Easy Dalgona Coffee is the kind of treat you make when you want coffeehouse vibes without changing out of your comfy clothes. Maybe you’re craving something sweet and foamy, but your espresso machine is giving you the side-eye. Or maybe you just want a little afternoon pick-me-up that looks fancy and feels effortless. Same here. I love a cozy ritual, and this one takes just a few pantry basics and a whisk. If you’re building better sips into your routine, you might also like this quick read on sustainable juicing habits to round out your mornings.
How to Make Dalgona Coffee (Whipped Coffee)
Ingredients and tools
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar (white, coconut, or your favorite granulated sweetener)
- 2 tablespoons hot water (just off the boil)
- 1 cup milk or dairy-free milk (oat, almond, or coconut), cold
- Ice, optional
- Tools: mixing bowl, whisk or hand mixer, spoon, and a glass
Directions
- In a medium bowl, add instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in equal parts. This 1:1:1 ratio is the magic that makes it whip.
- Whisk vigorously using a hand whisk or hand mixer until the mixture turns glossy and thick. It should go from dark brown to a lighter, caramel-colored foam. This usually takes 2 to 5 minutes by hand or about 1 minute with a mixer.
- Fill your glass with ice and pour in the cold milk. I like mine about three quarters full so there’s room for the cloud.
- Spoon the whipped coffee on top. Give it a stir right before sipping so the sweetness and milk blend. Sip slow and enjoy.
Pro move: serve this with a warm, lightly sweet pastry. These cinnamon knots with coffee icing are irresistible with the creamy bitterness of the foam. You’ll feel like you opened a tiny café in your kitchen.
Why it works: Instant coffee dissolves quickly and traps air, creating that fluffy texture. Sugar stabilizes the foam, and the hot water helps it whip faster. Cold milk balances the sweetness, and the contrast between icy milk and silky topping just hits the spot.
Tips for Perfect Dalgona Coffee
Foam that never flops
- Use instant coffee. Ground coffee or brewed coffee won’t whip. Instant espresso works great if you want a stronger flavor.
- Use hot water. Not warm. Hot water makes the whipping easier and more stable.
- Chill your milk and glass. The colder the base, the better the contrast with the sweet foam.
- Whip to soft peaks. If you can draw little swirls that hold for a few seconds, it’s ready.
- Adjust sweetness. If you prefer less sugar, start with 1 tablespoon and taste. You can also use coconut sugar or a granulated zero-calorie sweetener.
- Make it dairy-free. Oat milk gives the creamiest result. If you want a lighter sip, try almond milk.
- Pair with something refreshing. I love sipping a small glass of coconut water kefir on the side when I want a gentler start before my coffee.
“I never thought three simple ingredients could make something this café-worthy. I whisked by hand while listening to a podcast, and it turned out ultra-smooth on the first try.”
One more mini tip: if your arm gets tired, take a break and come back to it. The foam won’t mind. You’ll get there, and the payoff is worth those few minutes of whisking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using ground coffee instead of instant. This is the number one hiccup. Ground coffee won’t whip because it doesn’t dissolve the same way. You need instant coffee or instant espresso for that fluffy texture.
Skipping the hot water. Warm or cold water slows down the process and can leave you with a thin, sad foam. Use hot water so the sugar and coffee dissolve quickly and trap more air.
Undermixing or overmixing. Stop at soft peaks. If the foam gets too stiff and dry, it won’t blend nicely with milk. If it’s runny, keep whisking for another minute.
Using lukewarm milk. The whole joy here is temperature contrast. Keep your milk icy cold. If you want to layer like a pro, chill the glass for a few minutes first.
Forgetting balance. The topping is sweet and bold. If you’re sensitive to sugar, start with less. You can always add a drizzle later. If mornings are your wellness focus, you might enjoy building a balanced routine with a quick scroll through sustainable juicing tips, then treat yourself to your Easy Dalgona Coffee.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
There’s a surprising amount of creativity packed into this foamy cup. Here are twists I keep coming back to when I want variety without extra work.
Mocha vibe. Stir a teaspoon of cocoa powder into the milk before adding the foam. The touch of chocolate rounds out the bitter notes and makes it taste like dessert. If I’m feeling cozy, I’ll warm the milk and skip the ice for a creamy, hot version.
