth with these 20 delectable dango recipes! From classic Mitarashi to innovative flavors like matcha green tea, strawberry milk, and white chocolate raspberry, there’s something for every taste bud. Try your hand at traditional Japanese-inspired treats or venture into new territory with unique flavor combinations like caramel apple, lemon poppy seed, and spiced chai. With a variety of textures and tastes to explore, these dango recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
