Squid game cookie recipe searches exploded after the gripping Dalgona candy challenge scene aired in episode three of Netflix’s Squid Game. This nostalgic Korean treat, made from just sugar and baking soda, became an overnight sensation. Known as ppopgi in South Korea, the cookie is as much a test of patience as it is a sweet snack. Whether you’re a fan of the show or just love unique DIY candy, this is one trend worth trying at home.

The squid game cookie recipe is rooted in childhood memories for many Koreans who grew up in the ’70s and ’80s. Back then, kids would line up at street stalls to play the Dalgona candy game—carving out shapes without cracking the delicate candy shell. These sweet circles aren’t just tasty; they’re tied to tradition, challenge, and now pop culture history thanks to one unforgettable TV moment.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Squid Game Cookie Recipe – Proven Steps for Sweet Victory
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 2 cookies 1x
Description
This Squid Game cookie recipe recreates the iconic Korean Dalgona candy using just sugar and baking soda. It’s crisp, sweet, and stamped with a shape—perfect for themed parties or cultural kitchen fun!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
A pinch of baking soda
Instructions
In a small skillet or ladle, melt the sugar over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
Once fully melted and amber in color, remove from heat and stir in the baking soda quickly.
As it foams up, pour the mixture onto parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Wait about 10–12 seconds, then press gently with the bottom of a cake pan or other flat tool.
Lightly press a cookie cutter into the center to create a shape (don’t cut through).
Let the candy cool completely before removing.
Repeat the process for additional cookies.
Notes
Use white sugar only; other sugars won’t foam properly.
Don’t overmix the baking soda or it will deflate the candy.
Lightly grease your press to avoid sticking.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
The Story Behind the Squid Game Cookie Recipe
Why Dalgona Candy Strikes a Cultural Chord
Hi there! I’m Ellie Monroe, and while I’ve never walked a red carpet or trained in Seoul, I sure know the joy of simple sweets and kitchen adventures. When I first watched the Dalgona candy scene in Squid Game, I was hooked—not just by the suspense, but by the candy itself. That honeycomb disk felt like something I had to try. It turns out, the squid game cookie recipe isn’t just clever TV—it’s a real piece of Korean childhood nostalgia.
Back in the 1970s and ’80s, this candy—called Dalgona or ppopgi—was sold by street vendors outside schools. Kids would line up with coins in hand, hoping not just for a snack, but a chance to win a second one for free. All you had to do was carve out the stamped shape in the center without cracking the cookie. Sound familiar? It’s the same challenge player 456 faced in the show—minus the life-or-death stakes, thankfully.
The squid game cookie recipe brings that same thrill to your kitchen, but without the pressure. And it only requires two humble ingredients: sugar and baking soda. You don’t need fancy equipment—just a skillet, a cookie cutter, and a sense of adventure.
What Makes This Squid Game Cookie Recipe Special
The beauty of the squid game cookie recipe lies in its contrast: it’s incredibly easy to make, yet challenging to perfect. Melt sugar, mix in baking soda, and pour it fast. Press gently. Cut the shape. Let it cool. Sounds easy, right? But one wrong move, and it cracks. It’s part dessert, part game, and all fun.
Dalgona candy forces you to slow down and pay attention. It’s not about multitasking—it’s about mastering one moment. And for a recipe with only two ingredients, it teaches a lot.
I’ve seen folks play around with the squid game cookie recipe by adding a dash of cinnamon, or even swirling in cocoa powder. While the original is my favorite, I say let your creativity take the lead. And if your cookie breaks, just smile, grab a spoon, and enjoy the shards.
Because really, that’s what home cooking is all about. If it’s made with care—and maybe a little laughter—it’s always a win.
ALSO READ : Recipe for Blueberry Lemon Cornbread and Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars
How to Make the Squid Game Cookie Recipe Step-by-Step
Gather Your Tools and Ingredients First
The beauty of the squid game cookie recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need two ingredients and a few tools to get started. That said, precision and timing are key. First, gather your ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar
- A pinch of baking soda

