Have you seen those amazing cookies online? They look like little works of art. A beautiful, swirled coffee cookie sits on top of a creamy, dreamy milky base. This is the famous Dalgona Cookie. It became a huge trend after the “Dalgona Coffee” craze, and for a good reason. It is delicious, fun to make, and perfect for impressing your friends and family.

Maybe you think making these cookies is hard. I am here to tell you it is not! With my simple guide, you can make perfect Dalgona Cookies at home. We will walk through every single step together. I will give you all my tips and tricks for success. Get ready to bake something truly special.

what is a dalgona cookie?

Let us first understand what we are making. A Dalgona Cookie is not one single cookie. It is a two-part treat.

The first part is the cookie itself. This is not your average chocolate chip cookie. We make a special brown sugar cookie. We flavor it with instant coffee and give it a beautiful marbled look. The cookie part is crisp on the edges and wonderfully chewy in the middle.

The second part is the “dip” or the “base”. This is a creamy, sweet, and milky mixture. We often make it with whipped cream and condensed milk. It tastes like the sweet milk you find at the bottom of a bowl of cereal. It is the perfect partner for the strong coffee flavor of the cookie.

When you combine the crunchy, coffee-swirled cookie with the cold, sweet cream, magic happens. It is a mix of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds very happy.

why you will love this recipe

You will love this recipe because it is truly special. It is a show-stopping dessert that looks like you bought it from a fancy bakery. But you made it in your own kitchen!

The recipe is also very fun. Whipping the coffee mixture is satisfying. Swirling the cookie dough is like being an artist. Your kids will love to help with this part.

The best part is the taste. The bitter-sweet coffee cookie and the ultra-sweet milk cream balance each other perfectly. It is a grown-up dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Most importantly, I have tested this recipe many times. I have made all the mistakes so you do not have to. Follow my steps, and you will have perfect Dalgona Cookies every single time.

Do you want to know How to Make Dalgona Candy!

history of the dalgona cookie trend

The story of the Dalgona Cookie starts with another trend: Dalgona Coffee. During the global lockdowns in 2020, people started making this whipped coffee drink at home. It only needs three ingredients: instant coffee, sugar, and hot water. You whip them together until they become a light, fluffy, mousse-like cream. Then you spoon it over cold milk.

The name “Dalgona” comes from a Korean honeycomb toffee candy. The candy has a similar look to the whipped coffee foam. The trend went viral on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Creative bakers then thought, “What if we put this coffee foam into a cookie?” And so, the Dalgona Cookie was born. It takes the flavor of the famous drink and turns it into a solid, shareable treat. It is a perfect example of how food trends evolve and inspire new creations.

what you need: kitchen tools

You do not need any fancy equipment to make these cookies. You probably have most of these tools in your kitchen already.

Mixing Bowls: You will need two medium-sized bowls. One for the dry ingredients and one for whipping the coffee mixture.
Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: This is very important. Whipping the coffee by hand is possible, but it will take a very long time and a lot of arm strength. An electric mixer makes it quick and easy. A stand mixer with a whisk attachment also works great.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For baking, accurate measurements are key. Use proper measuring cups for dry ingredients and liquids.
Whisk and Spatula: A whisk is for mixing dry ingredients. A spatula is for folding and scraping the bowl.
Baking Sheet: You will need a standard baking sheet to bake the cookies on.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: This is a must. It prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan. It also makes cleanup super easy.
Scoop or Spoon: A small cookie scoop helps make all your cookies the same size. This way, they bake evenly. If you do not have a scoop, you can use a tablespoon.
Toothpick or Knife: You will use this to create the beautiful swirl pattern on the cookies.

ingredients for the perfect dalgona cookie

Using the right ingredients is the secret to great cookies. Let us talk about what you need and why.

for the coffee whipped cream

2 tablespoons Instant Coffee: Use regular instant coffee granules, not brewed coffee. This is the key to that strong coffee flavor. You can use any brand you like.
2 tablespoons Granulated White Sugar: This sweetens the mixture and helps it whip up into a foam.
2 tablespoons Hot Water: Just enough water to dissolve the coffee and sugar. Make sure the water is hot from the kettle or tap.

