Squid Game cookies took the world by storm the moment they appeared in Netflix’s hit series Squid Game. What looked like a simple candy challenge quickly became a viral sensation across TikTok, YouTube, and kitchens worldwide. These delicate, honeycomb-like sweets are more than just a trending treat—they’re a nostalgic piece of Korean street food history.
If you’ve been searching for how to make your own Squid Game cookies, you’re in the right place. With only sugar and baking soda, these cookies are incredibly simple to recreate at home—but mastering the perfect texture and shape does require some technique. That’s where this guide comes in.
In this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Squid Game cookies—from their cultural roots and ingredients to expert tips on shaping and storing them like a pro. Plus, we’ll answer your top questions and share delicious variations that go beyond what you saw on screen.
Squid Game cookies, officially known as Dalgona candy (달고나), are a nostalgic Korean street treat made with melted sugar and a pinch of baking soda. When heated and whipped, the mixture puffs up into a light, crisp toffee that can be molded into playful shapes. In Squid Game, the candy becomes a deadly challenge: break it incorrectly and… game over.
Also called honeycomb toffee, these cookies are wafer-thin with a golden, airy texture and a mildly bitter caramel flavor. Their simplicity makes them perfect for home cooks of all levels—even kids can join in with supervision.
Why These Korean Treats Went Viral Worldwide
The cookies gained overnight fame thanks to the viral Squid Game scene where contestants must carve out shapes without cracking the brittle candy. But their popularity also stems from:
Cultural curiosity: People love discovering foods from global media.
DIY appeal: The recipe is deceptively easy.
TikTok trends: Creators embraced the challenge, adding layers of entertainment and competition.
In Korea, dalgona has long been a fun street snack. Vendors would offer children the candy and dare them to extract the shape without breaking it to win a free treat. This simple pastime is now being recreated in kitchens worldwide, often with hilarious or heart-pounding results.
Ingredients Needed to Make Squid Game Cookies
Simple Two-Ingredient Base
One of the most interesting things about making Squid Game cookies is just how simple the ingredient list is. You only need two things: granulated sugar and baking soda. That’s it. No flour, no eggs, no milk—just pantry staples that turn into a nostalgic Korean street candy with the right technique.
To get started, use about two tablespoons of white granulated sugar. This will form the base of the candy. Heat it slowly over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once it turns into a smooth golden syrup, you’ll add a tiny pinch of baking soda—no more than 1/16 of a teaspoon. As soon as the baking soda hits the hot sugar, the mixture will puff up and lighten in color. That airy texture is what gives Squid Game cookies their signature look and crunch.
Don’t substitute baking powder here—it won’t create the same chemical reaction that gives dalgona its unique texture. Also, make sure you’re using fresh baking soda, as old or expired soda might not react well.
Optional Tools and Enhancers
Although the ingredient list is simple, using the right tools makes shaping your Squid Game cookies easier and more authentic. A non-stick metal ladle is great for melting the sugar directly over heat. You’ll also want a silicone mat or parchment paper to pour the hot mixture onto once it’s ready.
To get those classic shapes like stars, circles, or umbrellas, you’ll need small cookie cutters. A flat-bottomed press like a measuring cup or a metal lid helps flatten the candy before cutting in the shape. Want to play the game like in the show? Grab a toothpick or needle to try carving out the design without cracking it.
For flavor variations, you can get creative. Add a small dash of vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or cinnamon to the melted sugar for a personal twist. While not traditional, these tiny additions can make your Squid Game cookies stand out and impress.
Discover great ideas like Healthy Beef Stroganoff if you’re looking to balance your sweet treat with a hearty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Squid Game Cookies
How to Make Squid Game Cookies?
If you’re wondering how to make Squid Game cookies, the process is surprisingly simple but requires precise timing. With just sugar and baking soda, you can create these iconic Korean candies at home in minutes. The key lies in melting the sugar slowly, stirring continuously, and adding baking soda at the right moment to puff up the texture.
Melting Sugar Correctly Without Burning It
Making Squid Game cookies starts with one of the most important steps—melting sugar the right way. While it might seem easy, this part demands patience and close attention.
Start by placing 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a metal ladle or small saucepan. Hold it just above medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a chopstick or wooden skewer. Don’t rush this step—sugar burns easily and turns bitter if overheated.
As you stir, you’ll see the sugar gradually melt into a thick golden syrup. It should become smooth and amber-colored, not dark brown or clumpy. The key here is low, steady heat and non-stop stirring to avoid hot spots and burning.
If you’re new to cooking sugar, it’s helpful to rotate the ladle or pan slightly to distribute the heat more evenly.
How to Add Baking Soda at the Right Time
Now comes the transformation. Once the sugar is fully melted and smooth, remove the ladle from heat and immediately add a pinch of baking soda—about 1/16 of a teaspoon. Work quickly but carefully.
