Dalgona coffee is a beverage made by whipping equal proportions of instant coffee, sugar and hot water until it becomes creamy. Then it is added to cold or hot milk. Instant coffee must be used (not ground) to create the dense and foamy topping. The drying process of the coffee granules is key. One of the three instant coffees I tried did not work as the granules were too fine, Joe Coffee (see picture below).
The place of origin is South Korea and has recently gained popularity during the coronavirus pandemic. Supposedly, the interest can be attributed to the calming effects of watching online DIY videos. I have to admit the Dalgona Coffee videos on YouTube are entertaining, only 3 ingredients (coffee, milk and sugar), and the easiest recipe to make.
Dalgona or Whipped Coffee
- 2 tbsp. instant coffee (I tried Joe Coffee, Nescafe Taster’s Choice and my favorite Folgers Classic Roast) See Note 1: or espresso powder
- 2 tbsp. granulated sugar (add more if desired)
- 2 tbsp. boiling water
- a pinch of cinnamon (optional – I did not add)
- six coffee ice cubes or regular ice cubes
- 1 cup milk, more or less (of your choice – I used 2 percent) depending on the size of your glass
Dissolve the coffee granules, sugar and boiling water together in a bowl. Using a hand mixer or frother whip on the highest speed. Scrape down the sides if needed to get all the bits into your coffee. For Nescafe and Folgers it took 5 minutes on high. Depending on the brand you use it might not take so long or could go up to 10 minutes. The Joe Coffee – I gave up on!
Add the ice cubes to the glass, pour about 1 cup + milk of your choice and then top it off with the whipped coffee. If you are making a hot cup, heat the milk and don’t add any ice cubes.
Using your spoon or straw, stir vigorously to swirl it into your milk. The whipped coffee on its own is rather bitter but once you stir it into the milk – wow!
Note 1: The best coffee recommended by some sources was Nescafe Classic (double filter, full flavor). None was to be found in the stores and not available on Amazon. Word must have gone out! However, being a coffee drinker I really loved the Folger’s brand.
Recipe by cookingwithauntjuju.com
I made ice cubes using Joe Coffee, unfortunately the whipped coffee did not turn out.
You can see the different sizes of the coffee granules below…
Stiff peaks after mixing for 5 minutes…
Boy this looks yummy!
It was really good Cindy – great coffee flavor!
It looks like coffee ice cream! I wondered what was in Dalgona coffee. Thanks.
Yes, it does Liz! The flavor depends on the coffee you use as there is a difference. Sugar, water and coffee – fun to watch it develop into creamy goodness. A little bitter alone but mixed with milk it’s just delicious.
I guess after Corona, Dalgona coffee is the second most talked topic of the world!!
Yes, it’s amazing what makes people feel good and this coffee is one example!
Would love having that on a hot summer day. Thanks for trying all these types of coffee for us! 🙂
You’re welcome Ronit. There is definitely a difference – foremost the granules have to be big enough to whip into Dalgona coffee and then of course the coffee. Really nice mixed in with the milk 🙂
Excellent testing technique. Every day, around 2:00 in the afternoon, I ask my husband if he’s ready for our “coffee break”. Oh, yeah. We’re addicted. ☕️
I would say so Gail – I have 1-2 cups in the morning then an occasional splurge like this Dalgona coffee. Nice afternoon treat for you and your husband especially this creamy coffee 🙂
I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but I’m not stopping. 😜☕️
So interesting. I’m really tempted to try this coffee, but I don’t like anything too sweet. Boy is that whipped coffee pretty, though. I could take a bath in it!
It is pretty Mimi and so fascinating to watch 3 ingredients turn into a creamy delight. For me it is not too sweet and some add more sugar – but you could certainly add less 🙂
Looks so delish! After seeing so many Dalgona coffee videos on social media, even I had made it a few weeks back 🙂
I am kind of surprised at its popularity but certain beverages like coffee can make us coffee drinkers feel really good 🙂 I will make again and again…