Maejakgwa - Traditional Korean Honey Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) rice flour 1/2 cup (60g) rice flour
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Sesame seeds, for garnish Sesame seeds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 31g, 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rice flour, honey, water, sesame oil, and salt. Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
3. 3.
   Cut the dough into diamond shapes or any desired shape using a knife or cookie cutter.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (180°C).
5. 5.
   Carefully drop a few pieces of the dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. 6.
   Remove the fried cookies from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle sesame seeds over the cookies while they are still warm.
8. 8.
   Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a good quality honey for the best flavor. If you prefer a milder sweetness, reduce the amount of honey slightly.
• Sesame oil — Opt for toasted sesame oil to enhance the nutty aroma in the cookies.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispy texture, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the cookies.
• If the dough is too sticky, lightly dust the work surface and rolling pin with flour.
• For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger powder to the dough.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve Maejakgwa as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of hot tea or as a sweet treat during festive gatherings. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh and crispy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden Maejakgwa cookies on a platter and sprinkle some additional sesame seeds on top for an attractive presentation. You can also serve them in small paper cups or on individual dessert plates.