Dalgona Coffee Recipe

Whip Up a Dreamy Dalgona Coffee Recipe at Home Today

My morning coffee obsession with dalgona coffee started during those quiet pandemic days when social media buzzed with creative drink challenges.

Korean coffee culture suddenly became a global phenomenon that everyone wanted to experience.

whipped cream and instant coffee blend into a mesmerizing caramel-colored foam that sits elegantly atop cold milk.

Each spoonful promises a delightful texture and rich caffeine kick that awakens your senses.

Preparation requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum visual appeal and taste satisfaction.

Simple techniques transform ordinary coffee into an Instagram-worthy beverage that impresses without complex skills.

You’ll want to master this trendy drink and surprise everyone with your barista-level creativity.

Best Practices to Keep Dalgona Coffee Fresh and Smooth

  • Store whipped coffee mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep milk and coffee foam separate to maintain texture.
  • Pour whipped coffee into ice cube trays and freeze for future use. Thaw at room temperature before mixing with milk.
  • Warm milk gently in microwave or stovetop, avoiding boiling. Add cold or room temperature whipped coffee on top after heating.
  • If coffee foam deflates, whip again briefly with a whisk or electric mixer to restore original fluffy consistency.

Pairings for Enjoying Your Dalgona Coffee Break

  • Elevate Dalgona Coffee with Complementary Delights
  • Pair with Sweet Pastries: Serve alongside light, buttery croissants or delicate vanilla madeleines to balance the coffee's intense flavor and create a luxurious breakfast experience.
  • Match with Chocolate Treats: Accompany the whipped coffee with dark chocolate biscotti or chocolate-covered almonds to enhance the rich, bold coffee notes and provide a delightful textural contrast.
  • Combine with Nutty Snacks: Enjoy with toasted almond cookies or hazelnut shortbread to complement the coffee's deep, creamy profile and add a subtle crunch that elevates the overall taste sensation.
  • Refresh with Fruity Sides: Serve with fresh berries or a small orange slice to cut through the coffee's richness and provide a bright, palate-cleansing counterpoint to the sweet, whipped topping.

Dalgona Coffee – Try These Sweet and Savory Twists

  • Low-Sugar Version: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly option that maintains the creamy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cow's milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk to create a plant-based friendly beverage that keeps the original whipped coffee's rich flavor.
  • Decaf Option: Use decaffeinated instant coffee for those wanting the same delicious taste without caffeine's stimulating effects.
  • Chocolate Lovers' Remix: Mix cocoa powder directly into the whipped coffee mixture for an intense chocolate-coffee experience that elevates the classic recipe.

FAQs

  • What is Dalgona coffee originated from?

This trendy coffee drink first became popular in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly spreading across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram as people sought creative at-home beverage recipes.

  • Do I need special equipment to make Dalgona coffee?

No, you can easily make this drink with just a standard whisk or electric mixer. A hand mixer works best for achieving the perfect fluffy texture, but a manual whisk and some arm strength can also work.

  • Can I use different types of coffee for this recipe?

Instant coffee is recommended for the best results. Regular ground coffee won’t create the same whipped texture. If you want to experiment, stick with instant coffee brands that dissolve easily.

  • Is Dalgona coffee very sweet?

The traditional recipe is quite sweet due to the equal parts sugar and instant coffee. You can adjust the sugar quantity to suit your taste preferences, reducing it for a less sweet version or using alternative sweeteners like honey or stevia.

Whipped Dalgona Coffee: Why It’s a Trend Worth Trying

  • Even kitchen novices can create this trendy drink using just three ingredients and basic whisking skills, making it accessible to all coffee lovers.
  • Perfect for unexpected guests or spontaneous gatherings, this photogenic drink comes together faster than brewing traditional coffee and looks professionally crafted.
  • Easily customize by switching milk types, adding spices like cinnamon, or experimenting with alternative sweeteners to match personal taste preferences.

