5-Minute Dalgona Candy

What is Dalgona?

Dalgona, also known as Ppopgi, is an old-fashioned Korean sugar candy made with just sugar and baking soda. Although it looks like thin cookies, it has a hard and honeycomb toffee-like texture. The reason this candy is so nostalgic to Koreans is because of how it’s made – in a soup ladle!

Like many kids in the 1970s, we often tried making it at home, sneaking into the kitchen when our mothers were out. Unfortunately, our experiments often left burn marks on kitchen ladles, resulting in scoldings—or worse, a smack when the evidence was discovered. Ouch!

The popular Netflix show “Squid Game” featured this candy, and it became an overnight sensation through social media. It’s easy to see why this sugar candy became so intriguing to non-Koreans. Making the Dalgona candy recipe is a fun activity if you know the story behind it.

Dalgona vs. Ppopgi

Dalgona and Ppopgi are nostalgic Korean candies from the 1970s and early 80s. While Ppopgi is made with plain sugar, Dalgona uses glucose solids, giving each a unique flavor and texture.

It’s interesting to note that the names have been confused over the past few decades. What most people now call “Dalgona” should really be called “Ppopgi” candy. However, for the sake of joining the current trend, I’ll call this recipe Dalgona.

(Note: This recipe is for Dalgona candy, not whipped dalgona coffee!)

Dalgona challenge

The humble Korean sugar candy has recently gained global attention. Thanks to the popular Netflix series Squid Game, the Dalgona challenge has become viral on social media with the hashtag #dalgonachallenge.

Picking out the indented pattern from the pressed Korean sugar candy without breaking it is no easy feat. It’s a fun challenge to have the Dalgona game at home.

In this post, I provide you with the necessary tools to make Dalgona, the recipe, and important cooking tips for you to succeed. Now you can have fun playing the Dalgona game in the comfort of your own home.

Tools and ingredietns You’ll need

You can purchase a Dalgona tools set from online stores or use any small cookie cutter you have, along with a Korean Hotteok Press. If you don’t have a hotteok press, you can use the bottom of a small saucepan to press down instead.

I suggest getting a hotteok press tool, not only for making dalgona candy, but also for creating delicious Hotteok. This Korean sweet pancake is filled with brown sugar syrup, and it is definitely worth a try. You’ll love it!

Ladle – Use a cheap one. Look for one at dollar stores or cheap kitchen supply stores. Don’t use your mother’s nice kitchen ladle. You might possibly get your backside smacked, too. .

Wooden chopsticks – or popsicle sticks.

Hotteok Press – It’s a tool to press down the dalgona mass.

Sugar – use granulated sugar.

Baking soda – do not substitute with baking powder. It has to be baking soda.

Cookie cutter s – any size and pattern you desire. A simpler pattern will be easier.

Silicon mat – It helps release the dalgona candy easily. You can also use parchment paper.

How to make dalgona candy

Step 1: Put 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar in a ladle over medium-low to low heat. When the sugar starts melting around the edge, stir with a wooden chopstick.

Step 2: Continue to stir the sugar until it melts and caramelizes. If the sugar burns too quickly, reduce the heat. Once all the sugar has melted, it should have a light caramel color.

Step 3: Remove the ladle from heat, and add a pinch of baking soda. Keep stirring until well mixed.

Step 4: Pour the mixture on a Silicon mat and press gently with a Hotteok Press to flatten.

Step 5: Using a cookie cutter, quickly press down to create an indentation on the surface of the candy. Allow the candy to cool, and then lift it up with a spatula.

Recipe Success tips

To avoid burning the sugar, use medium-low to low heat when caramelizing it and ensure that it is fully melted before adding the baking soda.

Once you add the baking soda, remove the ladle from the heat source and stir well.

Be careful not to use excessive baking soda as it can cause bubbling and sticking to the hotteok press, which can make the candy taste bitter.

Ways to enjoy Korean sugar candy

Indulge in the sweet treat on its own as a snack or dessert.

Use it as a garnish on top of cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream.

Add it to hot drinks like tea or coffee for a sweet boost.

Crush it up and sprinkle it over popcorn or other snacks for a sweet and crunchy twist.

Share it with friends and family and reminisce about your childhood memories.

Proper Storage Instructions

To store the dalgona candy, wait for it to cool and then place it in an airtight zip bag. Keep the bag on the counter at room temperature. The dalgona candy can last up to three days if stored in an airtight container. However, if the climate is humid, the candy may become sticky.