Vanilla & Ube Butter Tteok

Ingredients

• 1.25 cup glutinous rice flour (about 160g; also known as sweet rice flour or mochiko)
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar (plus 1 tbsp; about 55g)
• 0.75 cup whole milk (about 180ml)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (30g; plus extra for greasing the pan)
• 1 large egg (room temperature preferred)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt (about 3g)
• 1 tsp ube extract (1–2 tsp (5–10ml) depending on desired color/flavor)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously butter a jumbo muffin pan (or a regular muffin pan if making 8 smaller butter tteok).

2. 2

   In a microwave-safe measuring cup, combine the milk and butter. Microwave for 30–45 seconds, just until the butter has melted. Stir together and let cool until just warm.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, whisk together the glutinous rice flour, sugar, and salt.

4. 4

   Whisk the egg and vanilla into the warm milk mixture.

5. 5

   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until completely smooth.

6. 6

   Let the batter rest for 10 minutes so the glutinous rice flour can fully hydrate for its signature chewy texture.

7. 7

   Fill 3 jumbo muffin cups (or half your batter) about 80–85% full with the vanilla batter.

8. 8

   Stir the ube extract into the remaining batter until evenly colored, then fill the remaining 3 muffin cups.

9. 9

   Bake for 30–40 minutes (or 20–25 minutes for regular-sized), until the tops are deeply golden brown, the edges are beautifully caramelized, and the centers are just set.

10. 10

    Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool for another 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use glutinous rice flour (sweet rice flour)—regular rice flour won’t give you that signature chewy texture. Don’t be afraid of the deep golden color; those caramelized edges are where the rich buttery flavor develops. These are best enjoyed warm! If they have cooled completely, microwave one for 10–15 seconds to restore the soft, chewy center.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• snack
• Korean-inspired
• gluten-free
• baked
• ube
• mochi
• tteok