How to Make Dalgona Coffee in Minutes

What do you get when you mix instant coffee, sugar, water, and a global craving for frothy café-style drinks? A whipped sensation that took over social media and kitchens alike! After Korean actor Jung Il-Woo praised the Dalgona Coffee drink on the television show Pyunstorang, the coffee craze could not be contained! Dalgona Coffee took over TikTok and crept its way into every recipe blog in sight. We couldn’t resist hopping on the trend with this Easy Dalgona Coffee Recipe, along with sharing a bit of the story behind this now-iconic whipped drink. If you’ve been curious about that pillowy, photo-worthy coffee you’ve seen everywhere, now’s your chance to master it at home with just a few ingredients!

How to Make Dalgona Coffee in Minutes

Prep Time: 1 minute | Cook Time: 2–5 minutes

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• • 2 tablespoons instant coffee (any brand works)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (can sub with granulated sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons hot water
  • 1/2 to 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
  • Ice cubes (optional, for the iced version)

Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

• • 2 tablespoons instant coffee
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons hot water

Use a milk frother from Zulay Kitchen to whip the mixture until it’s thick, fluffy, and light in color. This takes around 2-3 minutes for the perfect peak consistency.

2. In a glass or mug, pour 1/2 to 1 cup of milk (depending on your preference). For an iced Dalgona coffee, add ice cubes. If you prefer it hot, warm up your milk in a microwave or saucepan. Use our frothing pitcher to heat and pour your milk smoothly.

3. Once your whipped coffee is ready, pour it generously on top of your milk. That’s it! Stir if you want a consistent flavor or sip through the froth for that layered café experience.

Optional Garnish: Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa powder, or even chocolate shavings for a gourmet twist.

Tips and Twists to Try with Dalgona Coffee

• Boost your Dalgona with a dash of vanilla extract, caramel syrup, or flavored coffee powders.
• Almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are all great substitutes for a vegan version.
• Want to cut the sugar? Try natural sweeteners like monk fruit, just know it may affect the froth.
• Serve over crushed ice and drizzle with condensed milk for a Vietnamese-inspired vibe.
• No frother? Use a balloon whisk or electric mixer, it just takes more time.

Health Benefits of Dalgona Coffee

While this drink is often seen as a treat, it does have some surprisingly good things going for it. Coffee is a known source of antioxidants and can help boost alertness and concentration. A cup of Dalgona typically has less caffeine than a double-shot espresso, making it a gentler pick-me-up. Using plant-based milk can reduce fat content, and swapping in natural sweeteners lets you customize sugar levels. Best of all, making it at home keeps your ingredients clean and budget-friendly.

Make Your Own Dalgona Coffee Today!

This easy Dalgona coffee recipe proves that you don’t need to be a barista or even leave your kitchen to enjoy a trendy, café-level drink. It’s simple, fun to make, and totally customizable. So if you're enjoying a slow weekend morning or need a quick boost before work, Dalgona Coffee is a good go-to. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it took over social media. Whip it, sip it, and love every foamy second!

Take Your Recipe to the Next Level with Premium Ingredients

Want to make your Dalgona Coffee extra indulgent? Try some of the premium ingredients from our shop. With just a few upgrades, your Dalgona Coffee becomes an artisanal treat that rivals any coffeehouse. Explore our ingredients and start mixing up your signature blend!

 Shop More Ingredients!

Let Us Know What You Think!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dalgona Coffee

Can I make Dalgona Coffee without instant coffee?

Technically no. The magic of Dalgona coffee lies in instant coffee’s ability to whip into stiff peaks. Regular ground coffee doesn't have the right properties to create the signature foam. If you’re not a fan of instant coffee flavor, look for premium freeze-dried options with a smoother taste. Some brands even offer flavored instant coffee varieties that can elevate your experience. If you're a die-hard brewed coffee fan, you might enjoy a layered iced latte instead.

What milk works best with Dalgona Coffee?

Dalgona Coffee is super versatile and works well with both dairy and non-dairy milks. Whole milk creates a rich and creamy base, while almond, oat, or coconut milk provide lighter, vegan-friendly options. Oat milk is especially popular for its neutral flavor and frothability. You can also use sweetened condensed milk for a Vietnamese-style twist.

Can I make Dalgona Coffee without a frother?

Yes, but be prepared for a workout! While the milk frother makes it quick and easy, you can also use a whisk, hand mixer, or stand mixer. If whisking by hand, it may take 8–10 minutes of vigorous effort to achieve that signature foam. 

How long does Dalgona coffee foam last?

Dalgona foam is best served immediately. However, it can last for up to 2 hours at room temperature without completely collapsing. If you're prepping ahead, store the foam in the fridge for up to one day, but know it may deflate slightly. For longer shelf life, mix just before serving. If the foam starts to loosen, give it a quick re-whip using your milk frother to bring it back to life.

Can I make a sugar-free version?

Absolutely. You can replace sugar with alternatives like monk fruit sweetener, erythritol, or stevia. Keep in mind that the foam may not be as stable since traditional sugar contributes to the structure. We recommend experimenting with small batches and using powdered versions of the sweeteners for the best texture. 

Is Dalgona Coffee stronger than regular coffee?

It depends on how much foam you use and how you prepare it. A typical serving uses 2 tablespoons of instant coffee, which is roughly equivalent to 1–1.5 cups of brewed coffee in caffeine content. However, since you're sipping it slowly through milk, it may feel less intense than a straight black coffee. You can always reduce the amount of coffee used if you're sensitive to caffeine, or opt for decaf instant coffee instead.

Can I use flavored instant coffee?

Yes, flavored instant coffees like vanilla, hazelnut, or mocha work wonderfully in this recipe. These can give your Dalgona an extra flavor kick without needing syrups or extracts. 

Watch How to Get the Most Froth with Your Electric Milk Frother