Hodugwaja Recipe

Hodugwaja, commonly known as Korean walnut cookies, is a delectable pastry that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. Originating from Cheonan in South Korea, these delightful treats are a staple during holidays and celebrations. Cheonan is renowned for its abundance of walnut orchards, making it the perfect birthplace for a walnut-infused pastry. Hodugwaja consists of a soft, cake-like exterior with a sweet red bean filling and a crunchy walnut center, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. They are traditionally enjoyed alongside tea or coffee, and their unique flavor profile makes them a revered confection in Korean culture.

Ingredients

• Walnuts (1 cup, chopped)
• Red Bean Paste (1 cup)
• All-purpose Flour (2 cups)
• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon)
• Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon)
• Sugar (1 cup)
• Eggs (3 large)
• Milk (1 cup)
• Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted)
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)

Equipment

• Muffin or Hodugwaja mold
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Oven

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) in advance.
2. Prepare a muffin or hodugwaja mold by lightly greasing it with butter or using non-stick spray.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly distributed.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth and light in color.
5. Gradually add the milk and melted butter into the egg mixture, continuing to whisk until all ingredients are fully combined.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assembly

1. Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the light texture of the hodugwaja.
2. Spoon a small amount of batter into each mold to cover the bottom.
3. Add a teaspoon of red bean paste followed by a small piece of chopped walnut into the center of each mold.
4. Cover the filling with additional batter until the mold is three-quarters full.

Cooking

1. Place the mold in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the hodugwaja are golden brown and spring back to the touch.
2. Once baked, remove the mold from the oven and allow the hodugwaja to cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoying Your Hodugwaja

Hodugwaja is best enjoyed warm with a cup of tea or coffee. The subtle sweetness of the red bean paste complements the crunchiness of the walnuts and the tender cake exterior. They can also be adorned with a light dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness. Invite friends and family to savor these wonderful treats, or package them beautifully as a gift. Enjoy!