I really enjoy adding a touch of fun café-style magic to the kitchen with this dalgona coffee. This fluffy whipped coffee trend from Korea may have started online, but it’s become a favorite at my house for both busy weekday mornings and relaxed weekend brunches.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, frothy coffee that looks like it came straight from a coffee shop, and it’s such a treat to serve when friends or family stop by.
Dalgona Coffee (Whipped Coffee) ☕️
What makes dalgona coffee special is the texture: light and fluffy on top, smooth and creamy underneath. It’s a drink that feels indulgent but takes only five minutes to prepare. I love that it can be enjoyed hot or iced, so it works year-round. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, since all you need are instant coffee, sugar, water, and milk. Plus, it’s fun to serve at brunch or holiday gatherings because everyone gets to stir in their own coffee cloud.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Instant Coffee: Any brand of instant coffee or espresso works. Decaf instant coffee works just as well if you want less caffeine.
- Granulated Sugar: White sugar creates the most stable foam, but brown sugar, coconut sugar, or monkfruit sweetener can be used.
- Hot Water: Use freshly boiled water for the best texture.
- Milk of Choice: Dairy milk gives the creamiest base, but oat milk and soy milk also work beautifully. Almond and coconut milk will make a lighter version.
- Cinnamon or Cocoa Powder (Optional): Adds warmth and extra flavor.
How to Make Dalgona Coffee
Whip the Coffee
In a medium mixing bowl, or pitcher combine instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in equal amounts. Whip with a hand mixer for 2–5 minutes, or whisk vigorously by hand for 10–12 minutes, until thick peaks form. Yes, your arm will get a work out!
Prepare the Glass and Assemble
Fill a glass with 1 cup of milk. For iced, add ice cubes first. For hot, warm the milk before pouring.
Spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk. Stir before drinking for a creamy, frothy treat.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: Make it dairy-free with oat, soy, or almond milk. Use monkfruit or stevia for a lower-sugar version, but note the foam won’t hold quite as long.
Flavor Enhancements: Stir in a splash of vanilla, caramel syrup, or peppermint extract to the milk. Add a dusting of cocoa, homemade pumpkin spice, or cinnamon on top.
Add-In Options: In the milk, try stirring in cocoa powder for mocha dalgona, chai spice for a cozy twist, or even maple syrup for fall flavors. For the holidays, I love making a peppermint version.
Simple Substitutions: Swap white sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use decaf instant coffee for an evening treat.
Tips For Recipe Success: Always use instant coffee, not ground coffee, for the best foam. Whip in a large bowl or pitcher to incorporate enough air. Serve immediately, or refrigerate the foam separately for later.
Hospitality Challenge
This week, invite someone over for a casual “coffee catch-up.” Transform a corner of your kitchen counter into a cozy coffee bar using the tips from Coffee Bar Ideas for Your Kitchen Counter. Even in small spaces, you can create a café-style experience that pampers your guests and makes them feel genuinely welcome.
When you serve Dalgona Coffee, make it extra special by pairing it with a sweet or savory treat like Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls, a gooey and warm indulgence, or a sweet batch of Sticky Buns Recipe. For something lighter, these Copycat Egg Bites At Starbucks are a savory, protein-packed choice, while Orange Cranberry Muffins add a bright and fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with your coffee.
Dalgona coffee is a fun, creamy drink that’s easy to make at home and perfect for sharing at brunch or a cozy night in. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
How to Make Dalgona Coffee That’s Creamy and Fluffy
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water, boiling
- pinch cinnamon
- 1 cup milk, of choice (dairy, soy, almond, oat, etc.)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine instant coffee, sugar, cinnamon and boiling water.2 tablespoons instant coffee, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, pinch cinnamon, 2 tablespoons water
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip on high speed for about 2 minutes until thick and fluffy. (If whisking by hand, it will take about 15–20 minutes.)
- Taste the whipped coffee. It will be strong! Add extra sugar if needed.
- Pour hot or cold milk into a glass. For iced coffee, add ice cubes first.1 cup milk
- Spoon the whipped coffee over the milk. Stir well before drinking.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
Storage and Reheating
Room Temperature: Best enjoyed right away because the foam will collapse after 30 minutes at room temperature.Fridge: Store leftover whipped coffee (without milk) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Whisk briefly before using.
Freezer: Not recommended, foam texture won’t hold.
Reheat: If storing foam in the fridge, reheat milk separately (stovetop or microwave) and spoon the foam on top.
