Dalgona Coffee Recipe – Whipped Coffee Magic

I can still remember the first time I made Dalgona Coffee, It was pandemic 2020 while everyone’s at home and trying their best to entertain themselves.  I didn’t expect it to be more than just another internet trend.

But as I stood there whisking away, watching the simple blend of instant coffee, sugar, and water transform into a thick, caramel-colored cloud, I couldn’t help but feel a quiet satisfaction. It was mesmerizing—the way patience and a little effort could create something so indulgent.

Maybe that’s what makes this drink so special. So as I recreate this recipe, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with it in the first place.

The gentle rhythm of whisking, the transformation of simple ingredients into something luxurious, and that first sip of creamy, bittersweet perfection—it all feels like a little act of self-care.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – You only need instant coffee, sugar, hot water, and milk, yet the result is a rich, café-worthy treat.

• No Fancy Equipment Needed – Whether you use a whisk, a hand mixer, or just a spoon (if you’re up for a challenge), you can make this at home with ease.

• Aesthetic and Instagram-Worthy – The beautifully whipped coffee sitting on top of creamy milk makes for a picture-perfect moment before the first sip.

• A Fun, Relaxing Process – Whipping the coffee into a fluffy, cloud-like texture is almost therapeutic, turning an ordinary cup of coffee into a satisfying experience.

• Coffee Shop Vibes at Home – Enjoy a luxurious, barista-style drink without stepping out or spending extra money.

• Hot or Cold, Your Choice – Whether you crave an iced coffee on a warm day or a cozy, warm version in winter, this recipe works both ways.

• A Nostalgic, Comforting Treat – Inspired by Korean street candy, “Dalgona,” this drink brings a touch of nostalgia while offering a modern, creamy twist.

Ingredients & Equipment

Dalgona Coffee relies on just a few simple ingredients, but choosing the right ones can make all the difference in achieving that perfect frothy texture and rich flavor.

Instant coffee is the key ingredient—it’s what makes the magic happen. Unlike ground coffee, instant coffee dissolves quickly and reacts with sugar and water to create a thick, stable foam. For the best results, a strong, high-quality instant coffee works best, as it enhances the deep, bold taste of the whipped layer.

Granulated sugar plays an important role in stabilizing the foam. It helps trap air during whipping, creating that light and fluffy consistency. White sugar works best for the signature thick froth, but brown sugar or other sweeteners can be used, though they may slightly alter the texture.

Hot water is essential to dissolve the coffee and sugar properly. It activates the instant coffee and allows the mixture to whip up into a creamy, cloud-like foam. The temperature should be just hot enough to melt the sugar but not boiling, as overly hot water may affect how well the foam forms.

Milk is the base of the drink, balancing out the strong coffee flavor with its creamy texture. Whole milk provides a richer, more indulgent taste, but you can easily substitute it with plant-based options like almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free version. The temperature of the milk is up to preference—chilled for an iced version or warm for a cozier experience.

Ice cubes are optional but highly recommended for the iced version of Dalgona coffee. They keep the drink refreshingly cool and help maintain the contrast between the fluffy whipped coffee and the smooth milk underneath.

As for equipment, a hand whisk, an electric mixer, or even a milk frother can be used to whip the coffee mixture. While an electric mixer makes the process much faster, a whisk works just as well—though it requires a little more effort and patience. A spoon or spatula is also handy for scooping the whipped coffee onto the milk for that signature layered effect.

Ingredients for making Dalgona Coffee Recipe:

• 2 tablespoons instant coffee
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• Ice cubes (optional for iced version)

How To Make Dalgona Coffee Recipe

Instructions for making Dalgona Coffee Recipe:

1. Mix the coffee base – In a bowl, combine instant coffee, granulated sugar, and hot water.

2. Whip it up – Using a whisk, hand mixer, or milk frother, beat the mixture until it turns thick, creamy, and light golden brown. This can take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer or 8-10 minutes by hand.

3. Prepare the milk – Pour cold milk over ice cubes in a glass for an iced version, or heat the milk for a warm version.

4. Top with whipped coffee – Spoon the fluffy coffee mixture over the milk, spreading it evenly.

5. Mix and enjoy – Stir before drinking to combine the rich, frothy coffee with the milk, or take a sip as-is for a layered experience.

Recommendations & Alternatives

• Less Sweet Option – Reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor without too much sweetness.

• Flavored Dalgona – Add a dash of vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or cinnamon to the coffee mix for an extra layer of flavor.

• Mocha Version – Stir in a teaspoon of cocoa powder while whipping the coffee for a delicious chocolate-coffee twist.

• Stronger Coffee Kick – Use espresso powder instead of instant coffee for a bolder, more intense flavor.

• Salted Caramel Dalgona – Add a pinch of sea salt to the whipped coffee and drizzle caramel sauce over the milk for a sweet and salty contrast.

• Spiced Dalgona – Mix in a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the coffee mixture for a warm, aromatic depth of flavor.

• Protein-Packed Dalgona – Blend a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder into the milk for a more filling, energy-boosting drink.