Head pastry chef Kim Na-ri, creator of the viral Dujonku cookies, reports record-breaking sales of 2.5 billion won in January, the highest ever for her business.
Dujonku Cookie Origins
Kim Na-ri launched her venture on a small scale, initially offering American-style cookies. The Dubai chocolate trend sparked innovation when a customer requested a Dubai-inspired version of Jondduk cookies. After extensive trials, she perfected the recipe.
“We started small,” Kim explained. “Back then, we sold American cookies. When Dubai chocolate gained popularity, a customer said, ‘Please make a Dubai version Jondduk cookie.’ It emerged after many setbacks.”
Recipe Breakthroughs
Kim claims she pioneered the original round shape for Dujonku cookies, setting her apart from others. “The one who created that round form is me,” she stated.
She incorporated kataifi strands into the dough, mirroring first-generation Jondduk cookies. To enhance texture and prevent drying, Kim analyzed issues and sandwiched the kataifi between dough layers. “Like early Jondduk cookies, I added kataifi directly to the batter,” she detailed. “The texture fell short, so I experimented. When kataifi dried, I placed it between dough layers. That’s how the current round shape took form.”
Record Sales Surge
Her manager reports typical monthly sales of 130 million won, but January soared to 2.5 billion won. On the peak day, the team used 30,000 eggs in production.
“That day, we handled 30,000 eggs,” Kim said. “Everyone loves that rich, yolk-like texture.” Despite the success, she admits, “I still can’t fully believe it.”
