Maejakgwa - Sweet Honey Cookies

Ingredients

In this adaptation of Maejakgwa to North American cuisine, we have incorporated familiar ingredients and flavors to suit the local palate. While the original recipe uses traditional Korean spices like cinnamon and ginger, we have enhanced the flavors by adding a touch of nutmeg and cloves, commonly found in North American baking. Additionally, the cookies are deep-fried instead of pan-fried to achieve a crispy texture that is popular in North American desserts. We alse have the original recipe for Maejakgwa, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Honey, for drizzling (optional) Honey, for drizzling (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional) Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, honey, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
3. 3.
   Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes from the dough.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. 5.
   Carefully place the cut-out dough shapes into the hot oil, frying them in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
6. 6.
   Remove the fried cookies from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
7. 7.
   Optional: Drizzle the cookies with honey and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and decoration.
8. 8.
   Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Honey — Use a high-quality honey for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Vegetable oil — Opt for a neutral-tasting oil like canola or sunflower oil for frying.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispy texture, make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying the cookies.
• If the dough becomes too sticky, lightly dust it with flour while rolling it out.
• Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes to add variety to your presentation.
• For a more pronounced honey flavor, drizzle the cookies with honey after frying.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve these honey-spiced cookies as a delightful dessert alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be enjoyed as a sweet treat during festive occasions or as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown cookies on a decorative platter and sprinkle them with sesame seeds for an elegant touch. Drizzle a little honey over the cookies for added sweetness and a glossy finish.