for the cookie dough

1 and ½ cups All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our cookie. Do not pack the flour into the cup. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off.
½ teaspoon Baking Soda: This is our leavening agent. It helps the cookies rise and become chewy.
¼ teaspoon Salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
½ cup Unsalted Butter, softened: Take the butter out of the fridge about an hour before you start. Soft butter creams together with sugar perfectly. Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness.
½ cup Granulated White Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread.
⅓ cup Brown Sugar, packed: Brown sugar is the secret to a chewy cookie. It has molasses in it, which adds moisture and a rich flavor. Make sure you pack it firmly into the measuring cup.
1 large Egg: The egg binds all the ingredients together. Use an egg at room temperature for best results.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a warm, sweet flavor that goes great with coffee.

for the milk dip (base)

1 cup Cold Heavy Whipping Cream: You must use heavy cream or double cream. It needs to have a high fat content to whip up properly.
3 tablespoons Sweetened Condensed Milk: This gives the dip its iconic sweet, milky flavor. It also helps sweeten and stabilize the cream.
A pinch of Salt: Just a tiny pinch to cut the sweetness.

step by step: how to make the coffee whip

This is the first and most important step. Do not rush it.

Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add your two tablespoons of instant coffee, two tablespoons of white sugar, and two tablespoons of hot water.
Start Whipping: Using your electric hand mixer, start beating the mixture on low speed. Once the ingredients start to combine, you can increase the speed to high.
Whip to Stiff Peaks: Keep whipping on high speed for about 3 to 5 minutes. You will see the magic happen. The mixture will turn from a dark liquid to a light, creamy, thick foam. It will become a pale brown color. It is ready when you can lift the beaters out and the peaks of the foam stand straight up. This is called “stiff peaks”.

step by step: how to make the cookie dough

Now, we make the cookie dough that will hold our coffee swirl.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In your larger mixing bowl, add the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together with your mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy. This step adds air to the dough, making the cookies softer.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack the egg into the bowl and add the vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until everything is combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with your spatula to make sure everything is mixed in.
Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix! Overmixing will make your cookies tough. The dough will be thick.

the magic step: swirling the coffee into the dough

This is where your cookies get their beautiful look.

Add the Coffee Whip: Take your fluffy coffee whip and add it to the cookie dough.
Fold Gently: Use your spatula to fold the coffee into the dough. Do not stir hard! You want to fold it in just 4 or 5 times. You are not trying to mix it in completely. You want to create streaks and ribbons of coffee throughout the dough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is a very important step. Chilling the dough solidifies the butter. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also makes the flavors richer.

baking your dalgona cookies to perfection

Now, we turn that beautiful dough into beautiful cookies.

Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when the cookies go in.
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Scoop the Dough: Take the chilled dough out of the fridge. Use your cookie scoop or a tablespoon to scoop out dough. Roll it into balls, about 1.5 inches in size. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure you leave about 2 inches of space between each ball. They will spread as they bake.
Create the Swirl: This is the final artistic touch. Take a toothpick or the tip of a knife. Gently swirl it through the top of each cookie ball. This will enhance the marbled effect and make them look incredible.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges look set and are slightly golden brown. The centers might still look a little soft. This is good! They will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet after you take them out.
Cool on Pan: Take the baking sheet out of the oven. Let the cookies cool on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes. This allows them to finish setting up.
Cool Completely: After 5 minutes, carefully move the cookies to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before you add the milk dip.

how to make the sweet milk dip

This creamy base is the perfect companion for the coffee cookie.

Chill Your Bowl: For the best results, chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachments in the freezer for 10 minutes before you start. A cold bowl helps the cream whip faster.
Whip the Cream: Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl. Start whipping on medium-high speed until the cream thickens and soft peaks form.
Add Condensed Milk: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and that tiny pinch of salt.
Whip to Medium Peaks: Continue whipping on medium speed until the mixture holds its shape. Be careful not to over-whip, or you will make butter! You want it to be smooth and spreadable.

how to assemble your dalgona cookie

You have all the parts ready. Now, let us put it all together.

There are two ways to serve your Dalgona Cookies.

Method 1: The Classic Dip

Take a spoonful of the sweet milk dip and place it in a small bowl or a shallow plate.
Gently place a fully cooled Dalgona Cookie on top of the cream, leaning it against the side. This is the most common way to serve it. It lets people dip the cookie into the cream.

