Dubai Chewy Cookie Recipe #두쫀쿠
Dubai Chewy Cookie Recipe #두쫀쿠 is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 12. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by ricely on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 1 hr 12 min
Cost: $19.02 total, $1.59 per serving
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided: 2 Tbsp for toasting pistachios, 3 Tbsp for marshmallow dough)
- 1 cup Pistachios, roasted (coarsely chopped before toasting)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- 100 grams White Chocolate (chopped into small pieces for easy melting)
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 200 grams Marshmallows (large, cut into quarters)
- 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons Skimmed Milk Powder (adds body to the marshmallow dough)
- 1 teaspoon Neutral Oil (for greasing the tray, e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
Toast Pistachios in Butter
Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the roasted pistachios and stir gently, cooking slowly until they turn a golden brown and become fragrant, about 5 minutes. Do not increase the heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low
Cool the Toasted Pistachios
Transfer the toasted pistachios to a plate and spread them out to cool completely, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Make Pistachio‑White‑Chocolate Spread
In the food processor, combine the cooled pistachios, 1 Tbsp melted butter, 100 g white chocolate, ¼ tsp salt, and optional 1 Tbsp sugar. Pulse until a smooth, slightly thick paste forms.
Time: PT5M
Form and Freeze Filling Balls
Using lightly oiled hands, scoop the pistachio spread into bite‑sized balls (about 1 inch diameter). Place them on a parchment‑lined tray and freeze for 15 minutes until firm.
Time: PT20M
Prepare Marshmallow Dough
In the same saucepan, melt 3 Tbsp butter with the marshmallows over very low heat, stirring just enough to combine. Once fully melted, quickly stir in cocoa powder and skimmed milk powder until a uniform dough forms.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low
Cool Marshmallow Dough Slightly
Spread the dough onto an oiled baking tray, smoothing it to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it is warm but pliable.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Cookies
Lightly oil your hands. Cut the dough into circles (≈3 inches) or flatten into small discs. Place a frozen pistachio ball in the center, fold the dough around it, and roll gently to form a smooth ball. Repeat for all pieces.
Time: PT10M
Final Chill
Arrange the finished cookies on the tray and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to set the shape before serving.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 18 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains nuts, Contains dairy
Allergens: Milk, Tree nuts, Gelatin
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Ghee
- Instead of Pistachios, roasted: Almonds, Cashews
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of White Chocolate: Milk chocolate (will be sweeter), White chocolate chips
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup (use less)
- Instead of Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows, Vegan marshmallows
- Instead of Cocoa Powder: Dutch‑process cocoa, Carob powder
- Instead of Skimmed Milk Powder: Whole milk powder, Powdered whey protein (unflavored)
- Instead of Neutral Oil: Cooking spray
Equipment Needed
- Small Saucepan
- Food Processor or Blender
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Baking Tray
- Freezer
- Oil Brush (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Toast pistachios in butter on low heat until golden, never let the heat go high.
- Allow the toasted pistachios to cool completely before blending.
- Do not over‑stir the marshmallow‑butter mixture; minimal stirring keeps the dough soft.
- Freeze the pistachio filling balls before wrapping to prevent them from breaking.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality white chocolate for a smoother, less sweet filling.
- Unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt level.
- A silicone baking mat works great as an alternative to oiling the tray.
Troubleshooting
Filling is too runny.
Add an extra teaspoon of melted butter or a few more chopped white chocolate pieces; chill the mixture longer before shaping.
Marshmallow dough becomes hard.
Reduce stirring time and keep the heat low; if already hardened, gently re‑warm the dough for a few seconds and knead until soft.
Cookies stick to the tray.
Lightly oil the tray or use parchment paper; dust with a tiny amount of cocoa powder if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped cookies for up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for 1 day, but texture will soften.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the pistachio spread up to step 3 and store in the fridge for 2 days.
- Freeze the pistachio balls a day ahead; they keep well frozen.
- Marshmallow dough can be made 2 hours ahead and kept covered at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Dubai chili cookies in Korean street food culture?
Dubai chili cookies originated in the United Arab Emirates as a sweet‑spicy treat, but they exploded in popularity in South Korea where they are sold in specialty dessert cafés. Korean fans love the contrast of a buttery, slightly spicy interior wrapped in a soft, marshmallow‑cocoa coating, often queuing for hours to get a fresh batch.
What are the traditional regional variations of Dubai chili cookies in Middle Eastern cuisine?
In the Middle East the original version uses a dense date‑and‑nut paste with a hint of chili, and the outer coating is usually a simple sugar glaze. Korean adaptations replace the glaze with a marshmallow‑cocoa dough and add pistachio‑white‑chocolate filling for a less sweet, creamier bite.
How is Dubai chili cookies traditionally served in the United Arab Emirates?
In the UAE the cookies are often served on a small plate with Arabic coffee, dusted lightly with powdered sugar and a pinch of ground cardamom. They are meant to be eaten in a few bites, letting the spice linger on the palate.
What occasions or celebrations are Dubai chili cookies associated with in Korean culture?
Korean cafés feature Dubai chili cookies as a seasonal specialty during spring and summer festivals, and they are also popular as a gift‑set during holidays like Chuseok because of their unique flavor profile.
What makes this homemade version of Dubai chili cookies special compared to the store‑bought Korean version?
The homemade version lets you control sweetness and texture: a firmer pistachio‑white‑chocolate filling, less sugary marshmallow dough, and the ability to adjust the chili heat. It also avoids artificial preservatives found in commercial versions.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dubai chili cookies at home?
Common errors include overheating the pistachios, which burns the nuts; over‑stirring the marshmallow dough, which makes it hard; and skipping the freezing step for the filling, which leads to breakage when wrapping.
Why does this recipe use low heat for both the pistachio toast and the marshmallow dough instead of medium heat?
Low heat prevents the butter and marshmallows from scorching, which would give a bitter taste and a hard texture. It also allows the pistachios to brown evenly without burning, preserving their delicate flavor.
Can I make Dubai chili cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes. Prepare the pistachio spread and freeze the filling balls a day ahead. Assemble the cookies, then refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze for up to a month in an airtight container.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the marshmallow dough is ready?
The dough should be glossy, pliable, and slightly tacky, with a deep brown‑chocolate color from the cocoa powder. It should pull away from the pan easily without sticking, and a small piece should hold its shape when lifted.
What does the YouTube channel ricely specialize in?
The YouTube channel ricely focuses on creative dessert adaptations and fusion treats, often blending Middle Eastern flavors with Korean street‑food trends, and provides clear step‑by‑step tutorials for home bakers.
How does the YouTube channel ricely's approach to Middle Eastern dessert cooking differ from other dessert channels?
Ricely emphasizes low‑sugar, texture‑focused recipes that adapt traditional Middle Eastern sweets for modern palates, using techniques like low‑heat toasting and marshmallow dough that are less common on other channels which often stick to classic, sugary preparations.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
