Dalgona Candy Recipe: If you’ve ever seen the viral Dalgona candy scene from Squid Game and thought, “Hey, I want to try that!”, you’re in the right place. Dalgona, also known as Korean honeycomb candy, is a sweet treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s got that crunchy, toffee-like texture with a light caramel flavor, and the best part? You only need two basic ingredients to make it.
This guide breaks down every step, from the ingredients and tools you’ll need to detailed instructions and pro tips for shaping it like a boss. Whether you’re doing it for fun, as a game, or just to relive childhood memories, you’re about to become a Dalgona-making master. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to melt some sugar—literally.
What is Dalgona Candy?
Dalgona candy is a traditional Korean street snack that’s made from melted sugar and baking soda. When the baking soda is added to the hot sugar, it causes a chemical reaction that gives the candy a light, airy texture—sort of like a sponge toffee or honeycomb. Once the mixture is poured onto a flat surface, it’s quickly pressed and stamped with a shape, typically using cookie cutters.
While it was a common sight outside Korean schools in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, Dalgona experienced a massive resurgence in 2021 thanks to Squid Game, where contestants had to carve out a shape without breaking the fragile candy. That scene reignited global curiosity about this nostalgic treat, and now people everywhere are trying their hand at it.
It’s simple, but not always easy. Timing is everything with Dalgona, and the magic happens in seconds. But don’t worry—we’ll guide you through each step so you can nail it like a pro.
A Brief History of Dalgona
Origin and Cultural Relevance in Korea
Dalgona, known locally as “ppopgi,” first appeared in post-war Korea during the 1950s. As sugar became more widely available, street vendors started selling the candy outside schools to kids looking for an affordable snack. The game was simple: buy a piece with a shape stamped in it, and if you could carve out the shape without breaking it, you’d win a free one. It was both a sweet treat and a challenge.
How it Became a Global Trend
For decades, Dalgona remained a nostalgic memory in Korea. But the 2021 Netflix hit Squid Game turned this humble candy into a viral sensation. Suddenly, Dalgona challenges flooded TikTok and Instagram. Everyone wanted to test their skills. What started as a local street snack became a global DIY trend overnight. And today, it’s more than just candy—it’s a cultural moment.
Why Make Dalgona Candy at Home?
Fun for All Ages
Dalgona candy isn’t just a snack—it’s an experience. Whether you’re doing it with your kids, hosting a Squid Game-themed party, or just looking to challenge your inner perfectionist, making Dalgona is a fun activity that brings people together. Kids love watching the chemical reaction bubble up, and adults enjoy the nostalgia and challenge.
Easy and Budget-Friendly
Only two ingredients? No fancy tools needed? It’s probably the most budget-friendly dessert you’ll ever make. You don’t need to be a baking wizard. In fact, you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about turning simple sugar into something that looks and tastes this good.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
Kitchen Essentials
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A stainless steel ladle or small pan
- Wooden or metal chopstick (for stirring)
- Baking tray or flat, non-stick surface
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Cookie cutters (for shaping)
- Spatula or press (flat-bottom cup works too)
Optional Tools for Better Shaping
- Oil brush (to grease the surface lightly)
- Cooking thermometer (to monitor sugar temp, especially for beginners)
- Metal scraper (for lifting the candy gently)
These extras aren’t mandatory but can make the process smoother and the results prettier.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Primary Ingredients
You only need two basic ingredients to make Dalgona candy:
- Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons)
White sugar works best because it melts evenly and has a neutral flavor. - Baking Soda (a pinch—about 1/16 tsp)
This is what creates the airy texture by reacting with the melted sugar.
Optional Add-ins for Flavor
Want to take it up a notch? Consider adding:
- Vanilla extract (a drop for aroma)
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (for warmth)
- Sea salt flakes (sprinkle on top for a sweet-salty bite)
But for the traditional taste, stick with just sugar and baking soda.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dalgona Candy
Let’s walk through the process from start to finish. Be warned—it all happens fast, so prepare everything in advance and act quickly once the sugar melts!
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Lay out your parchment paper or silicone mat on a flat surface. Have your cookie cutters, chopstick, and press ready. This isn’t something you can do one-handed, so set everything within reach. Lightly grease your cookie cutter and press tool to prevent sticking. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 2: Heat the Sugar Gently
Place about 2 tablespoons of sugar into your ladle or pan. Hold it over medium-low heat. Use a wooden or metal stick to stir slowly. The sugar will begin to clump, then melt into a golden syrup. Don’t rush this part—if the sugar burns, it’ll taste bitter.
