Whipped Coffee / Dalgona Coffee Recipe
Whipped Coffee / Dalgona Coffee Recipe is a easy Korean recipe that serves 2. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Laura in the Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 2 min | Total: 10 min
Cost: $0.83 total, $0.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Instant Coffee (plain, unflavored, no sugar or creamer)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (regular white sugar)
- 2 tablespoons Hot Water (just boiled, then let cool slightly)
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional, adds Mexican‑chocolate flavor)
- a pinch Ground Cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)
- 500 ml Milk (whole, skim, soy, oat, or any preferred milk; heated or iced)
- to taste Cocoa Powder (optional, for topping; sweetened or unsweetened)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients
Measure 2 Tbsp instant coffee, 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, and 2 Tbsp hot water into a small mixing bowl. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon if using.
Time: PT1M
Whip the Mixture
Using the handheld electric whisk, whip the mixture on high speed until it becomes thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks. This usually takes 2–3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Heat the Milk (Optional)
While the coffee foam is whipping, heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming, about 2 minutes. Do not boil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 80°C
Assemble the Drink
Pour the hot (or cold) milk into serving glasses, leaving room at the top. Spoon the whipped coffee foam over the milk, spreading evenly.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Insert a reusable straw, stir gently before drinking if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan with plant‑milk and vegan cocoa powder
Allergens: Milk
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Instant Coffee: Espresso powder
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Brown sugar
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Almond extract
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Ground nutmeg
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Oat milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Cocoa Powder: Chocolate shavings
Equipment Needed
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Handheld Electric Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Saucepan (optional)
- Spoon or Spatula
- Serving Glasses
- Reusable Straw (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Use equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water.
- Whip until stiff peaks form; under‑whipped foam will be watery.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra stability, add a pinch of baking soda to the coffee mixture before whipping.
- A chilled metal bowl (kept in the freezer for 5 minutes) creates a sturdier foam.
- If you don’t have an electric whisk, a hand‑held milk frother works well.
Troubleshooting
Foam is watery and does not hold peaks.
Make sure the water is hot (around 80‑90°C) and whisk for a full 2‑3 minutes. Using a chilled bowl can also help the foam set faster.
Foam is too sweet or not sweet enough.
Adjust the sugar amount next time; you can use 1 Tbsp sugar for less sweetness or 3 Tbsp for a sweeter version.
Coffee flavor is weak.
Use a high‑quality instant coffee (e.g., Nescafé Original) and ensure the coffee is plain, not flavored.
Storage
Refrigerator: Whipped coffee can be stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, but it will lose its airy texture.
Freezer: Not recommended; foam does not freeze well.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour due to sugar content.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Whip the coffee foam up to 12 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated; give it a quick whisk before serving.
- Pre‑measure coffee, sugar, and water in a small jar for faster assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Dalgona Coffee in Korean cuisine?
Dalgona Coffee originated in South Korea during the COVID‑19 pandemic as a simple, photogenic home‑brew that went viral on social media. It is named after a honey‑comb‑like candy called dalgona, reflecting the drink's fluffy, sweet appearance.
What are the traditional regional variations of Dalgona Coffee in Korean coffee culture?
In Korea, the classic version uses only instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. Some cafés add a dash of cocoa or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist, while others serve it over cold milk for a refreshing summer drink.
How is Dalgona Coffee traditionally served in South Korea?
Traditionally, the whipped coffee foam is spooned over a glass of hot milk and enjoyed with a straw, allowing the drinker to stir the foam into the milk before sipping. It is often presented in clear glassware to showcase the contrast between the dark foam and the milk.
During which occasions or celebrations is Dalgona Coffee commonly enjoyed in Korean culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, Dalgona Coffee became a popular treat during lockdowns and is now often served at casual gatherings, brunches, or as a trendy Instagram‑worthy beverage at home.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Dalgona Coffee versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe calls for plain instant coffee, granulated white sugar, and hot water in equal parts. Substitutes can include espresso powder for a stronger coffee flavor or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile, but the equal‑part ratio should stay the same.
What other Korean drinks pair well with Dalgona Coffee?
Dalgona Coffee pairs nicely with Korean street‑food snacks like hotteok or sweet rice cakes, and it complements other Korean beverages such as sweetened barley tea (bori‑sikhye) for a balanced flavor experience.
What makes Dalgona Coffee special or unique in Korean coffee trends?
Its uniqueness lies in the dramatic transformation of simple pantry ingredients into a light, airy foam that looks like a dessert topping, turning an everyday coffee into a visual and textural experience.
How has Dalgona Coffee evolved over time in Korean and global coffee culture?
Since its 2020 viral moment, Dalgona Coffee has inspired countless variations—flavored syrups, vegan milks, and even alcoholic twists—showcasing its adaptability while retaining the core whipped‑foam concept.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dalgona Coffee at home?
Common errors include using cold water, not whisking long enough, and adding flavored instant coffee which prevents proper foam formation. Ensure the water is hot, whisk for 2‑3 minutes, and use plain instant coffee.
Why does this Dalgona Coffee recipe use equal parts coffee, sugar, and hot water instead of a different ratio?
The equal‑part ratio balances the bitterness of coffee with sweetness and provides enough liquid for the proteins in coffee to trap air during whisking, creating a stable, fluffy foam.
Can I make Dalgona Coffee ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can whip the coffee foam up to 12 hours in advance and keep it sealed in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a quick whisk to revive the airy texture, then spoon over fresh milk.
What does the YouTube channel Laura in the Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Laura in the Kitchen, hosted by Laura Vitale, specializes in approachable Italian‑inspired home cooking, quick comfort‑food recipes, and step‑by‑step tutorials that make classic dishes easy for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Laura in the Kitchen's approach to coffee drinks differ from other coffee‑focused channels?
Laura in the Kitchen focuses on simple, pantry‑based coffee treats that require minimal equipment, emphasizing flavor tweaks like vanilla or cinnamon, whereas many coffee‑centric channels often use espresso machines or elaborate latte art techniques.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
