How to Make the Viral Korean Dubai Chewy Cookies
How to Make the Viral Korean Dubai Chewy Cookies is a medium Korean recipe that serves 8. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Bona's Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 24 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $19.09 total, $2.39 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Kataï Pastry (store‑bought or homemade short‑bread style pastry)
- 300 g Pistachio Spread (smooth pistachio butter, can be homemade or store‑bought)
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (melted, divided (half for katai base, half for marshmallow layer))
- to taste Food Coloring (Green) (optional, for a brighter green pistachio layer)
- 300 g Marshmallows (mini or regular size, will be melted)
- 1/4 cup Milk Powder (dry milk powder, adds richness)
- 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder (unsweetened, divided (half for filling, half for rolling))
- 1 sheet Parchment Paper (for lining baking tray)
Instructions
Cut Kataï Pastry
Place the kataï pastry in a mixing bowl and cut it into small bite‑size pieces using kitchen scissors or a knife.
Time: PT5M
Combine with Melted Butter
Add 2 tablespoons (½ of the ¼ cup) melted unsalted butter to the bowl and toss until the pastry pieces are lightly coated.
Time: PT3M
Bake the Base
Line a baking tray with parchment paper, spread the buttered kataï pieces evenly, and bake in a pre‑heated oven at 150°C until golden brown and toasted.
Time: PT18M
Temperature: 150°C
Add Pistachio Spread & Chill
Allow the baked base to cool a few minutes, then spread the pistachio spread over the surface. Mix in a few drops of green food coloring if desired, then refrigerate until firm.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Marshmallow‑Cocoa Filling
In a pan over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, add the marshmallows and stir until fully melted. Sprinkle in milk powder and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth.
Time: PT8M
Set and Portion the Filling
Grease a silicone mat with a thin layer of oil, pour the marshmallow mixture onto it, spread thinly, and once set, cut into eight equal portions.
Time: PT5M
Form Pistachio Bowls
Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the chilled pistachio‑kataï mixture, shape it into a small bowl with greased hands or plastic gloves, and place each bowl on a serving plate.
Time: PT5M
Assemble and Finish
Fill each pistachio bowl with one portion of the marshmallow‑cocoa filling, then roll the top of the cookie in additional cocoa powder for a decorative finish.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Arrange the finished Korean Chewy Dubai Cookies on a platter and enjoy while slightly warm or at room temperature.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: vegetarian, contains nuts, contains gluten
Allergens: wheat, dairy, nuts, gelatin
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Kataï Pastry: shortbread cookies, graham crackers, crushed
- Instead of Pistachio Spread: almond butter, nutella (chocolate version), cashew butter
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, vegetable oil (use less for flavor)
- Instead of Food Coloring (Green): natural spinach powder, matcha powder (for a muted green)
- Instead of Marshmallows: marshmallow fluff, soft caramel
- Instead of Milk Powder: condensed milk (reduced amount), powdered whey protein
- Instead of Cocoa Powder: carob powder, dark chocolate melted
- Instead of Parchment Paper: silicone baking mat, greased foil
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Scissors (optional)
- Knife (optional)
- Baking Tray
- Oven
- Pan
- Spatula
- Silicone Mat or Greased Baking Mat
- Plastic Gloves (optional)
- Measuring Cups
- Spoon (tsp)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cutting the kataï pastry into uniform pieces
- Baking the base until just golden (not over‑baked)
- Chilling the pistachio layer until firm
- Fully melting marshmallows without scorching
- Shaping the pistachio bowls with greased hands
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an extra green hue, add a pinch of matcha powder instead of food coloring.
- Toast the kataï pieces lightly before mixing with butter for a nuttier flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of pistachio spread by 20%.
Troubleshooting
Base turns too dark or hard.
Reduce oven temperature to 140°C and watch closely; remove when lightly golden.
Marshmallow mixture becomes grainy.
Ensure the butter is fully melted before adding marshmallows and stir constantly until smooth.
Pistachio dough sticks to hands.
Lightly oil your hands or wear disposable gloves; work quickly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped for up to 1 month; thaw in fridge before serving.
Room temperature: Best consumed within 24 hours if kept in a cool, dry place.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake and chill the pistachio base a day ahead; keep covered in the fridge.
- Prepare the marshmallow‑cocoa filling up to the cutting stage and store in the fridge.
- Assemble the cookies just before serving for optimal texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Korean Chewy Dubai Cookies in Korean cuisine?
Korean Chewy Dubai Cookies are a modern fusion snack that gained viral popularity on social media, blending traditional Korean chewy textures with a Middle‑Eastern‑inspired name. While not a historic Korean treat, the cookie reflects Korea’s love for playful, bite‑size desserts that combine sweet spreads and soft interiors.
What are the traditional regional variations of Korean Chewy Dubai Cookies in Korea?
There are no strict regional versions because the cookie is a recent internet trend, but home cooks often swap pistachio spread for red bean paste in the south or use black sesame paste in the north, adding local flavor twists while keeping the chewy base.
How is Korean Chewy Dubai Cookie traditionally served in Korea?
In Korean homes and cafés, the cookies are usually served on a small plate alongside tea or a cold milk drink. They are presented as bite‑size treats, often dusted with extra cocoa powder or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
What occasions or celebrations is Korean Chewy Dubai Cookie associated with in Korean culture?
These cookies are popular at casual gatherings, school snack times, and as a fun addition to birthday parties or K‑pop fan events. Their eye‑catching green color makes them a hit for themed celebrations.
How does Korean Chewy Dubai Cookie fit into the broader Korean dessert tradition?
Korean desserts often emphasize soft, chewy textures—think rice cakes and mochi. This cookie follows that tradition by delivering a tender interior and a lightly crisp exterior, while incorporating modern spreads like pistachio butter, showing the evolution of Korean sweets.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients versus acceptable substitutes for Korean Chewy Dubai Cookies?
The authentic recipe uses kataï pastry, pistachio spread, marshmallows, milk powder, and cocoa powder. Substitutes include shortbread crumbs for kataï, almond butter for pistachio spread, and melted chocolate instead of cocoa powder, allowing flexibility without losing the core texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Korean Chewy Dubai Cookies?
Common errors include over‑baking the kataï base, which makes the cookie hard; not fully melting the marshmallows, leading to a grainy filling; and handling the pistachio dough without greasing, causing it to stick and lose shape.
Why does this recipe use melted butter to bind the kataï pastry instead of water?
Melted butter adds richness and helps create a tender, slightly crisp crust that contrasts with the soft interior. Water would make the base soggy and prevent the desired chewiness that defines the cookie.
How do you know when the marshmallow mixture is properly melted and ready?
The mixture is ready when it becomes a smooth, glossy liquid with no visible marshmallow pieces and the cocoa powder fully dissolves, creating a uniform dark brown consistency. A quick stir should keep the mixture moving without clumps.
What does the YouTube channel Bona's Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Bona's Kitchen specializes in easy‑to‑follow Korean home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on trendy snacks, traditional dishes, and creative twists that appeal to a global audience.
How does the YouTube channel Bona's Kitchen's approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?
Bona's Kitchen blends viral internet trends with classic Korean techniques, often using simple pantry ingredients and clear visual steps. Unlike some channels that emphasize elaborate plating, Bona's Kitchen prioritizes quick, reproducible recipes for everyday cooks.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
