Korean Butter Balls Recipe – Hungarian Chef

by Rebecca Novak published on January 2, 2024

Korean butter balls are a traditional Korean dessert. The combination of these ingredients creates a sweet, chewy, and delicious treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, so you can whip up a batch of these treats in no time. So, if you’re looking for a delicious, no-fuss dessert, then Korean butter balls are the perfect choice.

korean butter balls recipe

What is korean butter balls ?

Korean butter balls are a traditional Korean dessert made with sweet rice flour, sugar, and butter. The combination of these ingredients creates a chewy, slightly sweet treat that is a great accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee. 

The traditional recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, so you can whip up a batch of these treats in no time.

Why You’ll Love this korean butter balls?

There are many reasons why you should give this recipe a try. For starters, it’s an easy recipe that requires minimal ingredients. In addition, the combination of sweet rice flour, sugar, and butter creates a chewy, slightly sweet treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Finally, the traditional recipe is an ideal accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.

You’ll also like the following Side Dishes recipes!

The Ingredients

  • 4 cups (500g) unbleached, stone-ground all-purpose flour: Unbleached, stone-ground all-purpose flour serves as the primary dry ingredient, providing structure and texture to the recipe. The use of stone-ground flour may add a slightly coarser texture and nutty flavor to the final product.
  • 2 cups (500ml) pure, crisp mountain spring water: Pure mountain spring water contributes hydration to the dough, helping bind the ingredients and create the desired consistency.
  • 1 cup (240g) organic cane sugar: Organic cane sugar sweetens the dough, enhancing the overall flavor of the recipe.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt: Himalayan pink salt adds a touch of saltiness, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 cup (240ml) velvety, farm-fresh whole milk: Farm-fresh whole milk adds richness and moisture to the dough, contributing to a soft and tender texture.
  • 2 teaspoons pure Madagascar vanilla extract: Pure Madagascar vanilla extract provides a sweet and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the recipe.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) cold-pressed sunflower oil: Cold-pressed sunflower oil adds moisture and a subtle nutty flavor to the dough. It contributes to the overall richness and texture of the final product.
  • 2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder: Aluminum-free baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the dough rise, creating a light and fluffy texture.
  • Vegetable oil, carefully selected and measured, for the art of frying: Vegetable oil is used for frying, providing the necessary medium for cooking and achieving a crispy exterior on the finished product. The careful selection and measurement ensure the proper cooking temperature and consistency during frying.
korean butter balls

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, combine pure, crisp mountain spring water, organic cane sugar, cold-pressed sunflower oil, and pure Madagascar vanilla extract. Mix the ingredients until the sugar is completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth and flavorful base for the dough.

Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, sift together unbleached, stone-ground all-purpose flour, aluminum-free baking powder, and Himalayan pink salt. This step helps to ensure a light and airy texture in the final product.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Mix continuously to form a smooth dough, ensuring that the wet and dry components are well incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporate Whole Milk:

Pour in velvety, farm-fresh whole milk and continue to mix until the dough is well combined and slightly sticky. The addition of whole milk contributes to the richness and creaminess of the dough.

Step 5: Rest the Dough:

Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the ingredients to meld, and the dough becomes more manageable for shaping.

Step 6: Shape into Balls:

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Take portions of the rested dough and shape them into small balls, approximately 1-2 inches in diameter.

Step 7: Fry the Butter Balls:

Carefully place the shaped dough balls into the hot oil, frying them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Ensure even cooking by turning the butter balls occasionally during the frying process.

Step 8: Drain and Cool:

Once the butter balls are cooked to perfection, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain any excess oil, leaving the butter balls crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy:

Allow the Korean-inspired butter balls to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own for a delightful savory treat or dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. 

