1-First step: mix the dough base In a large bowl, combine 1 cup lukewarm water, 2 tablespoons white sugar, 2 teaspoons dry yeast, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Stir everything together until the sugar starts to dissolve. The water should feel warm, not hot, so it helps the yeast wake up without damaging it.

2-Second step: add the flour and form a rough dough Add 2 cups all-purpose flour to the bowl and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Do not worry if it looks a bit rough at this stage. That is normal. Cover the bowl and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour.

3-Third step: let the dough relax After the first rise, knead the dough gently to remove air bubbles. Add the remaining 1/2 cup all-purpose flour on a floured board as needed while you work. Shape the dough into a smooth ball, then let it rise again for 10 to 20 minutes. This extra rest helps the dough become easier to stretch and fill.

4-Fourth step: make the sweet filling In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup turbinado sugar or brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, and 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts. Stir until the mixture looks evenly combined. This is the heart of brown sugar hotteok, and it will turn soft and syrupy while cooking.

5-Fifth step: divide and fill the dough Knead the dough once more, then divide it into 8 balls. Place them on a floured board and use flour on your hands as well so the dough does not stick. Flatten each ball into a small round. Spoon a portion of the filling into the center, then pinch the edges together tightly to seal it into a ball.

6-Sixth step: cook the pancakes Heat a thin layer of oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the stuffed dough balls seam side down in the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, until the bottom turns golden. Flip each one, then press it flat with a spatula. Cook for 1 minute on the second side, flip again, lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook for 1 more minute. This helps the filling melt without burning the outside.

7-Final step: serve while hot Move the cooked hotteok to a plate and serve right away. The centers are sweetest and most gooey when they are fresh from the pan. If you wait too long, the filling starts to set, so this is one treat that really likes to be eaten immediately.