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Yakgwa (Korean Honey Cookies)

Crispy Yakgwa: Irresistible Korean Honey Cookies to Love

Discover the delightful world of Yakgwa, Korean honey cookies that blend crispy exteriors with tender, chewy hearts, all enveloped in a rich ginger-honey syrup.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Ensure sifted for better texture
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil Adds nuttiness; substitute with neutral oil if necessary
  • 1 cup Honey Natural sweetness; using maple syrup changes flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Freshly grated for best results
  • 2 tablespoons Rice Wine Enhances flavor complexity; can be replaced
For Frying
For the Syrup
  • 1 cup Honey Used for the syrup
  • 1/2 cup Water Adjust according to desired thickness

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Deep pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Making Yakgwa
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sifted all-purpose flour, sesame oil, honey, and rice wine. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  3. While the dough rests, prepare the syrup by combining honey, water, and freshly grated ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool slightly.
  5. Once rested, divide the dough into small portions and shape each into desired forms.
  6. In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shaped cookies for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  7. Immerse the fried cookies in the ginger-honey syrup, coating fully, and soak for at least 2-3 hours or overnight.
  8. After soaking, remove the Yakgwa from the syrup and place them on a serving platter. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 10mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 10gIron: 2mg

Notes

Longer soaking in syrup allows for a richer, sweeter cookie. Ensure oil is hot enough before frying for optimal crispness.

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