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Yakgwa (Korean Honey Cookies)

Delicious Yakgwa: Warm Korean Honey Cookies You’ll Love

Enjoy Yakgwa, traditional Korean honey cookies with a crispy exterior and chewy center—perfect for sharing during festive occasions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Soaking Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Consider using glutinous rice flour for a chewier texture.
  • 1/2 cup honey Adds essential sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil For best authenticity.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger Give warmth and spice; fresh is preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine Optional for non-alcoholic version.
  • 1/4 cup water Adjust as needed for the right consistency.
For Frying
  • 2 cups vegetable oil Ensure oil reaches around 350°F (175°C).
For the Syrup
  • 1/2 cup honey Key ingredient for the syrup.
  • 1/2 cup water Helps achieve perfect syrup consistency.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • deep frying pan
  • Kitchen thermometer
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Dough Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, honey, sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, rice wine, and water. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a smooth, pliable dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for about 30 minutes.
Syrup Preparation
  1. Combine honey and water in a small saucepan, adding more grated ginger for extra flavor. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
Shaping and Frying
  1. Shape dough into desired forms. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the shaped dough for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
Draining and Soaking
  1. Transfer fried cookies to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Immerse warm cookies in the syrup and soak for at least 2-3 hours.
Serving
  1. Remove Yakgwa from syrup and let sit for a while. Serve on a plate, perfect with tea.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 8gCalcium: 1mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure the dough has the right consistency; adjust water as needed. Use fresh ginger for the best aroma. Store Yakgwa properly to maintain texture.

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