Method 2: The Cookie Sandwich

Take a cooled cookie and turn it upside down.
Spread a generous amount of the milk dip onto the flat bottom of the cookie.
Place another cookie on top, bottom side down, to create a sandwich. This is a less messy way to eat it and is great for parties.

pro tips for the best results

I want your cookies to be perfect. Here are my top tips.

Do not skip chilling the dough. This is the number one rule for a thick, chewy cookie.
Use fresh ingredients. Old baking soda will not make your cookies rise properly.
Measure your flour correctly. Too much flour is the most common baking mistake. Do not scoop the flour directly with the measuring cup. This packs it down and adds too much. Always spoon and level.
Your butter must be softened, not melted. Melted butter will make your cookies greasy and flat.
Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour. Mix until you see no more dry flour spots.
Under-bake slightly. Take the cookies out when the edges are golden but the center still looks soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Let the cookies cool completely before adding the cream dip. If the cookies are warm, the cream will melt.

how to store your cookies

You should store the cookie parts separately for the best texture.

The Cookies: Once completely cooled, store the plain cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

The Milk Dip: Store the whipped milk dip in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. It will be good for about 3 days.

Assembled Cookie: If you have already assembled a cookie, you should eat it right away. The cookie will start to get soft from the moisture in the cream. It is still tasty, but the texture changes.

creative variations to try

Once you master the basic recipe, you can get creative!

Chocolate Dalgona Cookie: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a mocha-chocolate twist.
Dalgona Cookie with Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a crunchy texture.
Different Flavors: Try using chocolate instant coffee or a flavored instant coffee for a different taste.
Ice Cream Base: Instead of the milk dip, serve your cookie on a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It is absolutely delicious.

common problems and how to fix them

Even experts run into problems sometimes. Here are solutions.

My coffee will not whip up.

Make sure you are using instant coffee, not ground coffee.
Make sure you are using an electric mixer. It is very difficult to do by hand.
Check that your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. Any grease can prevent whipping.

My cookies spread too much and are flat.

Did you chill the dough? This is the most common reason.
Was your butter too soft or melted? It should be soft but still cool to the touch.
Your baking sheet might be too hot. Let it cool between batches.

My cookies are too cakey and puffy.

You probably used too much flour. Remember to spoon and level your flour.
You might have overmixed the dough after adding the flour.

My cookies are too hard.

You likely over-baked them. Next time, take them out a minute or two earlier.
Too much flour can also make them hard.

faq about how to make dalgona cookie

Can I make Dalgona Cookie without an electric mixer?
You can, but it will be very difficult. Whipping the coffee by hand requires a lot of time and arm strength. It can take 15-20 minutes of continuous whipping. For the butter and sugar, you can cream it by hand with a whisk, but it will not be as fluffy. I highly recommend using an electric mixer for the best results.

What can I use instead of instant coffee?
Instant coffee is essential for the whipped Dalgona effect. Brewed coffee or espresso will not work because it is a liquid. If you do not have instant coffee, you can try mixing 1 tablespoon of espresso powder with the sugar and water. The texture might be slightly different.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the cookie dough, cover it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag. You can bake them straight from the freezer; just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Why is my whipped coffee mixture runny?
This usually happens if you did not whip it long enough. You need to whip it until it forms stiff peaks that hold their shape. Also, make sure you are using the correct measurements of coffee, sugar, and hot water.

Can I use a different base instead of the milk dip?
Absolutely! The cookie is delicious on its own. You can also serve it with:

A glass of cold milk
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A dollop of sweetened whipped cream
A drizzle of chocolate sauce

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
You can try some substitutes, but the results may vary.

For the egg: Use a commercial egg replacer or a “flax egg”.
For the butter: Use a plant-based butter stick.
For the heavy cream: Use a full-fat canned coconut cream. Chill the can overnight and scoop out the solid cream to whip.
For the condensed milk: Use a store-bought vegan condensed milk alternative.

I hope you are excited to make these incredible cookies. They are a joyful baking project with a delicious reward. Remember to take your time, follow the steps, and most importantly, have fun with it. Happy baking