Hotteok

Prep time: 3 hours

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the dough:

-1 1/3 cup warm milk

-1 tsp active yeast

-1 tbsp sugar

-3 cups bread flour (bread flour will make it have a chewy texture. For a soft texture, substitute using all-purpose flour.

-1 tsp salt

-cooking oil

For the Filling:

-3/4 cup brown sugar

-1 tsp cinnamon

-2 tbsp finely chopped nuts

-1 tsp vanilla, optional

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, sugar, and whisk until the sugar is dissolved completely. Let it stand in a warm place to activate for 5-10 minutes. You will see little bubbles on the surface.

2. In a stand mixer or in a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in warm milk mixture. Kneed dough on medium-low speed for 5-10 minutes if you are using a stand mixer (if with a spoon or spatula, mix until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-10 minutes). Cover with plastic wrap.

3. Let it rise in a warm place for 3 hours.

4. Meanwhile, combine all ingredients for filling in a mixing bowl, mix, and set aside.

5. When dough is ready, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and add enough cooking oil to cover the bottom of the skillet.

6. Coat both of your hands with cooking oil and take about 2oz of dough at a time and roll into a ball. Flatten dough like a mini pizza using your fingertips. Place round dough on your palm and scoop about 1 tbsp filling into the center. Seal it completely by pinching the edges together at the top wrapping dough around the filling.

7. Place the shaped dough on preheated skillet, seam-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Meanwhile, keep working on shaping the dough.

8. Flip it over carefully using 2 spatulas and press the dough down with a hotteok press or a spatula. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until both sides of the hotteok are golden brown, crispy and the sugar is melted inside.

9. Transfer the hotteok to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until the remaining ingredients are gone. Enjoy while warm!