The global sensation Squid Game introduced audiences to many gripping challenges, but one of the most memorable was the Squid Game cookie. Also known as Dalgona candy, this traditional Korean sweet has captured the curiosity of millions worldwide. What started as a nostalgic childhood treat has now become an internet phenomenon, with people attempting the challenge of cutting out shapes from the delicate candy without breaking it. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, preparation, and cultural impact of this unique treat.
The History of Squid Game Cookie (Dalgona Candy)
Dalgona candy, or ppopgi, traces its origins to the streets of South Korea in the 1960s and 1970s. During a time when sweet treats were a luxury, street vendors created an affordable and entertaining candy for children. The candy is made using only two ingredients: sugar and baking soda. Vendors would press different shapes into the candy, and children who successfully extracted the shape without breaking it would receive another candy for free.
The name “Dalgona” comes from its resemblance to dalgona coffee, a whipped coffee drink that gained popularity in recent years. However, the two have no direct connection other than the similarity in appearance.
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Squid Game’s Role in Reviving Dalgona Candy
The Netflix series Squid Game played a significant role in bringing global attention to this humble candy. In one of the game’s most intense challenges, participants were tasked with cutting out a specific shape from the Squid Game cookie using only a needle. If they broke the shape, they faced elimination. This scene showcased not only the difficulty of the task but also the cultural nostalgia surrounding the candy.
After the release of Squid Game, social media platforms exploded with users trying the Dalgona challenge. TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram saw an influx of videos featuring people attempting to carve out the shapes, often with hilarious and frustrating results. This viral trend caused a surge in demand for the candy, with vendors in Korea and around the world struggling to keep up.
How to Make Squid Game Cookie at Home
One of the reasons Squid Game cookie gained immense popularity is its simple recipe, allowing people to make it at home. Here is how you can recreate this iconic treat:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- A pinch of baking soda
Instructions:
- Heat the sugar in a small pan or ladle over medium-low heat.
- Stir continuously until the sugar completely melts and turns a golden-brown color.
- Add a pinch of baking soda and quickly mix. The mixture will foam and expand.
- Pour the mixture onto a non-stick surface or parchment paper.
- Flatten it slightly with a greased spatula or pan.
- While still soft, press a cookie cutter into the candy to create a shape.
- Allow it to cool and harden before attempting the Squid Game challenge!
The Science Behind Squid Game Cookie
The transformation of sugar and baking soda in Dalgona candy is a fascinating chemical reaction. When sugar is heated, it caramelizes, breaking down into simpler sugars and creating a rich, golden-brown color. Adding baking soda releases carbon dioxide gas, causing the mixture to expand and become porous. This reaction gives the Squid Game cookie its signature airy and brittle texture, making it both crunchy and delicate.
The Global Impact of Squid Game Cookie
Before Squid Game, Dalgona candy was primarily a nostalgic treat for older generations in South Korea. Today, it is a worldwide sensation. The challenge associated with the candy has led to:
- Increased demand for Dalgona kits and cooking tools.
- Street vendors experiencing a revival in sales.
- Restaurants and cafes incorporating Dalgona flavors into desserts and drinks.
In particular, several businesses have introduced new items such as Dalgona lattes, Dalgona ice cream, and even Dalgona-inspired pastries to capitalize on the trend.
Modern Adaptations and Commercialization
As with many viral trends, businesses have found ways to commercialize the popularity of Squid Game cookie. Several fast-food chains and snack brands have released limited-edition products featuring the candy. McDonald’s, for instance, launched a Dalgona-flavored McFlurry in certain regions, while other brands have included Dalgona-coated popcorn and chocolate bars in their product lines.
Cafés and dessert shops worldwide have embraced the trend by offering Dalgona-themed drinks and sweets. The candy’s sweet, slightly bitter caramelized taste pairs well with coffee, leading to the rise of Dalgona coffee as a staple in many coffee shops.
Squid Game Cookie and the Rise of DIY Challenges
The viral nature of the Squid Game cookie challenge has sparked a new wave of DIY food trends. Social media influencers, food bloggers, and even major brands have embraced the challenge, creating content around making, shaping, and attempting to carve out the shapes successfully. This phenomenon highlights how a simple street food item can gain worldwide recognition through pop culture and digital media.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While Squid Game cookie is a fun and tasty treat, it is essential to consider its nutritional aspects. Since it is made primarily of sugar, it is high in calories and carbohydrates with little to no nutritional value. For those looking to enjoy this snack in moderation, here’s a breakdown:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Dalgona Candy) |
| Calories | 50-70 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugars | 14g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
Although the candy is not the healthiest snack, it remains a fun and nostalgic treat when consumed in moderation.
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The Future of Squid Game Cookie
The future of Squid Game cookie remains promising as more people continue to embrace Korean culture and cuisine. Even beyond the Squid Game phenomenon, Dalgona candy has cemented itself as a cultural icon. With the increasing global popularity of K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean food, it is likely that this trend will continue to thrive.
Restaurants, bakeries, and food brands may keep innovating by incorporating Squid Game cookie into new desserts and beverages. Whether in the form of a latte, ice cream topping, or confectionery product, the legacy of this beloved treat is set to endure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Squid Game cookie?
The Squid Game cookie, also known as Dalgona candy, is a traditional Korean street snack made from melted sugar and baking soda. It became famous after being featured in the Netflix series Squid Game, where players had to carefully carve out a shape without breaking it.
How do you make a Squid Game cookie at home?
To make a Squid Game cookie, melt 2 tablespoons of sugar over low heat, stir until caramelized, then add a pinch of baking soda. Mix quickly, pour onto parchment paper, press with a mold, and let it harden.
Why did Squid Game use Dalgona candy?
Squid Game featured Dalgona candy because it was a popular childhood game in Korea. The challenge of carefully cutting out a shape without breaking it added intense suspense, making it a perfect test of patience and precision.
Where can I buy a Squid Game cookie?
You can find Squid Game cookies at Korean bakeries, street vendors, and online stores. Many cafes and dessert shops also offer Dalgona-flavored drinks and sweets due to its rising popularity.
Conclusion
The Squid Game cookie, or Dalgona candy, is more than just a viral trend—it is a piece of Korean heritage that has been revived through modern media. From its humble beginnings as a children’s street snack to its explosive popularity due to Squid Game, this candy represents nostalgia, cultural appreciation, and entertainment. Whether you try making it at home or challenge yourself to carve out a perfect shape, this iconic candy is here to stay. As long as people continue to embrace Korean pop culture, the Squid Game cookie will remain a beloved treat worldwide.