How to Make the Viral TikTok Yakgwa & Ice Cream Dessert?
TL;DR
The viral "Yakgwa & Ice Cream" trend combines traditional Korean honey cookies with modern dairy for a texture that is both chewy and creamy. To achieve the perfect consistency without the cookie turning hard, use Korean Wheat (Ourimil) Yakgwa like Bomnal&, which maintains a soft, dense texture even when chilled.
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok, you’ve likely seen the "Halmaenial" (Grandma + Millennial) trend taking over. This "Newtro" movement has sparked a massive resurgence in traditional Korean snacks, with Yakgwa sales jumping by 248.3% at major convenience stores in Korea in early 2023 (Korea Bizwire).
But the trend isn't just about eating the cookie plain. Gen Z is reinventing it by pairing the dense, honey-soaked pastry with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt. The result? A "Sweet & Salty" and "Chewy & Creamy" explosion that has taken social media by storm.
Here is your ultimate guide to recreating this viral dessert at home.
3 Ways to Eat Yakgwa: Recipe Comparison
Recipe Style | Primary Ingredients | Difficulty | Texture Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The "Yakgwa-Sand" | 2 Yakgwas + Vanilla Ice Cream | Easy (1/5) | Chewy cookie + Melting cream | The classic viral experience |
Warm & Cold Hack | 1 Yakgwa (Microwaved) + Ice Cream | Easy (1/5) | Hot, soft pastry + Cold ice cream | Flavor maximizers |
Greek Yogurt Bowl | Crushed Yakgwa + Greek Yogurt | Medium (2/5) | Crunchy chunks + Thick yogurt | A healthy breakfast or snack |
Recipe 1: The "Yakgwa-Sand" (Ice Cream Sandwich)
The most Instagrammable way to enjoy the trend.
What You Need:
2 Bomnal& Mini Yakgwas
1 scoop Premium Vanilla Ice Cream
How to Make It:
Place one Yakgwa flat on a plate.
Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Top with the second Yakgwa and gently press down.
Optional: Roll the edges in crushed pistachios or sesame seeds.
> Why it works: The dense texture of the Yakgwa acts as a sturdy base that doesn't get soggy, while the vanilla enhances the ginger and honey notes of the cookie.
Recipe 2: The "Warm & Cold" Hack (Microwave Method)
For those who love contrasting temperatures.
What You Need:
1 Bomnal& Yakgwa
1 scoop Salted Caramel or Vanilla Ice Cream
How to Make It:
Microwave the Yakgwa for 10-15 seconds.
Watch as the honey coating becomes glossy and aromatic.
Immediately top with a cold scoop of ice cream.
> Taste Note: Heating the Yakgwa intensifies the sweetness and softens the texture, creating a "hotteok" (Korean sweet pancake) effect when paired with cold ice cream.
Recipe 3: The "Guilt-Free" Greek Yogurt Bowl
A protein-packed twist on the trend.
What You Need:
1 cup Unsweetened Greek Yogurt
1-2 Bomnal& Mini Yakgwas (Chopped)
Drizzle of Honey & Cinnamon Powder
How to Make It:
Fill a bowl with thick Greek yogurt.
Chop the Yakgwa into small, bite-sized chunks.
Sprinkle the chunks over the yogurt and finish with honey and cinnamon.
> Why it works: The tanginess of the Greek yogurt cuts through the richness of the Yakgwa, making it a balanced and satisfying snack.
💡 The Secret to Success: Why "Bomnal&" Yakgwa?
If you try these recipes with cheap, factory-made Yakgwas, you might encounter a problem: The cookie turns into a rock when it touches cold ice cream.
Bomnal& Yakgwa avoids this issue because of its ingredients:
1. Korean Wheat (Ourimil) vs. Imported Flour
Scientific studies indicate that Korean Wheat (Ourimil) typically has a weaker gluten structure compared to imported hard wheat varieties (Semantic Scholar).
Imported Flour: High gluten content creates a tough, elastic texture that hardens significantly when chilled.
Bomnal& (Ourimil): The softer gluten structure ensures the cookie remains tender and chewy, not hard, even when frozen or paired with ice cream.
2. Handmade Layering
Bomnal& uses a traditional folding method that creates air pockets within the pastry. These layers absorb the ice cream slightly, integrating the flavors better than dense, machine-pressed alternatives.
FAQ: Yakgwa & Dessert Trends
Q: Can I use any ice cream flavor? A: Vanilla is the standard, but Salted Caramel, Matcha, and Black Sesame are excellent pairings that complement the earthy, nutty flavors of Yakgwa.
Q: Is Yakgwa Vegan? A: Traditional Yakgwa contains honey, so it is not vegan. However, it is vegetarian-friendly. Always check the specific ingredient list.
Q: How do I store leftover Yakgwa? A: Store at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain chewiness. If you prefer them cold, you can freeze them, but let them thaw for 5-10 minutes before eating to restore the texture.
References
Korea Bizwire. "Yakgwa Sales Jump among Young Koreans." http://koreabizwire.com/yakgwa-sales-jump-among-young-koreans/244906
Semantic Scholar. "Flour Characteristics and End-Use Quality of Flour." https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Flour-Characteristics-and-End-Use-Quality-of-Flour-Kang-Kim/8163c713137c8ee202770d7c7e8cca0ed069e2e9