Ingredients Checklist for Creamy Dalgona Coffee

Coffee Base:
  • Instant Coffee: A key ingredient that provides the rich, bold flavor and enables the signature whipped texture.
  • Sugar: Helps stabilize the coffee foam and adds sweetness to balance the coffee's intensity.
  • Hot Water: Essential for dissolving coffee and sugar, creating a smooth and airy whipped consistency.
Milk Options:
  • Whole Milk, Almond Milk, Oat Milk: Serves as the creamy base for the coffee, offering different flavor profiles and dietary choices.
Garnish (Optional):
  • Cocoa Powder, Ground Cinnamon: Adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal to the finished drink.

Quick Steps to Frothy Dalgona Coffee at Home

Step 1: Whip the Coffee Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine instant coffee, granulated sugar, and steaming hot water.

Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the ingredients vigorously.

Keep whipping until the mixture transforms into a thick, creamy, caramel-colored foam that forms stiff peaks.

This magical process takes about 3-5 minutes of continuous whisking – your arm might get tired, but the result is totally worth it!

Step 2: Prepare the Glass

Select your favorite tall glass and fill it halfway with milk.

You can use:
  • Whole milk
  • Skim milk
  • Almond milk
  • Oat milk
  • Soy milk

Choose cold milk for an iced version or warm milk for a cozy hot drink.

Step 3: Crown with Whipped Coffee

Gently spoon the luxurious, fluffy coffee mixture on top of the milk.

Let it sit prettily on the surface, creating a gorgeous two-tone effect that looks like a café masterpiece.

Step 4: Add Optional Flair

Sprinkle a light dusting of cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, or chocolate shavings on top for extra pizzazz.

This step is totally optional but adds a stunning visual and flavor boost.

Step 5: Mix and Enjoy

Use a long spoon to stir the layers together, blending the creamy coffee foam with the milk.

This creates a delightful, smooth beverage that’s Instagram-worthy and absolutely delicious.

Sip and savor your homemade café-style treat!

Tips for Achieving Perfect Whipped Coffee Texture

  • Use equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water for the perfect, cloud-like texture that holds its shape.
  • Choose between hot or cold milk based on your preference, but ensure milk is chilled for a refreshing iced version.
  • Use an electric mixer for faster, more consistent whipping, saving time and achieving a smoother, more stable foam.
  • Experiment with vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or a pinch of cinnamon to elevate the classic dalgona coffee taste.
  • Prepare whipped coffee topping in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, maintaining its fluffy consistency for quick serving.
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Dalgona Coffee Recipe

Dalgona Coffee Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Dalgona coffee whisks creamy instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a cloud-like whipped marvel from South Korea. Smooth, velvety peaks crown cold milk, creating an Instagram-worthy drink you’ll savor with pure caffeinated delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) instant coffee
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Sweetening Agents:

  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar

Preparation Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) hot water

Garnish (Optional):

  • Cocoa powder
  • Cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Combine instant coffee, sugar, and steaming hot water in a spacious mixing vessel, vigorously whisking with a handheld mixer or traditional whisk until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, caramel-colored foam with stiff, glossy peaks (approximately 3-5 minutes of continuous beating).
  2. Select a tall serving glass and fill it with your preferred milk temperature – chilled for an icy treat or warm for a comforting beverage – ensuring sufficient space remains at the top for the whipped coffee layer.
  3. Gently cascade the voluminous coffee meringue over the milk’s surface, creating an elegant, cloud-like crown that dramatically contrasts with the milk’s smooth backdrop.
  4. For an elevated sensory experience, dust the whipped coffee summit with a delicate sprinkle of rich cocoa powder or aromatic ground cinnamon, adding a visual and flavor dimension.
  5. Before indulging, use a long spoon to thoroughly integrate the ethereal coffee foam with the milk, creating a harmonious, swirled beverage that marries texture and taste.

Notes

  • Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or stevia for a healthier twist on this trendy drink.
  • Use a hand mixer or electric whisk to significantly reduce arm fatigue and achieve faster, more consistent whipping.
  • Adjust coffee strength by changing the ratio of instant coffee – less for mild flavor, more for intense coffee punch.
  • Consider dairy-free options like almond, oat, or coconut milk to make this recipe adaptable for various dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Coffee
  • Method: Whipping
  • Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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