Watch for:
- Crystalizing edges
- Light amber color
- Smooth, bubbling texture
This step takes 1–3 minutes. Patience is key.
Step 3: Stir Until Golden Brown
Once fully melted, keep stirring until the sugar is evenly golden—not too dark, not too pale. A burnt smell means you’ve gone too far. A pale color means the flavor won’t pop. Aim for a rich amber shade—like a light maple syrup. Keep the ladle moving in small circles to avoid hot spots.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda and Whisk
Remove the ladle from heat and quickly add a tiny pinch of baking soda. Stir fast and steady—within seconds, your mixture will foam up and turn a light tan color. This is the chemical reaction that gives Dalgona its signature honeycomb texture.
If you add too much baking soda, it’ll puff too much and collapse. If you stir too slow, the candy will harden mid-air. Be quick but controlled.
Step 5: Pour onto Surface and Shape
Immediately pour the foamed mixture onto your parchment paper. Let it sit for about 10–15 seconds—just enough for the surface to smooth but not harden.
Now press it gently with a flat object to flatten it. Don’t press too hard or it’ll spread too thin and break.
Step 6: Stamp the Design
Before it fully hardens, take your cookie cutter and press it into the candy—don’t cut all the way through! You’re just stamping a shape into the surface.
Popular shapes:
- Star
- Circle
- Triangle
- Umbrella (if you’re feeling brave)
Now let it cool and harden completely. That’s it—you just made Dalgona!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Dalgona candy seems simple, a few tiny errors can ruin your candy. Let’s go over the common pitfalls and how to avoid them so you can get perfect results every single time.
Burnt Sugar
This is the most common mistake. Sugar burns very fast once it starts to melt. If you use high heat or stop stirring for even a few seconds, it will turn too dark and taste bitter. Once it starts melting, reduce the flame to low and keep the ladle or pan moving. Remember, you want amber—not black.
Adding Too Much Baking Soda
Too much baking soda can cause the candy to puff up too much and then collapse. Use just a tiny pinch—we’re talking 1/16th of a teaspoon. Adding more than that will ruin the texture and leave a weird aftertaste.
Over-Stirring After Adding Baking Soda
Once you add the baking soda, stir just enough to combine—5 to 10 seconds max. Over-stirring will knock out the air bubbles and deflate the candy, leaving it dense and chewy instead of light and crunchy.
Waiting Too Long to Shape It
After pouring the candy onto the surface, you have a 15–20 second window to flatten and stamp it. Wait too long, and it will harden. Move too fast, and it’ll still be too soft to hold the shape. Timing is everything here—practice will make perfect.
Tips for Perfect Dalgona Every Time
Now that you know what not to do, here are some pro tips to make your Dalgona candy absolutely perfect on the first (or second) try.
- Pre-measure ingredients before you start. Dalgona is all about timing. Having everything ready to go makes a huge difference.
- Use a non-stick surface like silicone mats or parchment paper to avoid sticking disasters.
- Practice with small batches. Start with 1 tablespoon of sugar and a tiny pinch of baking soda to get the hang of it.
- Watch the color. Golden amber = good. Anything darker = burnt.
- Lightly oil your tools. A tiny bit of oil on your press and cookie cutter will keep them from sticking.
- Work quickly but carefully. Once the sugar foams up, move fast. But don’t panic—smooth, steady hands get the best results.
With these tips, you’ll avoid rookie mistakes and start cranking out Dalgona like a seasoned pro.
How to Create the Iconic Shapes
The stamp shapes are what make Dalgona extra fun. Whether you’re playing the “don’t break it” game or just want it to look cool on Instagram, this part is key.
Using Cookie Cutters
Cookie cutters are the go-to tool for stamping shapes. You can use metal or plastic ones, but make sure they’re lightly greased to avoid sticking. Press down just enough to leave an impression—don’t go all the way through or you’ll split the candy.
Popular Shapes:
- Star – Classic and clean.
- Circle – The easiest to cut out.
- Triangle – Simple and sharp.
- Umbrella – Infamous thanks to Squid Game (and the hardest one).
