Dubai Chewy Cookies Are the Next Big Chocolate Trend—Here’s Where to Try Them
The famous knafeh chocolate bar now takes on a new form, and the internet can’t get enough.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Feb 4, 2026
The knafeh chocolate bar has been the internet’s food obsession for the past two years. Popularly known as Dubai chocolate—with its Filipino inventor being based in that city—the viral treat has been devoured, recreated, and reinterpreted in everything from cakes and gelato to croissants.
And just when we thought we’d seen the last of it, an early 2026 food trend proves that it’s here to stay. Enter Dubai chewy cookies.
What Are Dubai Chewy Cookies?
The Dubai chewy cookies you’re seeing all over the internet aren't actually cookies. They're treats built in layers. According to The Straits Times, the familiar filling is made from pistachio spread, white chocolate, and butter-fried kunafa. These are combined and shaped into spheres, then enveloped in a soft marshmallow exterior. To finish, the “cookies” are rolled in cocoa powder.
The contrast between the dense center and the chewy shell makes for a gastronomic experience that balances both fun and depth.
The viral dessert is South Korea’s take on the popular knafeh bars. It’s the brainchild of Kim Na Ra, who entered the dessert business after being discharged from the military. She initially developed a chewy cookie and later encountered a regular customer who suggested incorporating the Dubai chocolate’s nutty filling—an idea that led to the creation of the Dubai chewy cookie, or as it’s known in Korea, the Dujjonku.
The cookie's growing popularity has driven an increase in both staff and daily sales, which now amount to around 130 million won or P5.2 million, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.
Na Ra has no intention of monopolizing either the name or the recipe, acknowledging that “many bakeries have already created their own versions in their own styles. I think the reason it became so widely loved is that we created the trend together.”
Where to Buy the Viral Dubai Chewy Cookies
The Daily Bakes
The Daily Bakes has introduced their own Pistachio Kataifi Milk Chocolate Bars and Boxed Cakes. Needless to say, they've caught up with these chewy cookies, too. A box of four retails for P950.
Little Farmers Coffee
Small local businesses aren't missing out on the trend. If you’re curious but yet to be fully committed to the decadent treat, Little Farmers Coffee’s Guadalupe Nuevo branch sells individual Dubai chewy cookies for P130. Once you take a bite, you’ll probably end up wanting more—a box of four is also available for P450.
Sweet Tones by Toni
Sweet Tones by Toni takes the Dubai chewy cookies’ elements and translates them into various flavors. Apart from the classic, they offer Dubai Chocolate Strawberry, Matcha Strawberry, and Biscoff Cheesecake. Individual pieces range from P95 to P130.
Slide Coffee
Looking for a twist to your drink of the day? Slide Coffee has the Dubai chewy cookies sitting atop their lattes. Based on their Grab account, you can opt for just the chewy cookies without the beverage. One large piece retails for P200, while a box of three medium-sized bites sells for P470, and four for P760. Did we mention they have a matcha version, too?
Apéritif
Loved for their pastries and all things chocolate, Apéritif teased that their take on the Dubai chewy cookies will be arriving in stores very soon. While the Parisian-inspired café hasn’t revealed specific offerings or prices yet, it’s definitely worth looking forward to.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.