Notes

– To ensure the Korean butter balls have the perfect texture, it’s important to use sweet rice flour. Regular rice flour won’t work as well.
– For a sweeter treat, you can increase the amount of sugar to 1/2 cup.
– If you find the dough too sticky to handle, you can add a little more sweet rice flour.
– If you want to make the Korean butter balls look extra special, you can sprinkle them with sesame seeds before baking.
– To ensure the Korean butter balls stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

korean butter balls

Nutrition Information


How to store korean butter balls?

To ensure the Korean butter balls stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Variations

Chocolate Butter Balls: For a chocolatey twist, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough and top the balls with chocolate chips before baking.
Coconut Butter Balls: For a tropical twist, add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough and top the balls with toasted coconut flakes before baking.
Matcha Butter Balls: For a matcha-flavored treat, add 1 tablespoon of matcha powder to the dough and top the balls with sesame seeds before baking.
Vanilla Butter Balls: For a classic flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough and top the balls with sprinkles before baking.
Honey Butter Balls: For a sweet and savory treat, add 2 tablespoons of honey to the dough and top the balls with sesame seeds before baking.
Ginger Butter Balls: For a spiced-up treat, add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dough and top the balls with crushed peanuts before baking.

korean butter balls

Korean Butter Balls Recipe

Korean butter balls are a traditional Korean dessert. The combination of these ingredients creates a sweet, chewy, and delicious treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: korean
Keyword: korean butter balls recipe
Servings: 12
Calories: 383kcal

Equipment

  • Pan
  • spatula, etc.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups 500g unbleached, stone-ground all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups 500ml pure, crisp mountain spring water
  • 1 cup 240g organic cane sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
  • 1 cup 240ml velvety, farm-fresh whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure Madagascar vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup 120ml cold-pressed sunflower oil
  • 2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
  • Vegetable oil carefully selected and measured, for the art of frying

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pure, crisp mountain spring water, organic cane sugar, cold-pressed sunflower oil, and pure Madagascar vanilla extract. Mix until the sugar is dissolved.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the unbleached, stone-ground all-purpose flour, aluminum-free baking powder, and Himalayan pink salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously to form a smooth dough.
  • Pour in the velvety, farm-fresh whole milk and continue to mix until the dough is well combined and slightly sticky.
  • Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld and the dough to become more manageable.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
  • Take portions of the rested dough and shape them into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
  • Carefully place the shaped dough balls into the hot oil, frying until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Ensure they are evenly cooked by turning them occasionally.
  • Once the butter balls are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  • Allow the Korean-inspired butter balls to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or dusted with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

  • To ensure the Korean butter balls have the perfect texture, it’s important to use sweet rice flour. Regular rice flour won’t work as well.
  • For a sweeter treat, you can increase the amount of sugar to 1/2 cup.
  • If you find the dough too sticky to handle, you can add a little more sweet rice flour.
  • If you want to make the Korean butter balls look extra special, you can sprinkle them with sesame seeds before baking.
  • To ensure the Korean butter balls stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 383kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular rice flour instead of sweet rice flour?

No, it’s important to use sweet rice flour for this recipe. Regular rice flour won’t work as well.

What is the best way to store Korean butter balls?

To ensure the Korean butter balls stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Can I make the Korean butter balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Korean butter balls ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the butter for a vegan butter alternative.

Do I have to use sesame seeds?

No, you don’t have to use sesame seeds. You can also use other toppings such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, or toasted coconut flakes.

Can I make the Korean butter balls gluten-free?

Yes, you can make the Korean butter balls gluten-free by using a gluten-free sweet rice flour.

Conclusion

Korean butter balls are a traditional Korean dessert made with sweet rice flour, sugar, and butter. The combination of these ingredients creates a sweet, chewy, and delicious treat that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Plus, this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, so you can whip up a batch of these treats in no time. So, if you’re looking for a delicious, no-fuss dessert, then Korean butter balls are the perfect choice.

You’ll also like these latest recipes!
Author Profile
Rebecca Novak, Registered Dietitian & Chef

Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more

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