Dalgona Coffee—a frothy, photogenic treat born in Korea and made famous across the world—turns the simple trio of instant coffee, sugar, and water into a cloud-like, velvety topping you dollop over creamy milk. It’s an instant pick-me-up, both eye-catching and mesmerizing to make, guaranteed to charm even casual coffee drinkers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Barista-Worthy at Home: You’ll be amazed at how easily you can whip up a coffeehouse creation in your own kitchen, with minimal tools and fuss.
- Irresistibly Creamy Texture: The whipped coffee top is airy, velvety, and as dreamy as it looks, transforming every sip into a luxurious treat.
- Fun, Interactive Experience: Making Dalgona Coffee is as delightful as drinking it—the whisking, the pour, and that first scoop are pure joy.
- Customizable to Your Taste: You can serve it hot or cold, dial up the sweetness, swap the milk, or experiment with flavors you love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Dalgona Coffee is how it transforms humble pantry staples into a showstopper. Every ingredient is there for a reason—the instant coffee gives that signature bitterness and color, while sugar and hot water balance and aerate the foam, and milk creates the perfect, creamy base.
- Instant Coffee: Essential for the iconic whipped texture; regular ground coffee simply won’t froth the same way—choose your favorite brand, and feel free to try fun flavors like vanilla praline.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped coffee foam; white sugar works best, but you can experiment with similar types if desired.
- Hot Water: Activates the instant coffee and helps dissolve the sugar, ensuring a smooth, fluffy whip every time.
- Milk (chilled or hot): The perfect canvas for your cloud of coffee; use dairy or your favorite plant-based milk for a personal touch.
- Ice Cubes (optional): If you love your Dalgona Coffee icy cold, a handful of ice makes it extra refreshing.
Variations
Once you’ve perfected your Dalgona Coffee, don’t be afraid to experiment! It’s one of those recipes that practically begs to be customized, whether you need to make it dairy-free, less sweet, or just want to mix up the flavors for fun.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk for a creamy, plant-based spin that’s just as delicious.
- Mocha Whip: Add a little unsweetened cocoa powder to the coffee mixture before whipping for a subtle chocolate twist.
- Flavored Sweeteners: Swap out regular sugar for coconut sugar, vanilla sugar, or a dash of caramel syrup for a nuanced sweetness.
- Less Sweet, More Coffee: Reduce the sugar if you prefer your Dalgona Coffee with a bolder, more pronounced espresso kick.
How to Make Dalgona Coffee
Step 1: Mix Your Whip Base
Start by adding your instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a mixing bowl. You’ll want to use equal parts of each—this is the trio that creates the magic. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything, making sure there are no dry granules left at the bottom.
Step 2: Whip Until Fluffy
Next, grab a hand mixer, stand mixer, or milk frother, and whip the mixture on high speed for about 2 to 4 minutes. You’re looking for glossy, light, stiff peaks—like the top of a cappuccino. No mixer? No problem—just whisk by hand (about 400 strokes does the trick!), though it’ll give your arm a playful workout.
Step 3: Build Your Drink
Fill your favorite glass or mug with chilled or heated milk. If you love an iced latte vibe, add a few cubes of ice first. Then, gently spoon the whippy Dalgona Coffee mixture over the top, letting it float and swirl for that signature two-layered look. Get ready to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Dalgona Coffee
- The Power of Instant: Only pure instant coffee granules will whip up to that voluptuous cloud—so save your drip or ground coffee for another day!
- Whip It Good: A hand mixer is your secret weapon for speed and volume, but if you’re whisking by hand, a small deep bowl helps the mixture thicken faster.
- Serving Temperature Savvy: Pour your milk over plenty of ice for a refreshing treat, or gently heat it for a warm winter hug—the Dalgona whip works both ways!
- Custom Whip Flavors: Add a hint of vanilla extract, cinnamon, or flavored instant coffee to the base if you want to switch up your Dalgona Coffee experience.
How to Serve Dalgona Coffee
Garnishes
Top your Dalgona Coffee with a light dusting of cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, or even chocolate shavings to add a touch of elegance and extra depth to every sip. For a playful finish, try a swirl of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toffee bits—your inner barista will be proud.
Side Dishes
This cloud coffee pairs beautifully with crisp biscotti, buttery shortbread, or a flaky croissant. For a cozy afternoon, serve Dalgona Coffee with a slice of banana bread or a lightly sweetened coffee cake—it’s a moment made for savoring.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Dalgona Coffee in tall glasses to show off the layers, or make mini versions in demitasse cups for a whimsical brunch presentation. For a party trick, offer a DIY Dalgona Coffee bar where guests can whip, top, and garnish their own creations—it’s a guaranteed showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover whipped coffee (which is rare, I promise!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The foam might deflate slightly but will perk back up with a quick re-whip.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the whipped Dalgona Coffee foam in spoonfuls on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer the frozen dollops to a freezer bag. Pop one onto fresh milk for an icy treat—the texture becomes mousse-like as it melts.
Reheating
While Dalgona Coffee is meant to be served freshly whipped and atop cold (or hot) milk, you can gently stir refrigerated foam back to life, or briefly warm your milk if you want a cozy version. Avoid microwaving the whipped layer itself—it won’t hold its structure.
FAQs
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Can I use regular ground coffee instead of instant coffee for Dalgona Coffee?
Unfortunately, regular ground coffee won’t whip up into the fluffy consistency needed for Dalgona Coffee. Instant coffee is key for creating those iconic, stiff peaks!
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Is there a way to make Dalgona Coffee less sweet?
Absolutely—you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste. Just keep in mind, the sugar also stabilizes the foam, so using too little may affect the texture.
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Can I make Dalgona Coffee ahead of time?
You can whip the coffee mixture in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to two days. Re-whip briefly before serving for maximum fluff.
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What is the best milk to use for Dalgona Coffee?
Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but any milk—dairy or plant-based—will work beautifully. Go with whatever you enjoy most or have on hand!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wanted to capture coffeehouse magic with zero fuss and full flavor, Dalgona Coffee is your dream come true. I hope you give it a try and make it your own—the first spoonful over milk is always the most satisfying. Enjoy every creamy, caffeinated sip!
Print
Dalgona Coffee Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Whipping
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the trendy Dalgona Coffee, also known as Korean Whipped Coffee, at home with this simple recipe. Enjoy a delicious and frothy coffee treat!
Ingredients
Coffee Mixture:
- 1 Tbsp instant coffee (e.g., Moccona vanilla praline)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp hot water
For Serving:
- 3/4 cups milk, chilled or heated
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Coffee Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Mix well.
- Whip the Coffee: Using a handheld mixer, stand mixer, or milk frother, whisk the coffee mixture on high speed until stiff peaks form (2-4 mins). If whisking by hand, whisk vigorously about 400 times.
- Serve: Place ice cubes in a mug, pour milk over them, and top with the whipped coffee. Enjoy!
Notes
- 1 Tbsp = 15 ml
- Experimentation with different types of coffee may yield varied results; instant coffee is recommended for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 176 kcal
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 81mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
