(W Table)
(W Table)

Before Western desserts and sweet treats became all the rage in Korea, yakgwa was the dessert of dreams.

This traditional Korean honey cookie is deep-fried, soaked in a honey syrup, and flavored with ginger juice, sesame oil and a splash of soju. The result? A chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s somewhere between a croissant and baklava.

Once a treat reserved for special occasions like ancestral rituals, feasts and holidays, yakgwa has made a big comeback. These days, you’ll find it in bakeries across Seoul, sometimes topping macarons or financiers.

Sweet, fragrant and full of character, yakgwa is literally translated as “medicine snack,” meaning it’s as effective as medicine when it comes to relieving stress with its soothing sweetness.

Feeling the winter blues? Grab a yakgwa, brew a hot cup of tea or coffee, and let this comforting treat lift your spirits.

(Yakgwa, Korean honey cookie, traditional sweet pastry, deep-fried honey cookie, chewy yakgwa dessert)