- Heart – Cute and fun for kids or Valentine’s Day.
Creative Shape Ideas
Want to mix it up? Try using:
- Dinosaur cookie cutters
- Letters of your name
- Holiday shapes like snowflakes or pumpkins
- Cartoon characters (for advanced stampers)
Let your creativity run wild—but remember, the more complex the shape, the harder it is to carve out without breaking.
Making Dalgona Candy Without a Mold
Don’t have cookie cutters lying around? No problem. You can still make Dalgona candy without fancy tools.
Here’s how:
- Use a small cup or shot glass to press the candy flat.
- For shapes, try cutting stencils out of cardboard or thick paper.
- You can even press it gently with the bottom of a spoon or jar to flatten it.
- For a stamped effect, press an object like a fork, chopstick, or bottle cap to create your own patterns.
It might not look exactly like the show, but it’ll still taste just as good—and the fun is still there.
Fun Dalgona Challenge Game Ideas
The candy is great, but the real fun is in the game. Try out these playful Dalgona challenges with your friends or family:
Classic Squid Game Challenge
Give everyone a Dalgona candy and a toothpick. Set a timer for 2–3 minutes. The goal? Carve out the shape without breaking the candy. If you crack it, you’re out. It’s harder than it looks!
Blindfold Dalgona
Take the challenge up a notch by carving out your shape while blindfolded. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and way more difficult.
Timed Dalgona Contest
See who can make the best Dalgona in the fastest time. This is great for parties or competitive friends.
Decorate Your Dalgona
Give out edible decorations like sprinkles, edible glitter, or icing pens and let people decorate their candy before breaking it.
How to Store Dalgona Candy
Dalgona is super delicate, so storing it properly is essential to keep it from going soft or soggy.
Storage Tips:
- Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Do not refrigerate. Humidity will make it sticky and chewy.
- If you’re in a humid environment, add a silica gel pack or some dry rice to your storage container to absorb moisture.
- Consume within 1–2 days for the best crunch and texture.
Making a big batch? Stack layers between wax paper to prevent sticking.
Is Dalgona Candy Vegan or Gluten-Free?
The good news is: yes, Dalgona candy is naturally both vegan and gluten-free. With just sugar and baking soda, there are no animal products or wheat-based ingredients involved.
However, be cautious if:
- You add flavorings like vanilla extract (some may have alcohol or animal-based carriers).
- You use decorative toppings—check ingredients if you’re vegan or gluten-intolerant.
- You buy Dalgona kits or pre-made candies. Always check labels.
So for the purists out there, the original two-ingredient Dalgona is a safe, simple snack almost anyone can enjoy.
FAQs about Dalgona Candy Recipe
1. What does Dalgona Candy taste like?
It has a sweet, slightly burnt caramel flavor with a crispy, airy texture—similar to honeycomb or sponge toffee.
2. Can I make Dalgona Candy without baking soda?
Nope! Baking soda is what causes the chemical reaction to puff up the sugar and give it the signature honeycomb texture. Without it, you’d just have a sugar disc.
3. Why did my Dalgona Candy burn?
Most likely, you used heat that was too high or didn’t stir the sugar evenly. Keep the flame low and stir continuously to prevent burning.
4. Is Dalgona the same as honeycomb?
It’s similar but not exactly the same. Western honeycomb usually contains corn syrup and butter, while Dalgona uses only sugar and baking soda for a simpler, lighter texture.
5. How do I clean burnt sugar from my pan?
Soak it in hot water for a few hours. Sugar dissolves in water, so it’ll eventually melt off. If needed, boil water in the pan to speed up the process.
Conclusion
Dalgona candy is the perfect mix of fun, nostalgia, and just a bit of danger (okay, maybe just suspense). Whether you’re trying to relive the thrill of Squid Game or introducing your kids to a cool new tradition, this sweet treat offers a memorable experience.
From its humble Korean street roots to viral fame across social media, Dalgona has earned its spot in the snack hall of fame. And now, you can make it right in your own kitchen—with just a spoon, some sugar, and a dash of baking soda.
Just remember: timing is everything, and don’t be afraid to mess up a few times. Each mistake teaches you more, and every cracked piece still tastes delicious. So go ahead—melt that sugar, press that shape, and see if you’ve got what it takes to beat the Dalgona challenge.
