If you have been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen a green, crunchy, chocolatey treat taking over your feed. First, it was the world-famous Dubai Kunafa Chocolate, which had people flying across continents just to get a bite. But now, a new star has entered the arena, and it’s coming straight from the trendy cafes of South Korea: The Dubai Chewy Cookie.

South Korea is known for taking a food trend and making it ten times more aesthetic and delicious. This time, they’ve fused the rich flavors of Middle Eastern Kunafa with the comforting, gooey texture of a New York-style levain cookie. Let’s dive into why everyone is obsessed with this "Dubai-meets-Seoul" masterpiece.

From Kunafa Chocolate to the Chewy Cookie Trend

The story begins with the viral Dubai chocolate bar(originally by Fix Dessert Chocolatier) — a creamy, pistachio-filled chocolate that gained massive attention on TikTok and Instagram. That dessert’s success inspired Korean bakers to rethink it in a way that matched local tastes — especially the Korean love for chewy, sticky desserts. 

The combination of velvety chocolate, nutty pistachio cream, and the signature "crunch" of toasted kataifi (known as shredded knafeh or shredded Fillo Dough) became a global sensation.

In early 2025, a bakery in Gimpo, South Korea, created a marshmallow-based version of the Dubai flavour, wrapping a gooey pistachio-kadaifi filling in a chewy exterior. The result was entirely new: part mochi-like, part chocolate dessert, and 100% addictive.

However, South Korean bakers—famous for their "K-Cookie" culture—decided that chocolate bars weren’t enough. They wanted something with more texture. They took the "DNA" of the Dubai chocolate—the pistachio and the crunchy kataifi—and stuffed it inside a thick, soft, and chewy chocolate cookie dough. The result? A dessert that gives you a soft bite on the outside and a mind-blowing "crunch" on the inside.

What Is a Dubai Chewy Cookie?

Despite the name, this treat is not a traditional cookie in the crunchy sense. It’s better described as a chewy confection with a soft, sticky exterior and a nutty, rich interior. The outer texture comes from melted marshmallows and chocolate, which are then dusted with cocoa powder. The inside is filled with pistachio cream and toasted kataifi (shredded phyllo dough), giving a satisfying contrast of chewy and crunchy.

When you gently pull one apart, the stretchy texture and glossy centre make for incredibly satisfying photos and videos — a big part of why it’s trending so heavily online.

Why is it Viral in South Korea?

South Korea’s food scene is driven by "Mukbang" (eating shows) and "ASMR." The Dubai Chewy Cookie is the perfect candidate for both. When you pull the cookie apart, the bright green pistachio filling stretches out, making it incredibly "Instagrammable."

Moreover, the "Sweet and Salty" (Dan-Jjan) profile is huge in Korea. The saltiness of the pistachio butter combined with the sweetness of the chocolate creates a flavor balance that people can't get enough of. Cafes in Seoul’s trendy districts like Seongsu-dong and Gangnam are seeing lines out the door, with these cookies selling out within minutes of opening.

How to Make the Viral Dubai Chewy Cookie at Home

You don’t have to book a flight to Seoul or Dubai to taste this viral sensation. Based on popular recipes from Cook with Dana and social media trends, here is how you can recreate this magic in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 150 g pistachio cream

• 150 g kataifi (Shredded Phyllo Dough or Roasted Vermicelli)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Chewy Exterior:

• 200 g marshmallows

• 30 g cocoa powder

• 20 g milk powder

• 30 g butter

• Extra cocoa powder for dusting
  

How to Make the Dubai Chewy Cookie

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

• Toast the kataifi in butter until lightly golden and crisp.

• Mix with pistachio cream and chill for 15 minutes.

• Roll into small balls and keep in the refrigerator to firm up.

Step 2: Make the Chewy Dough

• In a heatproof bowl, gently melt marshmallows with butter.

• Remove from heat and mix in cocoa powder and milk powder until smooth.

• Let the mixture cool slightly so it becomes dough-like.

Step 3: Assemble

• Flatten a piece of marshmallow dough, place a chilled pistachio filling ball inside.

• And wrap the exterior around it — just like a truffle.

• Roll in cocoa powder to finish.

No baking is required — you can enjoy them right away, or chill for extra chewiness.

Final Thoughts

The Dubai Chewy Cookie is more than a dessert — it’s a cultural moment. Inspired by Dubai chocolate and reinvented in Korea, this chewy, nutty, video-friendly treat shows how global food trends evolve. Whether you buy it in a cafe or try the recipe at home, this cookie promises a playful and delicious experience you’ll want to share.

FAQs

1. Is the Dubai Chewy Cookie from Dubai?

• No. It was created in South Korea inspired by Dubai chocolate.

2. Why is it called “chewy cookie” if it’s not crunchy?

• The chewy texture comes from marshmallow-based dough, not traditional cookie dough.

3. Why is the cookie version called "Chewy"? 

• Unlike the hard snap of a chocolate bar, the South Korean version uses a soft-baked cookie base, giving it a "Fudgy" and "Chewy" texture that contrasts with the crispy filling.

4. Can I make it at home?

• Yes. It’s a no-bake dessert that’s easy to recreate.

5. What is Kataifi?

• Kataifi is a traditional Middle Eastern pastry made of shredded, thread-like phyllo dough. It provides the "signature crunch" in the viral treats.

6. Can I make this without Pistachio?

• While pistachio is the original flavor, you can use Biscoff spread, peanut butter, or hazelnut cream as a substitute for the filling.

7. What makes it different from Dubai chocolate?

• The cookie has a chewy exterior and is marshmallow-based, while Dubai chocolate is a filled bar.

8. Are there variations?

• Yes — some use rice cake or different nut pastes.

9. Where did the trend start?

• The original chocolate trend started in Dubai, but the "Chewy - - Cookie" adaptation took off in South Korean dessert cafes and on TikTok.

10. Can I use regular noodles instead of Kataifi?

• No, regular noodles won't give the same light, airy crunch. If you can’t find kataifi, some people use roasted vermicelli or crushed cornflakes, but the texture will differ.

11. How should I store Dubai chewy chocolate cookies?

• Store them in an airtight container. If you want that "lava" center, microwave them for 10 seconds before eating!