Dalgona Boba Coffee Recipe: A Fun & Frothy Twist on Bubble Tea

Dalgona coffee took the world by storm in 2020.

The whipped, frothy coffee became a viral sensation, filling social media feeds everywhere.

It’s creamy, rich, and easy to make at home.

Boba, or tapioca pearls, has been a staple in bubble tea for decades.

These chewy, sweet pearls add a fun texture to drinks.

Originally from Taiwan, boba tea is now loved worldwide.

Now, imagine combining these two favorites.

Dalgona Boba Coffee is the perfect mix of smooth whipped coffee and soft, chewy pearls.

It’s bold, sweet, and incredibly satisfying.

Let’s make it!

Ingredients Needed

To make Dalgona Boba Coffee, you’ll need a few simple ingredients.

Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• 2 tablespoons instant coffee – Essential for achieving the thick, frothy whip. Other types of coffee won’t work the same way.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Helps stabilize the coffee foam and adds sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons boiling water – Activates the instant coffee and dissolves the sugar, allowing the mixture to whip up properly.
• ½ cup tapioca pearls (boba) – These chewy pearls add texture and sweetness to the drink. Quick-cook boba is recommended for convenience.
• 1 cup milk of choice – Any milk works, including dairy, almond, oat, coconut, or soy. The milk balances the strong coffee flavor.
• Ice cubes – Keeps the drink chilled and refreshing.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional) – Used to sweeten the boba, giving it a richer taste.
• Optional sweeteners or flavorings – Vanilla extract, caramel syrup, or chocolate drizzle can be added for extra flavor.

Equipment Needed

Having the right tools makes preparing Dalgona Boba Coffee easier and faster.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowl – Used to whip the instant coffee, sugar, and boiling water into a thick, frothy consistency. A deep bowl helps prevent splashing.
• Whisk or electric mixer – A hand whisk works but takes time and effort. An electric mixer speeds up the process, creating stiff peaks in minutes.
• Saucepan – Needed to cook the tapioca pearls. A small pot is enough for boiling water and ensuring the boba reaches the right texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures precise amounts of coffee, sugar, water, and milk for the perfect balance of flavors.
• Tall glass for serving – Showcases the beautiful layers of boba, milk, and whipped coffee. A clear glass makes the drink look even more appealing.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Boba

1. Bring a saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Use enough water to allow the tapioca pearls to float freely.
2. Add the boba and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 4–5 minutes for quick-cook pearls.
3. Once the boba reaches a soft, chewy texture, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a bowl of cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the pearls from becoming too soft.
4. Drain the boba and stir in 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or any sweetener of choice. Let it sit while preparing the coffee. This enhances the flavor and prevents the pearls from sticking together.

Step 2: Making the Dalgona Whip

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons instant coffee, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons boiling water.
2. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes thick, creamy, and holds soft peaks. This can take about 3–5 minutes with a hand whisk or 1–2 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. If whisking by hand, use a circular motion and keep a steady pace. The longer you whisk, the fluffier the coffee will become.
4. Stop once the whip is light and airy, similar to whipped cream. Over-whisking can make it too stiff and grainy.

Step 3: Assembling the Drink

1. Add the boba pearls to a tall glass, making sure they spread evenly across the bottom.
2. Fill the glass halfway with ice, then pour in 1 cup of milk of your choice.
3. Spoon the whipped dalgona coffee on top, gently smoothing it out for a layered effect.
4. For a better drinking experience, stir the coffee whip into the milk before sipping. This blends the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the boba with the bold coffee.
5. Serve immediately with a wide straw and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks

Making Dalgona Boba Coffee at home is simple, but a few adjustments can enhance the flavor, texture, and overall experience.

Here’s how to customize the drink to your liking while keeping everything fresh.

Alternative Sweeteners and Flavor Variations

Granulated sugar is the standard sweetener for dalgona coffee, but other options can work just as well.

Brown sugar adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness, while honey or maple syrup can provide a more natural flavor.

If you prefer a sugar-free version, monk fruit sweetener or stevia can be used, though they may slightly affect the texture of the coffee whip.

To add more depth to the drink, try a dash of vanilla extract in the milk for a subtle sweetness.

Caramel syrup or chocolate drizzle can make it richer, while cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth.

For a refreshing twist, a drop of mint extract can balance the bold coffee flavor.

Suggestions for Different Types of Milk

The type of milk you choose can change the overall taste and texture of the drink.

Whole milk creates a creamy, balanced flavor, while oat milk gives a naturally sweet, slightly thick texture.

Almond milk is a lighter option with a mild nuttiness, and coconut milk adds a tropical richness.

Soy milk works well for a protein boost, while cashew milk provides a velvety consistency.

Each milk choice slightly alters how the whipped coffee blends, so it’s worth experimenting to find your favorite.

Storage Recommendations for Leftover Components

Dalgona coffee is best enjoyed fresh, but some components can be stored for later use.

If you have leftover whipped coffee, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

It may deflate slightly, but a quick whisk can help restore some of its fluffiness.

Cooked boba pearls should be kept in maple syrup or a sugar syrup to prevent them from hardening.

Store them at room temperature for up to 4 hours.

Refrigerating them makes them too firm and chewy.

If you need to store them longer, reheat them in a bit of warm water before serving.

Milk and ice should always be added fresh to maintain the best texture.

Assembled drinks don’t store well, so it’s best to make and drink your Dalgona Boba Coffee immediately for the best taste.

Conclusion

Dalgona Boba Coffee is a fun, easy way to upgrade your coffee routine.

The whipped coffee is bold and creamy, while the chewy boba adds a unique twist.

With just a few ingredients, you can make this café-style drink at home in minutes.

Try it with different milks, sweeteners, or flavors to make it your own.

Want it less sweet? Adjust the sugar.

Prefer a dairy-free version? Use almond or oat milk.

Give it a try and see how you like it.

Share your experience or any creative variations with us!

FAQ’s

Can I use fresh brewed coffee instead of instant?

No, fresh brewed coffee won’t create the same whipped texture.

Instant coffee is essential because it dissolves quickly and aerates when mixed with sugar and hot water.

Using regular coffee or espresso will result in a liquid, not a fluffy foam.

If you don’t have instant coffee, instant espresso powder can be a good alternative.

How can I make the drink vegan-friendly?

plant-based milk like almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk instead of dairy.

Ensure your boba pearls are vegan-friendly, as some brands use honey or gelatin-based ingredients.

Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a plant-based alternative.

The whipped coffee itself is naturally vegan as long as plant-based sugar is used.

What are some common mistakes to avoid?

• Using the wrong coffee – Only instant coffee works for whipping. Regular coffee won’t froth.
• Not whisking long enough – Whisk until the mixture forms stiff peaks. This takes about 1–2 minutes with an electric mixer or 3–5 minutes by hand.
• Overcooking the boba – Tapioca pearls should be chewy, not mushy. Cook according to package instructions, then soak in cold water to stop the cooking process.
• Not sweetening the boba – Boba pearls have little flavor on their own. Soak them in maple syrup, honey, or sugar syrup for better taste.
• Forgetting to stir before drinking – The whipped coffee sits on top of the milk. Stir the drink well to mix the flavors before drinking.