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Yakgwa

Irresistibly Sweet Yakgwa: Korean Honey Cookies You’ll Love

Yakgwa are traditional Korean honey cookies with a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for snacks or desserts.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Soaking Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour this forms the base of your cookies, ensuring a perfect texture.
  • ¼ cup sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that elevates the Yakgwa’s profile.
  • ¼ cup honey contributes sweetness and moisture, making these cookies truly irresistible.
  • ¼ cup rice wine enhances the flavor depth; can substitute with dry sherry.
  • ½ teaspoon ginger powder infuses the dough with warmth; fresh ginger can be used for a bolder taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor overall.
For the Syrup
  • 1 cup honey essential for sweetening your syrup, creating a luscious soak for the cookies.
  • 1 cup water helps dissolve the honey and thins the syrup to the perfect consistency.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (sliced) infuses the syrup with refreshing spice; adjust for your taste.
For Frying
  • 2-3 inches oil necessary for frying your Yakgwa to golden perfection.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • deep frying pan
  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Yakgwa
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of sesame oil, ¼ cup of honey, ¼ cup of rice wine, ½ teaspoon of ginger powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Divide the dough into small portions, roll each piece into a log and cut them into desired shapes. Place shaped Yakgwa on a parchment-lined tray.
  3. In a deep frying pan, heat enough oil to submerge the Yakgwa. Test the temperature with a small piece of dough; it should bubble vigorously when ready.
  4. Fry the shaped Yakgwa in batches for about 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
  5. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of honey, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of sliced fresh ginger. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. Immerse the fried Yakgwa in the ginger-honey syrup and let them soak for at least 2-3 hours, turning occasionally for uniform soak.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gCalcium: 1mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store cooled Yakgwa in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For refrigeration, note that this may soften the texture. Freeze individually wrapped for up to 2 months.

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