DALGONA Whipped Coffee -- TikTok recipe

DALGONA Whipped Coffee -- TikTok recipe is a easy Korean recipe that serves 1. 220 calories per serving. Recipe by emmymade on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 23 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $2.25 total, $2.25 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Instant Coffee Powder (freeze‑dried instant coffee crystals)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (white granulated sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons Hot Water (just off the boil)
  • 1 cup Milk (2% milk; whole milk gives better foam support; plant milks work too)
  • 3 pieces Ice Cubes (optional, for a chilled drink)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (fine cocoa powder for chocolate foam)
  • 2 tablespoons Matcha Powder (culinary‑grade green tea powder)

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients & Equipment

    Set out the mixing bowl, hand mixer, spatula, glass, and optional ice cube tray. Measure all ingredients for the three foams.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Combine Classic Coffee Ingredients

    Add 2 Tbsp instant coffee powder, 2 Tbsp sugar, and 2 Tbsp hot water into the bowl.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Whip Classic Dalgona Foam

    Using the hand mixer on high speed, whip the mixture until it becomes thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks (about 3‑4 minutes). Scrape the sides frequently.

    Time: PT4M

  4. Prepare Cocoa Foam (Variant)

    In a clean bowl, combine 2 Tbsp cocoa powder, 2 Tbsp sugar, and 2 Tbsp hot water. Whip on high until thick and slightly glossy (about 7 minutes).

    Time: PT8M

  5. Prepare Matcha Foam (Variant)

    In another bowl, mix 2 Tbsp matcha powder, 2 Tbsp sugar, and 2 Tbsp hot water. Whip on high until a thick, slightly syrupy foam forms (about 7 minutes).

    Time: PT8M

  6. Assemble the Drink

    Fill a glass with ice cubes (if using) and pour 1 cup milk over them. Gently spoon the desired foam (coffee, cocoa, or matcha) on top, trying not to disturb the milk layer.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Serve

    Serve immediately. Stir before drinking if you prefer a uniform flavor, or sip through the foam for contrast.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
220
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan with plant milk and vegan sugar

Allergens: Milk

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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DALGONA Whipped Coffee -- TikTok recipe

Recipe by emmymade

A step‑by‑step guide to the viral Dalgona coffee made with instant coffee, plus fun cocoa and matcha flavored foams. Whip a light, meringue‑like topping in minutes and layer it over milk for a striking, café‑style drink you can customize with any milk or sweetener.

EasyKoreanServes 1

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
26m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
36m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.25
Total cost
$2.25
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Whipping the coffee mixture until stiff peaks form (Step 3).
  • Using hot water to dissolve sugar quickly.
  • Layering the foam gently so it stays on top (Step 6).

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water can cause burns – handle with care.
  • Use the hand mixer attachments securely to avoid injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Dalgona Coffee in Korean cuisine?

A

Dalgona Coffee originated from a street candy called "dalgona" in South Korea, which is a caramelized honeycomb treat. The whipped coffee version became popular during the 2020 COVID‑19 lockdown when people shared the striking layered drink on social media.

cultural
Q

How did Dalgona Coffee become a viral trend on TikTok and Instagram?

A

During the pandemic, users posted short videos of the dramatic foam‑on‑top coffee, showcasing the simple 1:1:1 recipe. The visual contrast and easy home preparation made it perfect for short‑form platforms, sparking a worldwide craze.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Dalgona Coffee in Korean street food culture?

A

The classic version uses instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Some Korean cafés experiment with flavored powders such as cocoa or matcha, but the original street‑style drink is the coffee‑only foam served over milk.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Dalgona Coffee traditionally associated with in Korean culture?

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, Dalgona Coffee became a comforting treat during the 2020 lockdown, symbolizing a small indulgence and a way to enjoy café‑style drinks at home.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are required for traditional Dalgona Coffee versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic Dalgona Coffee uses freeze‑dried instant coffee crystals, granulated sugar, and hot water. Substitutes can include instant espresso powder for coffee, coconut sugar for sweetener, or plant‑based milks for dairy‑free versions.

cultural
Q

What other Korean drinks pair well with Dalgona Coffee?

A

Dalgona Coffee pairs nicely with Korean rice cakes (tteok) or sweet red bean pastries (patbingsu). For a full Korean‑style snack, serve it alongside a small bowl of honey‑glazed sweet potatoes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dalgona Coffee at home?

A

Common errors include using cold water (which prevents sugar from dissolving), under‑whipping the mixture, and topping the foam on low‑fat milk, which causes the foam to sink. Follow the hot‑water, high‑speed whipping, and use whole or higher‑fat milk for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Dalgona Coffee recipe use hot water instead of cold water?

A

Hot water helps dissolve the sugar quickly and creates a smoother base for the coffee crystals, allowing the foam to develop more stable, tiny bubbles as explained by food scientist Harold McGee.

technical
Q

Can I make Dalgona Coffee ahead of time and how should I store the foam?

A

Yes, you can whip the foam up to four hours in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a quick whisk to revive the airy texture and then spoon it over fresh milk.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel emmymade specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel emmymade focuses on approachable home cooking tutorials, often highlighting trending recipes, comfort foods, and creative twists that can be made with everyday pantry ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel emmymade's approach to Korean-inspired drinks differ from other cooking channels?

A

emmymade blends clear, step‑by‑step instructions with personal anecdotes and cultural background, emphasizing simplicity and the ability to experiment with flavor variants, whereas many other channels focus solely on the classic recipe without exploring alternatives.

channel

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