Creamy Whipped Dalgona Coffee Recipe

Whip up your own Insta-famous Dalgobreaa coffee right at home! This fun and frothy drink turns simple instant coffee into a dreamy, cloud-like treat—perfect for sipping hot or cold. With just 4 basic ingredients and a little whisking magic, you’ll have a café-worthy creation that looks as good as it tastes! ☕✨

Glass of Creamy Whipped Dalgona Coffee .

What is Dalgona Coffee?

Dalgona coffee (달고나 커피) is a Korean-inspired beverage that took social media by storm. This whipped coffee drink gets its name from dalgona (달고나), a popular Korean street candy made from melted sugar and baking soda that has a similar golden-brown color and soft, creamy texture. While the drink itself was popularized in South Korea, the whipped coffee concept has roots in various cultures, including the Indian "phenti hui coffee" and the Greek "frappe coffee."

The drink became a global sensation during 2020 when people started making this creative coffee drink at home. Its signature appearance features a thick, creamy coffee foam that sits atop cold or hot milk, creating an eye-catching two-toned effect that's as photogenic as it is delicious.

The magic happens when instant coffee, sugar, and hot water are whipped together until they form stiff peaks, creating a velvety smooth coffee cloud that slowly melts into the milk below. The result is a stunning two-layer drink that's both photogenic and delicious.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Equipment
Storage Tips
Top Tip
FAQ
✨ Sip, Snap, and Enjoy! ☕💛
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Pairing
Creamy Whipped Dalgona Coffee Recipe

Ingredients

For one serving of Dalgona coffee, you'll need:

2 tablespoons instant coffee (must be instant coffee for proper whipping)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons hot water
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
Ice cubes (optional, for iced version)

Dalgona coffee ingredients arranged on a marble countertop: a small bowl of instant coffee granules, a bowl of granulated sugar, a cup of steaming hot water, a glass of fresh milk, and a glass bowl of ice cubes with a spoon nearby.

Why these ingredients matter:

Instant coffee provides the right chemical composition needed for the whipped texture
Equal parts of each ingredient create the perfect balance of sweetness and coffee flavor
Hot water helps dissolve the coffee and sugar completely for better whipping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Base

Choose your serving glass (12-16 oz recommended)
If making iced Dalgona coffee, fill the glass halfway with ice cubes
Pour in your choice of cold or hot milk, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top

Step 2: Make the Coffee Whip

In a medium mixing bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water
Using an electric hand mixer or whisk, begin beating the mixture
Whip for 3-5 minutes until the color lightens to a caramel shade and stiff peaks form
Test the consistency by lifting your whisk - the mixture should hold its shape

Step 3: Assemble Your Drink

Serve immediately with a long spoon for mixing
Gently spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of your prepared milk
Create decorative swirls or patterns on top if desired

A glass with ice cubes and milk, leaving space at the top.

Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Fill a glass with ice (for iced coffee) or milk, leaving 2 inches of space at the top.

A mixing bowl with whipped coffee mixture forming stiff peaks.

Step 2: Make the Coffee Whip
Whisk instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until it forms stiff peaks and lightens to a caramel color.

A modern kitchen countertop with a bowl of whipped coffee and a glass of iced milk.

Step 3: Assemble Your Drink
Gently spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of your prepared milk.

Top Tips for Success

Presentation: Use a clear glass to showcase the beautiful layers
Temperature matters: Use very hot water, but let the mixture cool slightly while whipping for best results
Consistency check: Your whipped coffee should be thick enough to sit on top of the milk without immediately sinking
Mixing technique: Start whisking at low speed to prevent splashing, then increase to medium-high

Variations

Alternative Sweeteners

Honey Dalgona: Replace sugar with 2 tablespoons honey for a natural sweetener
Monk Fruit Dalgona: Use monk fruit sweetener for a sugar-free version
Brown Sugar Dalgona: Substitute with brown sugar for a caramel note

Coffee Options

Matcha Dalgona: Replace coffee with matcha powder for a green tea version
Espresso Dalgona: Use instant espresso powder for stronger coffee flavor
Decaf Version: Choose instant decaf coffee for a caffeine-free treat

Equipment

Medium mixing bowl
Electric hand mixer or whisk
Measuring spoons
Tall glass for serving
Long spoon for stirring

Storage Tips

The whipped coffee mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
Re-whip briefly before using if separation occurs
For best results, prepare the whipped coffee fresh before serving

Top Tip

Use very hot water to help the sugar dissolve completely
Electric mixers work best, but a hand whisk will do (expect 8-10 minutes of whisking)
Keep beating until the mixture becomes thick and glossy - patience is key
Don't skip the sugar, as it's crucial for achieving the right texture
Clean equipment thoroughly - any oil residue can prevent proper whipping

FAQ

What is dalgona coffee made of?

Dalgona coffee consists of just 4 ingredients: instant coffee, sugar, hot water (mixed in equal parts to create the whipped topping), and milk as the base.

What is the difference between normal coffee and dalgona coffee?

Regular coffee is brewed and served as a liquid, while dalgona coffee features a thick, whipped coffee foam that sits on top of milk, creating a layered drink with a unique texture and presentation.

Why is my dalgona not fluffy?

The most common reasons are: not using instant coffee, wrong proportions of ingredients, or insufficient whipping time. Make sure you're using equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and very hot water, and whip until stiff peaks form.

Is dalgona coffee better hot or cold?

It's delicious both ways! Cold dalgona coffee is refreshing and Instagram-worthy, while hot dalgona coffee offers a cozy, latte-like experience. The choice comes down to personal preference and weather.

✨ Sip, Snap, and Enjoy! ☕💛

And just like that, you’ve whipped up a café-style Dalgona coffee right in your own kitchen! Whether you prefer it hot or iced, this fluffy, velvety treat is guaranteed to impress with its rich, creamy taste and picture-perfect look. Give it a try and show off your masterpiece—your friends and family will be amazed by your barista skills!

Craving more cozy drinks? Drop a comment below and let me know how your Dalgona coffee turned out! And if you’re looking for something warm and comforting, check out our Creamy White Hot Chocolate Recipe for a sweet indulgence or our Easy Homemade Vanilla Latte Recipe for a classic café favorite! ☕✨

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Dalgona coffee recipe: