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Hanami Dango Recipe

Authentic Hanami Dango Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Japan’s Favorite Spring Dessert

There’s something truly magical about Hanami, the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing. When the delicate sakura flowers bloom, people across Japan gather for picnics under the trees, enjoying seasonal treats like Hanami Dango — a beautiful tricolor sweet snack made of chewy rice dumplings. This simple, yet delicious Japanese dessert has been a personal favorite of mine ever since I first tried it in Tokyo during cherry blossom season. Today, I’m excited to share the best Hanami Dango recipe, one that is both easy to make and authentically delicious. Let’s bring a taste of Japan’s springtime into your kitchen!

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Authentic Hanami Dango Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Japan’s Favorite Spring Dessert

What is Hanami Dango?

Hanami Dango is a traditional Japanese sweet often enjoyed during spring. It consists of three soft rice dumplings skewered on a bamboo stick, each in a different color:

  • Pink (symbolizing cherry blossoms)

  • White (representing snow, or the transition from winter to spring)

  • Green (symbolizing new growth and fresh leaves)Unlike Mitarashi Dango, which is coated in a sweet soy glaze, Hanami Dango is slightly sweet and has a delightful chewy texture, thanks to glutinous rice flour.

    • Ingredients You’ll Need

    For about 8 skewers of Hanami Dango, you will need:

  • 140g (1 cup) glutinous rice flour (Shiratamako or Mochiko)

  • 40g (5 tbsp) joshinko (non-glutinous rice flour)

  • 50g (4 tbsp) sugar

  • 120ml (1/2 cup) warm water

  • 1/4 tsp matcha powder (for the green color)

  • 1-2 drops pink food coloring (or beet juice for a natural option)

  • Bamboo skewers

    • How to Make Hanami Dango

    Step 1: Prepare the Dough

    1. In a bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, joshinko, and sugar.

    2. Gradually add warm water, mixing until the dough starts coming together.

    3. Knead for about 5 minutes until you have a smooth, pliable dough.

    Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough

    1. Divide the dough into three equal portions.

    2. Color the first portion pink by adding a drop of pink food coloring and kneading until evenly mixed.

    3. Leave the second portion white as is.

    4. Color the third portion green by mixing in matcha powder.

    Step 3: Roll into Balls

    1. Roll each portion into 8 equal-sized balls (you should have 24 in total).

    2. Try to keep them similar in size for even cooking.

    Step 4: Boil the Dango

    1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.

    2. Drop the dango balls in, one color at a time.

    3. When they float to the surface, cook for 1-2 minutes more, then transfer to ice water to firm up.

    Step 5: Skewer and Serve

    1. Thread the dango onto bamboo skewers in the traditional pink-white-green order.

    2. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

    My Top Amazon Product Recommendations

    1. Mochiko Sweet Rice Flour

    If you want the perfect chewy texture, Mochiko Glutinous Rice Flour is a must-have! It's my go-to brand for making Japanese sweets because of its smooth texture and high quality.

    Buy Mochiko Sweet Rice Flour on Amazon

    2. Matcha Green Tea Powder

    A high-quality matcha powder not only gives the dango a natural green hue but also adds a light earthy flavor. I recommend an organic, culinary-grade matcha for this recipe.

    Get Organic Matcha Powder on Amazon

    3. Bamboo Skewers for Dango

    A proper set of bamboo skewers makes all the difference in presentation. These skewers are sturdy, smooth, and perfect for kawaii cooking projects like Hanami Dango.

    Grab Bamboo Skewers on Amazon

    Serving and Storing Tips

  • Serving: Hanami Dango is best enjoyed fresh, but you can lightly grill them for a toasty exterior.

  • Pairing Suggestions: Serve alongside matcha tea or other Japanese dishes for a complete snack experience.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a day, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

    • Why You’ll Love This Simple Hanami Dango Recipe

  • Authentic and easy to make at home

  • Minimal ingredients, yet full of flavor

  • Perfect for cherry blossom picnics or cozy tea times

  • A fun and colorful treat that’s both nostalgic and Instagram-worthy

    • Authentic Hanami Dango Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Japan’s Favorite Spring Dessert

    Final Thoughts

    I still remember the first time I made Hanami Dango in my kitchen — the joy of seeing the beautiful tricolor skewers come to life was so satisfying! Whether you’re celebrating spring or simply craving a sweet snack, this Japanese dessert is worth trying.

    Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever tried Hanami Dango? If you make this recipe, don’t forget to share your experience and tag me on social media. And if you’re looking for more Japanese sweets recipes, check out my blog for more inspiration!

    Shop my recommended ingredients on Amazon and get started today!

    Happy cooking!

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