Recipe

Hodu-gwaja: Korean Walnut Cookies

Nutty Delights: Irresistible Korean Walnut Cookies

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Korea with Hodu-gwaja, a traditional walnut cookie. These bite-sized treats are a beloved part of Korean cuisine, known for their nutty aroma and sweet, gooey filling.

Dessert› Cookie› Hodu-gwaja

Asian cuisine› East Asian cuisine› Korean cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

15-18 minutes

Total time

45-48 minutes

Yields

Makes approximately 20 Hodu-gwaja cookies

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Nut-free (if walnuts are omitted), Dairy-free (if milk is substituted with a non-dairy alternative), Egg-free, Halal

Allergens

Walnuts, Milk

Not suitable for

Gluten-free (contains all-purpose flour), Vegan (contains milk and honey)

Ingredients

1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (30g) rice flour 1/4 cup (30g) rice flour
1/2 cup (60g) ground walnuts 1/2 cup (60g) ground walnuts
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
1/2 cup (120g) red bean paste 1/2 cup (120g) red bean paste
2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts 1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 13g, 5g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour, ground walnuts, sugar, and salt.
3.
Add the vegetable oil and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
4.
Divide the dough into small portions and shape each portion into a walnut shape.
5.
In a separate bowl, mix the red bean paste, honey, and chopped walnuts to create the filling.
6.
Take each walnut-shaped dough and make a small indentation in the center. Fill it with a teaspoon of the red bean paste filling.
7.
Seal the dough by pinching the edges together and reshape it into a walnut shape.
8.
Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
9.
Allow the cookies to cool before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Ground walnuts — Ensure the walnuts are finely ground to achieve a smooth texture in the dough.
Red bean paste — Use store-bought red bean paste or make your own by cooking and mashing adzuki beans with sugar.

Tips & Tricks

For a twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or matcha powder to the dough for extra flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the amount of honey in the red bean paste mixture.
Serve Hodu-gwaja with a cup of Korean green tea for a traditional pairing.
Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
These cookies make a delightful gift for friends and family during festive occasions.

Serving advice

Serve Hodu-gwaja as a sweet treat alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place the Hodu-gwaja cookies in a decorative box or tin lined with parchment paper. Tie a ribbon around the container for a festive touch.