Dalgona Coffee is a creamy, frothy coffee drink that became very popular around the world in 2020. It is made by whipping together instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until the mixture becomes thick and fluffy like a cloud. This sweet coffee foam is then spooned on top of a glass of cold or hot milk. When you stir it all together, you get a smooth, sweet, and slightly bitter coffee drink that tastes like something you would buy at a café.

The name “Dalgona” comes from a Korean honeycomb candy that looks and tastes similar to the whipped coffee topping. The drink became famous after being shared widely on social media, especially during the time when many people stayed home and tried new recipes. Even though it looks fancy and complicated, Dalgona Coffee is actually very easy to make with just a few simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.

Why You Should Try Dalgona Coffee

You should try Dalgona Coffee because it is fun, simple, and feels like a special treat. It only needs four basic ingredients, and you don’t need any special cooking skills to make it. If you can stir and whip, you can make this drink! It’s also a great recipe for kids (with adult supervision) because watching the coffee mixture turn from dark liquid into fluffy foam feels like a science experiment.

Another reason to try Dalgona Coffee is that you can change it to fit your taste. You can make it sweeter or less sweet, use dairy milk or plant-based milk, serve it hot or cold, and even add flavors like vanilla or chocolate. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or when you want to impress your family and friends with something that looks beautiful but is actually very easy to prepare.

Ingredients you’ll need for Dalgona Coffee

Here is everything you need to make Dalgona Coffee:

2 tablespoons instant coffee
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons hot water
1 cup milk cold or hot
Ice cubes optional, for iced version

Optional Add-Ins:

½ teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of cinnamon
Cocoa powder or chocolate syrup
Caramel sauce

How to Make Dalgona Coffee

Step 1

First, boil some water and measure exactly two tablespoons of hot water into a medium mixing bowl. Make sure the water is hot but not boiling in the bowl, as extremely boiling water can sometimes affect the texture. Then add two tablespoons of instant coffee and two tablespoons of sugar directly into the same bowl. It is important to use instant coffee, because regular ground coffee will not whip properly and will stay grainy.

Step 2

Next, begin whisking the mixture. If you are using a hand whisk, whisk quickly in a circular motion. At first, the mixture will look dark brown and watery, but after a few minutes it will start to lighten in color and become thicker. Keep whisking patiently. This step can take about 8 to 12 minutes by hand, so do not give up too early. If you are using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium to high speed for about 2 to 4 minutes until it becomes thick, creamy, and forms soft peaks.

Step 3

You will know the whipped coffee is ready when it looks light brown, fluffy, and holds its shape when you lift the whisk. It should be thick enough that it does not immediately slide off the spoon. The texture should be similar to whipped cream or frosting.

Step 4

Now prepare your glass. If you want iced Dalgona Coffee, fill a tall glass about halfway with ice cubes, then pour cold milk over the ice, leaving some space at the top. If you prefer it hot, gently heat your milk in a small pot or microwave until warm but not boiling, and pour it into a mug.

Step 5

Finally, spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread it so it covers the surface. You can leave it layered for a beautiful look, or stir everything together before drinking. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cocoa powder, cinnamon, or drizzle caramel on top.

You can add this post to your favorite Pinterest board!

Kitchen equipment you will need :

Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

Medium mixing bowl
Hand whisk, electric hand mixer, or stand mixer
Measuring spoons
Spoon or spatula
Tall glass or mug
Kettle or small pot to heat water

Tips and Variation Ideas

Always use instant coffee. Ground coffee will not whip correctly.

Use equal amounts of coffee, sugar, and hot water for the best foam.

If whipping by hand, use a wide bowl to allow more air into the mixture.

Taste the whipped mixture before adding it to milk. Adjust sweetness if needed.

What can I serve with this Dalgona Coffee ?

I like making this dalgona coffee when I want something simple that still feels a little special. It’s perfect for quiet afternoons at home, especially when I need a small break. My daughter loves watching the creamy whipped top come together, and I usually serve it chilled over milk with a little extra foam on top. It pairs nicely with cookies, a slice of cake, or even on its own as a sweet treat. Smooth, lightly sweet, and easy to make, this coffee always feels like a small café moment at home.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use regular ground coffee instead of instant ?

No, regular ground coffee will not whip properly. You must use instant coffee.

Is Dalgona Coffee served hot or cold ?

It can be served both ways. You can pour the whipped coffee over cold milk with ice or warm milk.

Can I use plant-based milk ?

Yes, almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk all work well.

Can I add flavors to it ?

Yes, you can add vanilla extract, cinnamon, cocoa powder, or caramel syrup.

Dalgona Coffee

Recipe by sophieCourse: BeverageCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

250

kcal

Total time

minutes

Dalgona Coffee is a creamy and fluffy whipped coffee drink made with instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, spooned over milk. It looks fancy but is very easy and fun to make at home.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons instant coffee
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons hot water
1 cup milk cold or hot
Ice cubes optional, for iced version
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of cinnamon
Cocoa powder or chocolate syrup
Caramel sauce

Directions

First, boil some water and measure exactly two tablespoons of hot water into a medium mixing bowl. Make sure the water is hot but not boiling in the bowl, as extremely boiling water can sometimes affect the texture. Then add two tablespoons of instant coffee and two tablespoons of sugar directly into the same bowl. It is important to use instant coffee, because regular ground coffee will not whip properly and will stay grainy.
Next, begin whisking the mixture. If you are using a hand whisk, whisk quickly in a circular motion. At first, the mixture will look dark brown and watery, but after a few minutes it will start to lighten in color and become thicker. Keep whisking patiently. This step can take about 8 to 12 minutes by hand, so do not give up too early. If you are using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium to high speed for about 2 to 4 minutes until it becomes thick, creamy, and forms soft peaks.
You will know the whipped coffee is ready when it looks light brown, fluffy, and holds its shape when you lift the whisk. It should be thick enough that it does not immediately slide off the spoon. The texture should be similar to whipped cream or frosting.
Now prepare your glass. If you want iced Dalgona Coffee, fill a tall glass about halfway with ice cubes, then pour cold milk over the ice, leaving some space at the top. If you prefer it hot, gently heat your milk in a small pot or microwave until warm but not boiling, and pour it into a mug.
Finally, spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread it so it covers the surface. You can leave it layered for a beautiful look, or stir everything together before drinking. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cocoa powder, cinnamon, or drizzle caramel on top.

Notes

Make sure the water is hot to help dissolve the ingredients properly.
Taste the whipped mixture before adding it to milk and adjust sweetness if needed.
Use whole milk for a creamier texture.
Add vanilla extract for a softer, sweeter flavor.

Dalgona Coffee

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients you’ll need for Dalgona Coffee