Authentic Korean Hangwa Recipe: A Guide to Making Traditional Korean Sweets at Home

Ingredients

1 cup of sweet rice flour
1/2 cup of honey
1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup of sugar
1/4 cup of dried edible flowers (chrysanthemums, roses, etc.)
1/4 cup of sesame seeds
1/4 cup of pine nuts
1/4 cup of walnuts
1/4 cup of chestnuts
Food coloring (green, pink, yellow, etc.)
Vegetable oil for greasing

Steps and instructions

First, mix the sweet rice flour with water in a bowl until it forms a soft dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
In a small pan, heat the honey and sugar until it boils, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until it becomes a thick syrup.
Preheat the oven to 150 degrees C (about 300 degrees F) and grease a baking tray with the vegetable oil.
Roll out the dough onto the greased tray, then cut it into small shapes using cookie cutters.
Brush the shapes with the honey and sugar syrup, then sprinkle with sesame seeds, pine nuts, walnuts, and chestnuts.
Bake the shapes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
While the shapes are baking, soak the dried edible flowers in a little water to rehydrate them.
Remove the shapes from the oven and while they are still warm, press the rehydrated flowers onto them.
Once all the shapes are decorated with flowers, return them to the oven for another 5 minutes to set the flowers.
Remove the shapes from the oven and let them cool completely.
Finally, color the shapes with food coloring. Use a small paintbrush to apply the color, then let the shapes dry completely before serving.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A bowl to mix the sweet rice flour and water to form the dough.
Small Pan - A pan to heat the honey and sugar to make the syrup.
Baking Tray - A tray to place the dough shapes for baking.
Cookie Cutters - Utensils to cut the dough into desired shapes.
Brush - A brush to apply the honey and sugar syrup onto the dough shapes.
Sesame Seeds - Used as a topping for the dough shapes.
Pine Nuts - Used as a topping for the dough shapes.
Walnuts - Used as a topping for the dough shapes.
Chestnuts - Used as a topping for the dough shapes.
Food Coloring - Used to color the dough shapes.
Paintbrush - A brush to apply the food coloring onto the dough shapes.

Recipe variations

Use glutinous rice flour instead of sweet rice flour for a chewier texture.
Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan version.
Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a spiced flavor.
Coat the shapes with crushed nuts or coconut flakes instead of sesame seeds.
Add a tablespoon of matcha powder to the dough for a green tea flavor.
Experiment with different dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or raisins for decoration.
Replace the edible flowers with edible glitter or colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
For a savory option, omit the sugar and honey, and instead, brush the shapes with soy sauce or a savory glaze.
Try using different food coloring options like natural food dyes made from beets, spinach, or turmeric.
Add a tablespoon of roasted black sesame seeds to the dough for a nutty flavor and speckled appearance.

Recipe overview

Hangwa is a traditional Korean sweet treat that is often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. Made from sweet rice flour, honey, and decorated with edible flowers and nuts, Hangwa is not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. This recipe involves making a dough from the rice flour, shaping and baking it, and then decorating it with a honey glaze, nuts, and flowers. The final touch is a brush of vibrant food coloring, transforming the Hangwa into edible pieces of art. The end result is a treat that is lightly sweet, slightly crunchy, and wonderfully aromatic. Whether you're new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, this Hangwa recipe promises a delightful culinary journey.

Common questions

Can I use regular rice flour instead of sweet rice flour?
No, sweet rice flour is essential for the texture and taste of Hangwa. Regular rice flour will not yield the same results.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
While it may alter the flavor slightly, you can substitute maple syrup for honey if desired.
Can I skip the step of rehydrating the dried edible flowers?
No, rehydrating the flowers is important to ensure they stick to the shapes and maintain their appearance.
Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes, you can use different types of nuts or omit them if you have allergies or prefer a different flavor profile.
How long does it take for the shapes to cool?
Allow the shapes to cool for at least 1 hour before handling or applying food coloring.
How long can Hangwa be stored?
Hangwa can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze Hangwa?
Yes, Hangwa can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A bowl to mix the sweet rice flour with water.
Small Pan - Required to heat the honey and sugar for the syrup.
Baking Tray - Used to bake the hangwa shapes in the oven.
Cookie Cutters - To cut the hangwa dough into desired shapes.
Brush - Used to brush the honey and sugar syrup onto the hangwa shapes.
Sesame Seeds - Sprinkled on the hangwa shapes for added flavor and texture.
Pine Nuts - Another optional topping for the hangwa shapes.
Walnuts - Can be used as a decorative topping for the hangwa shapes.
Chestnuts - Another nutty option to use as a topping for the hangwa shapes.
Dried Edible Flowers - Rehydrated flowers that are pressed onto the hangwa shapes for decoration.
Food Coloring - Used to add vibrant colors to the hangwa shapes.
Vegetable Oil - Grease the baking tray to prevent sticking.
Paintbrush - Used to apply food coloring to the hangwa shapes.

Origin stories

Hangwa, a traditional Korean sweet, has a history that dates back to the Three Kingdoms era. It was a treat made especially for royal banquets due to its intricate design and luxurious ingredients, such as honey, nuts, and edible flowers. The beauty of Hangwa lies not only in its taste but also in the artistry involved in its creation. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted and painted, often mimicking the natural world such as fruits, flowers, or bird shapes. These sweets play an important role in traditional Korean tea ceremonies, symbolizing respect and hospitality for guests. Despite the arrival of Western-style confectionery, Hangwa continues to be a beloved delicacy in Korea, cherished for its tradition, artistry, and delicate sweetness.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.