Dalgona Whipped Coffee (Recipe in 5 Min!)

Name: Dalgona Whipped Coffee Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons instant coffee; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons hot water; 1 cup milk (any type); 1/2 cup ice cubes (optional)

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Have you tried Dalgona whipped coffee yet? This fluffy, cloud-like coffee treat will amaze you!

I fell in love with this drink the first time I tried it! The best part? You can make it with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

This Korean-inspired coffee drink gets its name from a popular street candy that has the same fluffy texture.

Today, I’ll show you exactly how to whip up this Instagram-worthy coffee that tastes as amazing as it looks!

Why You’ll Love Dalgona Whipped Coffee

This isn’t just any coffee drink! Dalgona whipped coffee is super fun to make, looks amazing in photos, and tastes like a fancy coffee shop treat that you made yourself. The sweet, creamy foam sits on top of cold milk for a refreshing pick-me-up any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Instant Coffee – The star of the show! You need instant coffee (not ground coffee) because it contains special ingredients that help it whip up into that perfect fluffy texture.

Sugar – Regular white sugar works best for creating that sweet, caramel-like flavor that makes Dalgona coffee so yummy. The sugar helps the mixture whip up properly.

Hot Water – You need very hot water to dissolve the coffee and sugar completely. This helps create the perfect base for whipping into a cloud-like texture.

Milk – Cold milk creates the perfect base for your whipped coffee topping. You can use any kind you like – regular, almond, oat, or whatever you prefer!

Ice Cubes – Optional, but highly recommended for that refreshing chill that makes Dalgona coffee so satisfying, especially on warm days.

How to Make Dalgona Whipped Coffee

Making Dalgona coffee is super simple and fun! The magic happens when you whip the coffee mixture until it becomes thick and fluffy. Then you’ll spoon it over cold milk for a beautiful layered drink.

Step 1: Add 2 tablespoons instant coffee, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons hot water to a mixing bowl. Make sure your water is very hot to help dissolve everything.

Step 2: Whip the mixture using a hand mixer, stand mixer, or whisk. Keep mixing until the color changes from dark to light brown and stiff peaks form.

Step 3: Fill a glass with ice cubes and your choice of milk, leaving about an inch of space at the top for your coffee foam.

Step 4: Gently spoon the whipped coffee mixture on top of the cold milk. The fluffy coffee will float on top, creating that signature Dalgona look.

Step 5: Take a photo for social media (because it’s too pretty not to), then stir everything together and enjoy your delicious homemade treat!

Tips for the Best Dalgona Whipped Coffee

Use Very Hot Water – The hotter the water, the easier and faster your mixture will whip up. Just-boiled water works perfectly to dissolve all ingredients.
Be Patient While Whipping – It might take 3-5 minutes of continuous whipping to get stiff peaks. Don’t give up too soon! Your arm might get tired, but the results are worth it.
Chill Your Glass – Put your serving glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before making your drink. This keeps everything extra cold and refreshing when you’re ready to enjoy.
Use Equal Parts – The magic ratio is 1:1:1 for instant coffee, sugar, and water. This balance creates the perfect texture and sweetness for your whipped topping.
Quality Matters – Better quality instant coffee will give you better flavor. I’ve found that Nescafé Gold works really well for this recipe.

Variations and Substitutions

Mocha Version – Add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder to your whipping mixture for a chocolate-coffee flavor that tastes like a fancy mocha from your favorite coffee shop.
Less Sweet Option – Cut the sugar to 1 tablespoon if you prefer a less sweet drink. The foam might be slightly less stable, but still delicious.
Dalgona Matcha – Replace instant coffee with 2 tablespoons of matcha powder for a gorgeous green version with a gentle caffeine boost and earthy flavor.
Boozy Dalgona – Add a splash of Baileys or Kahlúa to your milk for an adult version that’s perfect for evening relaxation or weekend brunch.
Vanilla Twist – Add a few drops of vanilla extract to either the whipped coffee mixture or the milk for a subtle vanilla flavor that complements the coffee perfectly.

Common Questions

The sugar helps create the right texture, but you can try sugar substitutes like erythritol. Some artificial sweeteners won’t whip properly, so you might need to experiment.

No, you need instant coffee powder specifically. Regular ground coffee won’t whip up properly because it lacks the dried soluble compounds that help create the stable foam texture.

The whipped coffee stays fluffy for about 15-20 minutes on top of cold milk before it starts to slowly melt. I recommend enjoying it right after making it.

You might not be whipping long enough. It takes 3-5 minutes of continuous whipping. Also, check that you used equal parts coffee, sugar, and hot water.

It contains about the same caffeine as a regular cup of coffee. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, try using decaf instant coffee or the matcha variation mentioned above.