What Is a Squid Game Dalgona Cookie
A Squid Game dalgona cookie is a Korean sugar candy, also called ddalgi, that became globally popular after the Netflix series Squid Game. The show features contestants carving specific shapes from a honeycomb-like sugar disc without breaking it. The most common shapes include a circle, triangle, umbrella, and star, which players must replicate using a needle or pin. The candy is made from melted sugar, baking soda, and a small amount of corn syrup or oil, then pressed flat and cooled quickly. The challenge lies in the thin edges, which can crack if the sugar is too hot or the shape is too intricate. The recipe has become a viral trend on social media platforms and cooking blogs, with millions of views on video-sharing sites. Dalgona cookies are now sold in specialty shops and online marketplaces worldwide.
The candy originated in South Korea and was a popular street snack in the 1970s and 1980s. The name dalgona comes from a Korean word meaning it is delicious, and the treat was often sold by street vendors near playgrounds. The Netflix series Squid Game, which premiered in 2021, featured the candy in its first episode, triggering a global surge in home attempts and commercial products. The show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, designed the dalgona challenge to test players' patience and fine motor skills under pressure. The series was renewed for a second season, with production confirmed by Netflix and reports from industry outlets such as Forbes. The dalgona cookie trend has also influenced merchandise, with shaped molds and kits sold on major e-commerce platforms.
Ingredients and Tools for Squid Game Dalgona Cookies
The base recipe requires granulated sugar, a small amount of corn syrup or honey, baking soda, and water. A typical batch uses 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup, and a pinch of baking soda, with water used to dissolve the sugar initially. The mixture is heated in a pot until it turns amber, then baking soda is stirred in to create a light, honeycomb-like texture. The melted sugar is poured onto a silicone mat or parchment paper and pressed flat with a spatula while still hot. A cookie cutter or sharp knife is used to cut the shape before the sugar hardens. A toothpick, safety pin, or small sculpting tool is needed to carve the outline of the chosen shape. Silicone molds shaped like circles, stars, and umbrellas are also available for purchase online.
For best results, use a light-colored saucepan to monitor the color of the melting sugar accurately. A candy thermometer helps ensure the temperature stays between 300 and 320 degrees Fahrenheit, the range where sugar caramelizes without burning. Corn syrup prevents crystallization, making the mixture easier to work with and giving the final cookie a smoother surface. Baking soda reacts with the acid in the corn syrup to create tiny air bubbles, giving the dalgona its signature crisp, airy texture. The tools needed are minimal, making the recipe accessible for beginners and a popular activity for families. Safety is important because melted sugar can cause severe burns, so heat-resistant gloves and a flat, stable workspace are recommended.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Dalgona Cookies
Melting and Pouring the Sugar Mixture
Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Stop stirring once the mixture boils and let it cook until it reaches an amber color, typically around 320 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda, which will cause the mixture to foam and expand. Pour the foamy sugar onto a prepared silicone mat and use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer about 1/8 inch thick. Work quickly because the sugar