Vanilla dream. Add a splash of vanilla extract to your milk or whisk a pinch of vanilla sugar into the foam. It softens the bitterness and smells amazing.
Honey cinnamon. Swap sugar for honey in your milk and sprinkle cinnamon on top. For a weekend brunch pairing, these cinnamon knots are perfect with that spiced sweetness.
Salted caramel. Drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass and add a tiny pinch of flaky salt on the foam. Sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying.
Dairy-free delight. Use oat or coconut milk. Coconut milk brings a natural sweetness that balances the coffee without extra sugar.
Less sugar, same foam. You can use 1 tablespoon sugar and still get a good whip, especially if you whisk a little longer. Granulated sugar alternatives can work too, but the structure might be a bit softer. Either way, keep whisking until you see the shine.
Nutrition Facts of Dalgona Coffee
Let’s talk basics so you know what’s in your cup. A standard serving with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 cup 2 percent milk comes in around 200 to 230 calories. If you use whole milk, it’s closer to 250. With almond milk and less sugar, you can drop it to about 120 to 150 calories.
Caffeine: Using 2 tablespoons of instant coffee gives roughly 120 to 150 mg caffeine, depending on your brand. Instant espresso may be stronger. If you prefer less caffeine, use 1 tablespoon coffee and keep the other ratios the same.
Sugar: The classic recipe uses 2 tablespoons sugar. If that’s more than you prefer, scale to 1 tablespoon and taste. The foam will still whip, and your milk adds natural sweetness. You can also try coconut sugar or a granulated alternative to reduce total sugar while keeping texture.
Milk choice matters: Oat milk gives more carbs and a creamier feel. Almond milk is lighter in calories. Skim milk is lower fat but still balances the coffee nicely. Pick what fits your routine and goals.
Bottom line: it’s a flexible treat. You can keep it light for weekdays or make it a richer coffee dessert for weekends and share with a friend.
Common Questions
Can I make Easy Dalgona Coffee without sugar?
It’s best to use at least a small amount of granulated sweetener because it stabilizes the foam. If you want less sugar, start with 1 tablespoon and whisk a bit longer.
Do I have to use instant coffee?
Yes. Regular ground coffee won’t whip. Instant coffee or instant espresso are the keys to that silky foam.
Can I make the foam ahead?
You can whip it and refrigerate for a few hours, but it’s fluffiest right after whisking. If it deflates slightly, re-whisk for 30 seconds.
How do I make it hot instead of iced?
Warm your milk on the stove or in the microwave until steamy but not boiling. Top with whipped coffee and stir. It tastes like a cozy latte with a sweet cloud.
How do I make it less strong?
Use 1 tablespoon instant coffee but keep sugar and water at 2 tablespoons each. You get the same amount of foam with a milder coffee punch.
Ready to whip it up today?
You’re only a whisk and five minutes away from a café-style sip at home. Start with equal parts coffee, sugar, and hot water, then pile that caramel-colored cloud over ice-cold milk. If you want more technique deep dives, this guide from Jessica in the Kitchen is super thorough, and I also love the step-by-steps at Kimchimari. Once you’ve got the basics down, play with vanilla, cocoa, or a drizzle of caramel. Most of all, enjoy the process and treat yourself to a little everyday magic with Easy Dalgona Coffee.
Easy Dalgona Coffee
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy whipped coffee that delivers café-style sweetness and foam at home.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee or espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar (white, coconut, or your favorite granulated sweetener)
- 2 tablespoons hot water (just off the boil)
- 1 cup milk or dairy-free milk (oat, almond, or coconut), cold
- Ice, optional
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add instant coffee, sugar, and hot water in equal parts (2:2:2).
- Whisk vigorously using a hand whisk or hand mixer until the mixture turns glossy and thick, about 2 to 5 minutes by hand or 1 minute with a mixer.
- Fill your glass with ice and pour in the cold milk, about three-quarters full.
- Spoon the whipped coffee on top, stir before sipping, and enjoy.
Notes
Use instant coffee for best results. Chill your milk and glass for a creamy experience. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Whipping
- Cuisine: Coffee
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 3mg