Switch up your morning routine with this Dalgona Coffee. It's smooth, creamy, and irresistibly frothy! Made with just three simple ingredients, this whipped coffee is a café-worthy treat you can easily make at home.
Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, it's the perfect way to start your day.
If you've spent time scrolling through social media, you've likely encountered the viral sensation of Dalgona Coffee. This whipped coffee drink quickly became an internet favourite.
If you love cosy, café-style drinks, you might also enjoy my Golden Milk made with Fresh Turmeric. It's a warm, soothing alternative to coffee, packed with anti-inflammatory benefits.
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What is Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee drink made by beating together equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until thick and creamy. This velvety foam is then spooned over a glass of hot or iced milk, creating a beautifully layered and indulgent drink.
This trendy drink took social media by storm after South Korean actor Jung Il-woo prepared it on TV, comparing it to a traditional honeycomb toffee called Dalgona. Since then, it has become a viral sensation, with millions recreating it on TikTok and Instagram.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – made with just four ingredients in 5 minutes.
- Creamy and frothy – a velvety coffee shop-style treat at home.
- Customisable – Enjoy it hot or iced, and adjust the sweetness to your liking!
Ingredients
Note: The full quantities are shown in the recipe card below.
- Coffee granules - use coffee granules only and not ground coffee; otherwise, the recipe won't work. You can use regular or decaf coffee.
- White sugar - use white sugar. Brown sugar and coconut sugar can also be used.
- Boiling water - boiling water is necessary for the coffee granules to dissolve.
- Milk of choice - either hot or cold milk, depending on preference.
How to Make Dalgona Coffee
Note: This is a summary of the instructions. The full ingredients and instructions are shown in the recipe card below.
- Add the instant coffee granules, sugar and boiling water to a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk for 5 minutes until the mixture is thick and holds its shape. Scrape the bottom of the mixing bowl with the whisk to ensure all the coffee granules are incorporated. Spoon over the top of your favourite milk.
Serving Suggestions
The Dalgona whipped coffee for this recipe can be used for one or two drinks, depending on the desired amount.
Variations & Substitutions
Here are a few ideas to switch up the recipe:-
- Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a mocha twist.
- Mix in cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a warm, spiced version.
- A drop of vanilla extract enhances the flavour.
Dalgona coffee sugar-free alternative:-
- Monk fruit sweetener can be used instead of regular sugar.
Troubleshooting
If your Dalgona Coffee isn't fluffy, here are some common reasons:-
- Use instant coffee – ground or brewed coffee won't work because it lacks the necessary structure to whip correctly.
- The classic 1:1:1 ratio (instant coffee, sugar, and hot water) is key. Too little sugar can cause the foam to collapse.
- Use hot water (not warm or cold) to help dissolve the coffee and sugar thoroughly, creating a stable foam.
- Not whisking long enough - it takes 3-5 minutes of vigorous whisking with a hand mixer to achieve stiff peaks.
Storage
Dalgona coffee is best enjoyed fresh, as the whipped coffee deflates over time. However, if you want to prepare it in advance, you can store the whipped coffee mixture (before adding milk) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick whisk before using, as it may lose some fluffiness.
You can freeze the whipped coffee in spoonfuls on a baking sheet for longer storage, then transfer them to a container. When ready to use, place a frozen dollop over milk, and it will slowly melt into a creamy coffee treat! 😊
Common Questions
This is likely due to the quality and strength of the instant coffee used.
There are a few reasons why Dalgona doesn't whip correctly. See the above Troubleshooting notes to help find the culprit.
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📖 Recipe
Dalgona Coffee
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee, note 1
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons boiling water
- 400 mls milk, hot or cold
Instructions
- Place the coffee granules, sugar, and boiling water in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk for 3-5 minutes with an electric whisk until thick and fluffy. (See image number 2 in the recipe post). After whisking for 1 minute, use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl and along the bottom, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Spoon the Dalgona over cold or hot milk, and enjoy! This recipe serves 1 or 2.
Notes
Storage
Dalgona coffee is best fresh, as the foam deflates over time. To prep ahead, store the whipped coffee (before adding milk) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours and rewhisk if needed. For longer storage, freeze spoonfuls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. Drop a frozen dollop into milk for a creamy coffee treat! 😊Troubleshooting
If your Dalgona Coffee isn't fluffy, here's why:- Use instant coffee – Ground or brewed coffee won't whip correctly.
- Stick to the 1:1:1 ratio – Too little sugar can cause the foam to collapse.
- Use hot water – It helps dissolve ingredients for a stable foam.
- Whisk long enough – A hand mixer takes 3-5 minutes to reach stiff peaks.
Guy says
This dalgona coffee turned out perfect! It is so creamy and frothy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Vicki says
So glad you enjoyed it Guy!