Matcha Zenzai & Matcha Milk Zenzai – A Cozy Japanese Winter Dessert
Hello everyone, I’m Keko, part of the online store team.
As the new year begins and the cold of January deepens, there’s nothing more comforting than gathering around the table with warm, soothing sweets.
Today, I’d like to share two heartwarming recipes: Matcha Zenzai and Matcha Milk Zenzai.
Both feature the gentle bitterness of matcha paired with the sweetness of azuki bean paste. Add chewy mochi or soft shiratama dumplings, and you have a truly indulgent winter treat.
✨ What Makes Them Special
Matcha Zenzai
A refreshing take on the classic zenzai. The earthy bitterness of matcha blends beautifully with sweet azuki paste for a simple yet luxurious dessert.
Matcha Milk Zenzai
Matcha mixed with warm milk adds a mellow, creamy note to the traditional zenzai. Top with kinako (roasted soybean flour) or drizzle with kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup) for a café-style finish.
| Ingredients (Serves 2 each)
Common Matcha Zenzai Matcha Milk Zenzai |
How to Make
Matcha Zenzai
1.Whisk matcha with 2 tbsp hot water to make a thick, smooth paste.
2.Place 50g of azuki paste into each bowl.
3.Dilute matcha with 180ml hot water and pour over the azuki.
4.Add shiratama or toasted mochi to finish.
Matcha Milk Zenzai
1.Whisk matcha with 2 tbsp hot water until smooth.
2.Gently warm the milk in a pot over low heat (do not boil).
3.Dilute matcha with 30ml hot water, then add to the milk. Mix well.
4.Place 50g of azuki paste into each bowl and pour in the matcha milk.
5.Add shiratama or toasted mochi to finish.
Tips for the Best Flavor
・Always whisk matcha with a small amount of hot water first for smooth texture and vibrant color.
・Avoid overheating the milk—it can form an unwanted skin.
・Cooling freshly boiled shiratama in water makes them extra chewy, while toasted mochi adds a delicious smokiness.
Variations
・Chill the matcha zenzai and serve with ice cream for a summer version.
・Add kinako or kuromitsu to the milk zenzai for a café-inspired dessert.
・Swap tsubuan (chunky azuki paste) for koshian (smooth paste) for an elegant texture.
A Winter Treat for the Soul
Matcha Zenzai and Matcha Milk Zenzai are perfect ways to warm both body and heart in the coldest months.
Serve them after a meal or as a cozy afternoon snack, and enjoy the harmony of matcha and azuki beans.
Why not make this Japanese winter classic part of your seasonal table?