Dalgona Coffee Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Frothy Coffee Perfection

Dalgona Coffee, the viral sensation from South Korea, is a frothy, creamy drink that has taken the world by storm.

Made with just a few simple ingredients, this coffee is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to a café-style drink at home, Dalgona Coffee has the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication.

I’ve made hundreds of Dalgona coffees in the last four years since the drink became viral, and today I’ll guide you through my fail-proof recipe. Let’s get whisking and create a delicious cup of this trendy coffee!

What Is Dalgona Coffee?

Dalgona coffee is essentially whipped coffee with milk. It was popularized in early 2020, largely due to its viral spread on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

The drink takes its name from “dalgona,” a type of Korean honeycomb toffee, due to its similar taste and appearance.

The craze began when South Korean actor Jung Il-woo introduced the drink on a TV show called “Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant.” He found the drink in Macau, likened its taste to dalgona candy, and subsequently made it on the show.

The simplicity of the recipe—using just instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, all whipped to a frothy texture and served over milk—made it an instant hit worldwide.

People confined to their homes experimented with making it and shared their results online, further fueling its popularity.

This trend provided a fun and visually appealing way to enjoy coffee and also sparked a variety of creative Dalgona coffee versions, adding flavors and personal twists to the basic recipe.

Ingredients Notes

• Milk: Any type of milk works well. Full-fat milk gives a creamier texture, while almond or oat milk are great dairy-free options.
• Instant Coffee: Essential for achieving the signature froth; regular ground coffee won’t whip the same.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar helps stabilize the foam, making it thick and airy.
• Hot Water: Equal parts hot water to dissolve the coffee and sugar.

Dalgona Coffee Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Mix Ingredients

Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl to give you enough room for whisking. Add 2 tablespoons of instant coffee.

Combine with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to help stabilize and sweeten the foam, and 2 tablespoons of hot water (just off the boil) to ensure everything dissolves properly.

Pro tip: Stir the ingredients gently with a spoon until the coffee and sugar are completely dissolved. This initial stir helps prevent clumping, making the whipping process smoother.

Instant coffees I use to make Dalgona coffee:

• Nescafé Gold: This instant coffee has a rich and smooth flavor, which is ideal for Dalgona Coffee. I like that its fine granules dissolve and whip up easily, creating the perfect frothy top for your drink.
• Waka Coffee Quality Instant Coffee: Waka Coffee is another fantastic option for Dalgona Coffee. It’s made from 100% Arabica beans, which give a bold and rich flavor that complements the sweetness of the whipped topping.

Step 2. Whisk Vigorously

I begin whisking with a hand mixer set at medium-high speed. But, if you prefer a bit of a workout, use a manual whisk.

The goal is to incorporate as much air as possible into the coffee mixture, transforming it from dark and liquid to light and frothy.

Whisk duration tip: With a hand mixer, it generally takes about 3-5 minutes to reach the fluffy, peak-holding consistency. If you’re whisking by hand, it could take 8-12 minutes. Look for the mixture to lighten in color and form stiff peaks when the whisk is lifted.

Step 3. Prepare the Milk

Fill a glass about three-quarters full with your chosen milk. You can enjoy it cold, which is refreshing and contrasts nicely with the sweet foam, or heat the milk if you prefer a warmer beverage.

Unlike lattes and cappuccinos, there’s no need to froth the milk. Simply pour it into the glass, and you’re done!

Note: If heating, warm it in a small saucepan just until steam begins to rise, but be careful not to let it boil.

Pro tip: For an added touch, chill the glass if serving cold, or warm it if serving hot, to help maintain the temperature of the drink.

Step 4. Top with Coffee Foam

Gently spoon the thick coffee foam over the top of the milk in the glass. The dense foam will sit on top of the milk and create the distinct layers that Dalgona Coffee is known for.

Pro tip: For a professional finish, use the back of the spoon to smooth the top of the foam or make a swirl pattern. This looks appealing and also invites you to stir it into the milk before drinking, blending the flavors beautifully.

Best Dalgona Coffee Varieties

Vanilla Dalgona Coffee: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your coffee mix to give it a sweet, aromatic twist. This makes your Dalgona Coffee even more inviting, perfect for vanilla lovers looking for a comforting, flavorful drink.

Chocolate Dalgona Coffee: Mix a tablespoon of cocoa powder into your coffee ingredients for a chocolatey kick. It’s a simple way to turn your regular Dalgona into a sweet treat that’s perfect for chocolate fans.

Cinnamon Dalgona Coffee: Sprinkle some cinnamon into your whipped coffee before topping the milk to spice things up. This version brings a warm, spicy note that complements the coffee beautifully, making each sip extra cozy.

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