Now grab the tools:
- A small skillet or metal ladle
- A silicone baking mat or parchment paper
- A cookie cutter (preferably a star, umbrella, or circle)
- A flat-bottomed press (a cake pan works perfectly)
- Wooden chopsticks or a spatula for stirring
If you’re really committed, you can invest in a Dalgona candy-making kit, but it’s totally optional. I use a small cake pan and parchment paper—and trust me, it works just fine.
Melt, Mix, and Shape with Care
To begin the squid game cookie recipe, place the skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sugar to the center and stir constantly with your chopstick or spatula. Keep it moving so it melts evenly and doesn’t burn.
Once it turns into a smooth amber liquid, remove the skillet from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda. The mixture will puff up—this is your moment! Immediately pour it onto your mat or paper. Wait about 10 seconds, then press gently with your pan to flatten.
Now, gently press your cookie cutter into the center. Don’t go all the way through—just enough to outline the shape. Let it cool completely before removing. That’s it! You’ve completed a perfect round of the squid game cookie recipe.

Troubleshooting and Tips for a Perfect Squid Game Cookie Recipe
Common Mistakes When Making Dalgona Candy
Even though the squid game cookie recipe is simple, it can be a little fussy. The most common issue? Burning the sugar. This happens when your heat is too high or you stop stirring. Keep the sugar moving—slow and steady wins this race. If it smells bitter or turns dark brown, it’s time to start over.
Another common mistake is overmixing the baking soda. Once added, mix for only 8–10 seconds. Any longer and it deflates, leaving you with a hard, flat disk instead of that signature puff. Oh, and don’t rush the pressing stage. If you press too soon, the candy sticks. Wait 10–12 seconds, then press. That timing makes or breaks the look.
If your Dalgona is sticking to your mold, try lightly greasing it first—just a thin swipe of oil or nonstick spray. Wipe off any excess with a paper towel.
Pro Tips for Your Squid Game Cookie Recipe
For best results, always use white granulated sugar. Brown or powdered sugar changes the consistency and won’t puff up the same way. Also, avoid using high heat to speed things up—it causes uneven melting. Medium-low is your best friend here.
Want to add a little flair to your squid game cookie recipe? Try sprinkling a tiny bit of cinnamon or adding a drop of vanilla extract right after melting the sugar. These aren’t traditional, but they make it your own. I’ve even seen folks dust the finished candy with edible gold powder—totally unnecessary, but stunning!
Lastly, let your cookies cool completely before handling. This isn’t just for looks—cooling allows the candy to firm up and release cleanly from the surface, giving you that iconic brittle snap.
FAQs:
What is the cookie made of in the Squid Game?
The cookie in Squid Game is made from just two simple ingredients: white granulated sugar and baking soda. This traditional Korean candy, called Dalgona or ppopgi, forms the base of the famous squid game cookie recipe. When sugar is melted and combined with a pinch of baking soda, it fluffs up and hardens into a light, crispy candy that can be stamped with shapes. It’s sweet, airy, and fun to make!
How to make the cookie off of Squid Games?
To recreate the iconic cookie from Squid Game, follow the original squid game cookie recipe. Melt two tablespoons of sugar over medium-low heat, stir constantly, and once it liquefies into an amber syrup, add a small pinch of baking soda. Mix rapidly, pour onto parchment or a silicone mat, press flat after 10 seconds, and imprint your chosen shape with a cookie cutter. Cool, and you’re ready for the challenge!
What is the Squid Game candy made of?
The Squid Game candy—also known as Dalgona—is made from only sugar and baking soda. This candy originated during Korea’s post-war era when ingredients were limited. The reaction of baking soda in hot sugar creates the airy texture that defines every good squid game cookie recipe.
What cookie did 456 get in Squid Games?
Player 456 (Seong Gi-hun) received the umbrella shape—arguably the most difficult design in the game. In the show, his task was to carefully carve out the shape without cracking the fragile candy. You can replicate this umbrella using the same squid game cookie recipe and a themed cookie cutter.
Conclusion:
The squid game cookie recipe may look like a playful sugar craft, but it carries real cultural meaning. Rooted in Korean street food history, it’s a sweet reminder of the past and a fun way to connect with global flavors. Whether you try the umbrella, star, or triangle, this candy invites you to slow down, focus, and enjoy the experience.
And if your cookie breaks—don’t worry. Try again, tweak the heat, time your press better, or just laugh it off. That’s the spirit of cooking at home.