Dalgona coffee earned its moment in the spotlight for good reason. This silky whipped coffee foam is made with only a few simple ingredients — instant coffee, granulated sugar, and water — and is spooned over hot or iced milk for a café-style drink at home.
Why this recipe works
The dalgona coffee trend swept social media in 2020, originating in Korea and quickly spreading worldwide. Its appeal is simple: a dramatic, mousse-like coffee topping made from pantry staples that transforms ordinary milk into a creamy, visually appealing drink. The whipped coffee can be served over hot or cold milk, so it works for any season or mood.
Think of this as a textured, whipped version of iced coffee rather than a cold-brew. The dense coffee cream provides a rich, velvety layer that complements milk and sweeteners, making a single serving feel indulgent and special.
Ingredients you will need
See the printable recipe at the bottom for exact measurements and a compact recipe card. In short, you’ll need instant coffee, granulated sugar, cold water, milk, and ice (for iced versions).
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
Coffee – Use instant coffee (regular or decaf) rather than ground coffee or fresh beans. Instant coffee’s processing is what allows the mixture to whip into a stable, airy foam. If you prefer a bolder flavor, instant espresso powder works well.
Sugar – Granulated white sugar is recommended because it helps stabilize the foam and produces a dense, glossy texture. Brown sugar or other sweeteners can be used, but expect a softer foam due to added moisture or different crystal sizes.
How to Make Dalgona Coffee
Step-by-step photos and notes are included to help you visualize the process. For a printable recipe with measurements and a compact instructions card, jump to the recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Combine the instant coffee, granulated sugar, and cold water in a medium bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes glossy, smooth, and mousse-like. This can take 8–10 minutes by hand — patience pays off. If hand-whisking is tiring, a hand mixer or an electric frother will reduce the time and effort.
- Fill a glass with ice and milk (or warm milk for a hot version). Spoon or dollop the whipped coffee over the milk and enjoy. The whipped layer can be stirred into the milk for a creamy, coffee-forward drink.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Heat your milk before assembling: pour warmed milk into a mug and carefully spoon the whipped coffee on top. The contrast of hot milk and cool foam is pleasant, and the whipped coffee maintains its texture briefly before blending into the milk.
Sugar helps stabilize the foam and create a dense, glossy topping. If you skip sugar, the whipped layer may be thinner and less stable. For best results, use granulated sugar; alternative sweeteners will affect texture and stability.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy dalgona coffee as-is or pair it with simple cookies or biscuits for dipping. For a boozy twist, add 1–2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur to the milk. Sprinkle the finished drink with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or pumpkin spice for extra aroma and flavor.
More Coffee Recipes
- Irish Coffee
- Baileys Coffee Float
- Kahlua Frappuccino
- Salted Caramel Coffee Cocktail
- Homemade Mocha Frappuccinos
- Loaded Coffee Breakfast Smoothie
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Dalgona Coffee
IMPORTANT – Helpful FAQs and tips appear above. Scroll up if you need clarification before you begin.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 6 Tbsp instant coffee
- 6 Tbsp cold water
- ice
- milk
Things You’ll Need
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
Before You Begin
- Use instant or decaf instant coffee — not ground beans — for best whipped texture. Instant espresso works if you want a stronger flavor.
- The listed nutrition information excludes the milk; check your milk carton for serving-size details.
- This recipe yields about 2–3 drinks depending on glass size.
- Granulated white sugar provides the most stable, dense foam. Brown sugar or other sweeteners may produce a softer topping.
- Optional: add 1–2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur to the milk or dust the top with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or pumpkin spice.
Instructions
-
In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, instant coffee, and cold water. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes shiny and mousse-like, about 8–10 minutes by hand. If whisking is tiring, use a hand mixer to speed up the process.
-
Fill a glass with ice and milk, or pour warmed milk for a hot version. Top with a generous dollop of the whipped coffee and serve.
Nutrition
| Calories: 192cal
| Carbohydrates: 47g
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Recipes here are tested in conventional ovens and stovetops; appliance performance varies. For baking recipes using weight measurements, results may differ when using cups.