Start stirring again as soon as the baking soda touches the syrup. You’ll notice the mixture begin to foam and puff up with a light golden color. This reaction is what gives Squid Game cookies their signature honeycomb texture.
As soon as it’s fully combined and airy, pour the mixture onto a silicone mat or parchment paper. Let it sit for just a few seconds to slightly cool before shaping.
Press the candy gently with a flat object (like a cup or metal press) to flatten it. Then, quickly stamp your shape using a cookie cutter. Timing is everything here—the candy hardens fast, so make sure your tools are ready.
Pro tip: If the mixture is too runny or the press sticks, let it cool for an extra 5–10 seconds before flattening. But don’t wait too long—it can set solid within seconds.
Want more Korean cooking inspiration? Check out our savory twist on comfort food with this Healthy Beef Stroganoff.
Traditional Molds: Star, Umbrella, Circle, Triangle
Once your hot sugar mixture is poured and slightly cooled, it’s time to shape your Squid Game cookies. In the series, each player receives a cookie stamped with a shape: circle, triangle, star, or umbrella. These aren’t random—they’re part of the challenge. The more complex the shape, the harder it is to carve out without breaking the fragile candy.
To get the look just right:
Pour the foamy sugar onto parchment paper or a silicone mat immediately after stirring in the baking soda.
Wait 5–10 seconds until the surface firms just slightly. It should still be soft but not too sticky.
Use a flat object like the bottom of a cup or bowl to gently press it flat—about 1/4 inch thick.
Quickly press a cookie cutter into the center of the disk. Don’t cut all the way through; you’re imprinting the shape, not slicing it.
Traditional metal cookie cutters work best, but plastic ones can be used if handled gently. The goal is a visible outline you can try to trace later without causing cracks.
Pro Tips for Cutting and Cooling
Shaping Squid Game cookies can be tricky if the candy sets too fast or too slow. Here are expert tips to get it just right:
Work fast once the baking soda is mixed in—the candy hardens in under a minute.
If the mixture sticks to your press or cutter, lightly oil the tools beforehand.
For sharp shapes, press firmly but not too deep—you want a defined edge without breaking the base.
Let the finished cookie cool completely for 5–10 minutes before lifting it off the surface. Moving it too early can cause cracks.
Want to take on the real challenge? Once cooled, use a toothpick to carefully trace the shape—just like in Squid Game. One wrong move, and the cookie breaks. It’s fun, nostalgic, and makes a great party game.
Looking for something to pair with your cookies? Don’t miss our flavorful Chinese Sizzling Rice Soup—a crunchy, satisfying side to contrast the sweetness.
The Cultural Backstory Behind Dalgona Candy
Origins in South Korean Street Food
Before they were known as Squid Game cookies, these delicate treats were simply called dalgona or ppopgi in South Korea. Long before Netflix made them famous, dalgona was a beloved snack sold by street vendors in the 1970s and 1980s. The candy’s light, brittle texture and subtle sweetness made it a nostalgic part of many childhoods.
Kids would line up after school to buy a sugar disk imprinted with fun shapes—hearts, stars, or animals. Some vendors would challenge children: if you could eat around the shape without breaking it, you’d get another one for free. This playful challenge is exactly what Squid Game adapted for its deadly twist.
Even without the drama, dalgona candy was always a game of skill and patience. It wasn’t just about eating—it was about winning.
Childhood Nostalgia and Games
To many Koreans, the taste of Squid Game cookies is tied to warm memories. The candy was made in tiny portable setups right on the street, often outside schools or markets. Watching the sugar bubble, foam, and harden into delicate art brought joy to both kids and adults.
The simplicity of ingredients made it accessible, while the game of cutting out the shape added excitement. This blend of sweetness and suspense is what made the treat so memorable—and why Squid Game cookies struck such a strong chord with global audiences.
As much as these cookies are about taste, they’re also about experience. Recreating them at home isn’t just a fun project—it’s a chance to step into a piece of South Korean culture and understand why these sugary disks mean so much more than just dessert.
Looking for more nostalgic comfort dishes? Discover our reader-favorite Healthy Beef Stroganoff—a satisfying and simple weeknight meal.
Squid Game Challenge – Cookie Breaking Game Rules
How the Game Is Played in the Series
In Squid Game Episode 3, players are given a tin containing a flat, golden candy—what we now know as Squid Game cookies. The rules seem simple: extract the shape in the center without cracking the cookie. But the reality? Far more intense. With only a toothpick and limited time, players must trace the outline carefully, preserving the shape and avoiding any fractures.
The four iconic shapes—circle, triangle, star, and umbrella—each carry a different level of difficulty. The umbrella was the hardest, and the tension in the scene was unforgettable. Players who broke the cookie were eliminated immediately, which gave the challenge its life-or-death urgency.
This high-stakes scene turned a nostalgic Korean game into a global trend. People everywhere began trying the cookie-cutting challenge at home, using real Squid Game cookies to test their patience and precision.
Strategy: Why Did Gi Hun Lick the Cookie?
One of the most talked-about scenes in Squid Game involves the character Gi Hun using a surprising—and brilliant—tactic to survive. Faced with the nearly impossible task of cutting out an umbrella shape from the fragile candy, Gi Hun noticed something: the cookie softened slightly when it got moist.
That’s when he began licking the back of the cookie, slowly melting the thin candy from behind and loosening the shape’s edges without using the toothpick. His method gave him enough flexibility to extract the shape without a single crack.
This trick wasn’t just clever writing—it was grounded in real Korean street game lore. Kids who played with Squid Game cookies (dalgona candy) in the past actually did this. Licking the back was a known “cheat code” to soften the hardened sugar and improve your odds of winning the vendor’s challenge.
Today, the “licking strategy” has become a core part of the viral trend. TikTok and Instagram videos feature people trying Gi Hun’s method, making Squid Game cookies both a recipe and a challenge rolled into one.
Don’t miss our take on another iconic comfort recipe—Chicken Florentine Soup—to warm up after your candy-cutting challenge.
Dalgona Cookie Variations and Flavor Twists
Chocolate Dalgona, Coffee-Infused Versions
While the traditional Squid Game cookies stick to just sugar and baking soda, modern twists can take this simple treat to the next level. If you’ve already mastered the classic version, here are some fun and flavorful variations to try.
Chocolate dalgona is one of the most popular upgrades. Simply add a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the sugar before it finishes melting. Stir it well so it dissolves evenly into the syrup. This gives your candy a rich, mocha-colored tone and a mild chocolatey flavor—perfect for dessert lovers.
Another trending version is the coffee dalgona cookie. Add just a pinch of instant coffee granules to the sugar during the melting stage. The result is a bold, toasty aroma that adds depth without overpowering the candy’s lightness. This version pairs beautifully with iced milk or espresso for an elevated Korean-style dessert experience.
These upgrades don’t change the structure of the cookie much, so you can still press and shape them with traditional molds.
Kid-Friendly and Holiday Shapes
Squid Game cookies may have a dark twist in the series, but at home, they can be fun and festive. Instead of the standard umbrella or star, try using cookie cutters shaped like hearts, animals, or snowflakes—especially for younger kids or holiday events.
For birthdays or themed parties, you can color the cookies using natural food powders like beetroot (for pink), matcha (for green), or turmeric (for yellow). Just a light dusting into the sugar syrup can create vibrant results without artificial ingredients.
Want to give your cookies a fun texture or crunch? Press in a few crushed toasted almonds or sesame seeds just after flattening the candy. These variations offer a delicious twist while keeping the essence of Squid Game cookies intact.
Thinking of adding savory dishes to your menu? Discover great ideas like Chinese Sizzling Rice Soup—perfect to balance out the sweetness of your dessert.
Safety Tips and Common Mistakes When Making Squid Game Cookies
Sugar Burns and Overheating Warnings
Making Squid Game cookies may seem simple, but working with hot sugar can be risky if you’re not careful. Sugar melts at high temperatures—around 320°F (160°C)—and once it’s hot, it can cause severe burns if it touches your skin. That’s why safety should be your top priority in the kitchen, especially if kids are helping.
Always use a metal ladle or a small nonstick saucepan with a long handle. Avoid plastic or anything that could melt or warp under heat. Stir constantly with a wooden skewer or chopstick to keep your hand at a safe distance from the sugar.
Never walk away while heating the sugar. Once it begins to melt, it can go from golden caramel to scorched black in just seconds. Overheating also makes the sugar taste bitter, ruining your Squid Game cookies before you even start shaping them.
Keep a bowl of cold water nearby—if you accidentally get sugar on your hand, immediately immerse it to reduce the severity of the burn. Better yet, wear oven-safe gloves for added protection.
Why Timing and Temperature Matter
One of the most common mistakes when making Squid Game cookies is waiting too long between steps. Timing is everything in this recipe. Once you stir in the baking soda, the sugar foams up fast and begins to set almost immediately.
If you delay even by 10 seconds, the mixture may become too stiff to pour or shape properly. That leads to thick, uneven cookies that crack when pressed—or worse, cookies that don’t take the imprint from your mold.
On the flip side, pouring and pressing too quickly can result in sticky or overly thin cookies that crumble when touched. To get the timing right:
Pour the mixture as soon as the baking soda is fully combined and the foam forms.
Wait about 5–10 seconds before pressing to allow the candy to settle but not harden.
Use firm, even pressure to flatten the cookie without smashing it.
Also, avoid over-stirring after the baking soda is added. It can deflate the foam and create dense, chewy cookies instead of the signature light crunch expected from authentic Squid Game cookies.
