How to Make Squid Game Cookies: 7 Easy Steps for Success

How to Make Squid Game Cookies: 7 Easy Steps for Success

Have you ever wondered how those mesmerizing honeycomb cookies from Squid Game are actually made? The ones that characters must carefully carve shapes from without breaking? These addictive treats aren’t just TV props—they’re a real Korean street food called Dalgona candy that you can make at home!

Learning how to make squid game cookies is surprisingly simple, requiring just two main ingredients and some patience. The satisfying crack of successfully removing a shape from these delicate honeycomb treats brings the same thrill as the show—minus the deadly consequences!

This traditional Korean street snack gained worldwide popularity after appearing in Netflix’s hit series, and now you can recreate this sweet challenge in your own kitchen with my foolproof method.

Ingredients List

honeycomb cookies squid game

Creating authentic Squid Game cookies requires minimal ingredients but precise execution. Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy, caramelized treats:

• Granulated sugar – 2 tablespoons (white sugar works best, but light brown sugar can work in a pinch)
• Baking soda – ¼ teaspoon (this creates the honeycomb texture)
• Cookie cutters – Small shapes like umbrella, star, circle, or triangle
• Non-stick pan – A small aluminum ladle works perfectly too
• Parchment paper – For cooling the cookies
• Cooking oil – Just a drop to prevent sticking

For an authentic experience, use metal cookie cutters similar to those seen in the show. If you don’t have them, you can create templates from thick cardboard or aluminum foil as substitutes.

Timing

Preparation Time: 5 minutes to gather ingredients and tools

Cooking Time: 3-5 minutes per cookie (active cooking requires full attention)

Total Time: About 20-30 minutes for a batch of 4-6 cookies

The beauty of this recipe is its efficiency—taking 75% less time than most homemade cookies that require mixing, chilling, and baking. However, each cookie must be made individually for best results, making this a mindful cooking experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Set up your cooking area with all ingredients measured and tools ready. Lay parchment paper on a flat surface where you’ll place the finished cookies. Have your cookie cutters within reach and a timer nearby. This preparation ensures you can work quickly once the sugar begins melting.

Step 2: Melt the Sugar

Heat your small non-stick pan or ladle over medium-low heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of sugar (one cookie’s worth) and wait patiently. Resist the urge to stir immediately! Let the sugar begin melting around the edges first, about 1-2 minutes.

Once you see the edges turning liquid, gently stir with a wooden chopstick or metal spoon. The sugar will gradually transform from white crystals to a golden amber liquid. Be careful not to burn it—the perfect color is similar to honey.

Step 3: Add Baking Soda

When the sugar has completely melted and turned amber (around 2-3 minutes), remove the pan from heat. Immediately add the ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and stir quickly. The mixture will foam and expand dramatically—this reaction creates the signature honeycomb texture of squid game cookie recipe.

Step 4: Form the Cookie

Working quickly before the mixture hardens, pour the foamy caramel onto your prepared parchment paper. Use the back of a spoon to gently press it into a circular shape about 3-4 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick. You have only seconds before it begins to set!

Step 5: Press Your Shape

While the cookie is still hot but firm enough to hold shape (about 10-15 seconds after pouring), gently press your cookie cutter into the center. Don’t push all the way through—just enough to create a clear imprint, about halfway into the thickness.

Remove the cutter carefully after 2-3 seconds. If you leave it too long, the cookie might stick to the cutter; too short, and the imprint won’t be clear.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Allow the cookie to cool for 3-5 minutes until completely hardened. The honeycomb structure needs time to set properly. Rushing this step might result in a cookie that’s too fragile to handle during the next challenge!

Step 7: The Challenge – Extract Your Shape

Now comes the fun part that mimics the show! Using a toothpick or needle, carefully trace around the imprinted shape. Work slowly and with minimal pressure—just like the contestants had to do. The goal is to remove the shape without breaking it!

For an authentic experience, set a timer for 10 minutes and see if you can successfully extract your shape before time runs out.

Nutritional Information

Each Squid Game cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 60-70 per cookie
• Carbohydrates: 15g (all from sugar)
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: Minimal (trace amounts from baking soda)

These treats are essentially pure sugar, making them a nostalgic indulgence rather than a nutritious snack. The typical street vendor portion is one cookie per person, which keeps the sugar intake moderate compared to many commercial desserts that contain 2-3 times more sugar.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While the authentic experience requires real sugar, here are some modifications for those seeking healthier options:

• Use coconut sugar instead of white sugar for a lower glycemic index option with subtle caramel notes.

• Create a visual-only version using rice paper and food coloring for children’s parties where you want the game without the sugar rush.

• Try a half-portion cookie (1 tablespoon sugar) for a taste of the experience with less sugar intake.

• For those avoiding sugar entirely, consider making the cookies as decoration only, and serve alongside fresh fruit for a healthier sweet treat.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your how to make squid game cookies experience with these creative serving ideas:

• Host a Squid Game viewing party with cookies matching each character’s chosen shape.

• Serve alongside traditional Korean barley tea (boricha) for an authentic pairing.

• Create a dessert board featuring the cookies alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for dipping.

• Package individual cookies in cellophane with the iconic circle-triangle-square symbol for party favors.

• For a complete themed experience, serve with Korean-inspired snacks like kimchi popcorn or sweet and spicy nuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Stirring the sugar too early – This creates crystallization instead of smooth caramelization. Wait until edges begin melting before stirring.
• Using high heat – Sugar burns easily at high temperatures. Medium-low heat ensures proper melting without burning.
• Adding too much baking soda – The honeycomb will become bitter and expand too much. Measure precisely!
• Pressing the cutter too deeply – This makes the challenge impossible. Aim for halfway through the thickness.
• Making cookies on humid days – The honeycomb absorbs moisture from the air, becoming sticky and losing crispness. Choose a dry day for best results.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Squid Game cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but proper storage can extend their life:

• Store in an airtight container with silica gel packets to absorb moisture. This keeps them crisp for up to 3 days.

• Never refrigerate these cookies as condensation will make them sticky and lose their signature crunch.

• For longer storage, place in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• If cookies become soft, they can be crisped in a 200°F (93°C) oven for 5 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Conclusion

Mastering how to make squid game cookies brings the thrill of the popular Netflix series right to your kitchen. With just sugar and baking soda, you can create these fascinating honeycomb treats that are as fun to make as they are to eat—or break!

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity and the mindful process of creating them. Each step requires presence and patience, making this more than just a recipe—it’s an experience.

Have you tried making these iconic cookies? Share your success stories or shape extraction victories in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more unique dessert challenges, subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Game on!

Ready to take on the next challenge? Try your hand at these cookies today and see if you would survive the game!