This Dalgona coffee recipe is a fun and easy way to elevate coffee made at home using just 3 ingredients!
It has a creamy, velvety texture and a strong coffee flavor making it a perfectly decadent afternoon pick-me-up!
Equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water are all it takes to make this Dalgona coffee recipe – simply serve it over hot or cold milk!
What is Dalgona Coffee?
Originating in South Korea and made world-famous on social media, Dalgona coffee is a creamy and rich beverage. Equal parts of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water are whipped together until frothy and foamy, then spooned over a glass of milk and ice.
Dalgona gets its name because the foam resembles a toffee-like candy of the same name in South Korea.
Our Favorite Afternoon Treat!
- This Dalgona coffee recipe is totally customizable to taste preferences, and can be made with different kinds of milk, sweeteners, and optional toppings.
- Feel free to double or triple the recipe because Dalgona foam can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or frozen in ice cube trays! Just pop one out and drop it into hot or cold milk!
- Dalgona coffee is easy to make and far more affordable than pricy drive-thru coffee options!
- There are no special ingredients, tools, or skills needed to enjoy this indulgent coffee treat at home! Why not swirl in a little homemade Irish Cream to really wind down the day?
Ingredients and Variations
Coffee: Use any brand of instant coffee that is on hand or available at the grocery store. Or try coffee crystals or even ground instant espresso! Leftover coffee from the morning brew will also work, it just won’t be as frothy.
Dairy: Dalgona coffee is a great recipe for people who prefer milk alternatives! Coconut, almond, soy, rice, or hemp milk work well. However, the thicker the milk, the longer the coffee foam will float and for that reason, oat milk is most similar to regular milk.
Sugar: Dalgona coffee can be made without sugar technically, but sugar substitutes will also work! Feel free to use a favorite sugar-free sweetener in this recipe.
Extras: Feel free to add coffee syrup to the milk. Flavors such as vanilla, coconut, toasted caramel, or white chocolate would all be delish! Dalgona coffee can also be topped with chocolate or caramel syrup, cocoa powder or cinnamon for an impressive presentation!
How to Make Dalgona Coffee
- Pour heated (or chilled) milk into mugs or glasses.
- Beat equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water using a blender, hand-held milk frother, or electric mixer until thick and creamy (as per the recipe below).
- Top with whipped coffee and serve. Serve in a clear glass for maximum presentation!
Tip!
Whipped coffee should have a velvety and smooth texture, and hold its shape when the whisk is lifted out of the mixture. If it does not hold its shape, keep whipping until it does.
Pro Tips to Make it Perfect!
- Be sure to use exact measurements for a good, heavy foam for the first step, and use hot water, not cold, or the instant coffee won’t dissolve.
- Use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar because it will dissolve faster.
- A small countertop blender works better for smaller amounts of Dalgona coffee and a regular blender is perfect for larger amounts.
- To get that distinctive layered effect, pour the milk and ice into a glass before adding the whipped coffee on top. Or use a spoon to mix the whipped coffee and milk together, creating a marbled effect. This will help distribute the coffee flavor and create a creamy and delicious drink.
Other Tasty Beverages!
Have you tried this Dalgona Coffee Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
Dalgona Coffee
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk milk of your choice, hot or cold
- 1 Tablespoon instant coffee
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon hot water
Instructions
- Add cold milk to a glass, or if desired, heat or steam milk and add to a mug or heat safe glass. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, add instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Using an electric milk frother, electric mixer, or hand whisk, mix until the mixture is thick and foamy. This takes about 3-4 minutes using an electric device or 8-10 minutes by hand (but it's SO worth it!).
- Add coffee mixture to the milk. Stir until combined to your liking, leaving a foam layer on top (or combine fully if preferred). Enjoy!
Notes
- Use exact measurements for a best results.
- Be sure to use hot water to dissolve the instant coffee.
- Try powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar – it will dissolve faster.
- For a layered look, add the dalgona mixture on top of the ice and milk. Or for a marbled effect, stir together a bit before serving.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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