Following these safety precautions and avoiding these common timing errors will help you create perfect, crisp results every time.
Looking for inspiration after mastering dalgona? Don’t miss our Healthy Beef Stroganoff—a perfect savory contrast to your sweet creations.
How to Serve and Store Squid Game Cookies
Pairing with Coffee, Tea, and Dessert Boards
Once you’ve mastered the recipe, Squid Game cookies aren’t just a fun challenge—they’re a beautiful treat to serve. Their crisp, golden look makes them a standout addition to any snack table or dessert board.
Serve Squid Game cookies with a hot drink like Korean instant coffee, matcha tea, or a creamy latte. Their mild caramel flavor pairs beautifully with bitter or earthy beverages. For a playful twist, offer guests a toothpick and turn dessert into a game—see who can remove the shape without cracking the cookie.
You can also feature them at themed events like K-drama watch parties, Halloween nights, or kids’ game days. Just choose fun cookie cutter shapes like animals, emojis, or holiday symbols to fit the occasion. These cookies spark curiosity and excitement no matter where they’re served.
Want to round out your menu with something savory? Don’t miss our creamy and comforting Chicken Florentine Soup—a delicious warm-up after a sweet snack session.
How to Store Dalgona Cookies Without Breaking Them
Squid Game cookies are incredibly fragile—one wrong move, and they’ll shatter. That’s part of the challenge, but it’s also a concern if you plan to store them or give them as gifts.
To keep your cookies fresh and intact:
Let them cool completely before moving or packing.
Store each cookie in a flat, airtight container, using wax paper or parchment between layers.
Avoid refrigerating them. Moisture causes the sugar to absorb humidity, making the cookies sticky or soft.
If you’re gifting them, pack each Squid Game cookie in its own wax paper envelope or plastic baggie with a small label or toothpick for fun. They’ll last up to 5 days at room temperature if kept in a dry, cool place away from sunlight or heat.
For large batches, try layering cookies in a metal cookie tin with padding. Avoid stacking more than three layers to reduce the risk of breakage.
By following these storage tips, your Squid Game cookies will stay crisp, clean, and challenge-ready long after they’re made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squid Game Cookies
What is the cookie from Squid Games called?
The cookie featured in Squid Game is called Dalgona candy, also known as ppopgi in Korean. It’s a traditional Korean street snack made with just melted sugar and a pinch of baking soda. In the show, it’s referred to as Squid Game cookies because of its role in the candy-cutting challenge. The treat has a crisp, honeycomb-like texture and usually features a shape stamped in the center.
What is a Dalgona cookie made of?
A classic Dalgona cookie—or Squid Game cookie—is made from only two ingredients: Granulated white sugar Baking soda No flour, eggs, or butter are used. The baking soda causes the melted sugar to foam up, creating that light, crunchy texture. It’s one of the simplest recipes in Korean street food, but timing and temperature are key to getting it right.
Squid Game cookies, also known as Dalgona candy, are Korean honeycomb-style sugar cookies made with just two ingredients: sugar and baking soda. This quick and fun candy became globally famous from the Netflix show Squid Game. Learn how to make them at home with simple tools and nostalgic flair.
Ingredients
Scale
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 pinch (1/16 teaspoon) baking soda
Instructions
Melt the Sugar:
Place the sugar into a metal ladle or small pan. Heat over medium-low while stirring continuously with a skewer. Don’t let it burn—aim for a smooth golden syrup.
Add Baking Soda:
Remove from heat and immediately add a small pinch of baking soda. Stir quickly and evenly. The mixture will foam up and turn light caramel in color.
Shape the Candy:
Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined surface. Wait 5–10 seconds. Gently flatten with a press, then use a cookie cutter to imprint your desired shape.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool completely before removing or handling. They harden fast and are very fragile.
Notes
This recipe uses only sugar and baking soda—no flour, eggs, or dairy.
Use caution when handling hot sugar; it can cause burns if spilled.
Cookies are very fragile once hardened—handle with care.
Great for themed parties, Halloween snacks, or K-drama nights.
Prep Time:2 minutes
Cook Time:3 minutes
Category:Dessert, Candy, Snack
Method:Stovetop, No-Bake
Cuisine:Korean
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 Squid Game cookie
Calories:96 kcal
Sugar:24 g
Sodium:63 mg
Fat:0 g
Saturated Fat:0 g
Unsaturated Fat:0 g
Trans Fat:0 g
Carbohydrates:25 g
Fiber:0 g
Protein:0 g
Cholesterol:0 mg
Keywords: squid game cookies, how to make squid game cookies, how to make the cookie from squid game
Cooking has always been my passion, and here, I share recipes that make every meal special—whether it’s a cozy home-cooked dinner, a delightful dessert, or a quick, fuss-free dish for busy days.
