How to Make Creamy Dalgona Bubble Coffee

Believe it or not, over 60% of U.S. adults drink coffee daily, with a growing number favoring iced coffee year-round. Now imagine combining two internet-famous drinks—fluffy Dalgona coffee and chewy bubble tea—into one next-level, refreshing treat. That’s exactly what this Dalgona Bubble Coffee recipe delivers. 

If you're a coffee lover craving something new and exciting, this is your sign to try it. Creamy, frothy, and delightfully chewy, this drink blends the viral charm of whipped Dalgona coffee with the playful bite of tapioca pearls. It’s the iced coffee upgrade you didn’t know you needed!

How to Make Creamy Dalgona Bubble Coffee

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 1

Ingredients

• • 2 tablespoons instant coffee
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons boiling water
  • ½ cup tapioca pearls (boba)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 cup milk (dairy or your favorite plant-based alternative)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tapioca Pearls

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add ½ cup tapioca pearls and cook according to the package instructions—typically 5 to 7 minutes until soft and chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cool the Boba

Once the pearls are cooked, use a slotted spoon from our teak wood utensils set to transfer them to a bowl of cold water. This halts the cooking process and helps maintain their chewy texture. After a minute or two, get a kitchen strainer to drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Dalgona Whip

In your mixing bowl, combine:

• • 2 tablespoons instant coffee
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons boiling water

Using the Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother, whip the mixture until it becomes thick, fluffy, and resembles whipped cream. This usually takes 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Drink

Grab a tall glass and layer it up:

• • Add the cooked boba pearls at the bottom.
  • Toss in a few ice cubes.
  • Pour in 1 cup of milk and stir in the optional 1 tsp of vanilla extract for added depth.
  • Top it all off with the rich Dalgona coffee whip you just made.

Serve immediately and enjoy with a wide straw for the full boba experience.

Tips & Variations for Your Dalgona Bubble Coffee

• Sweetness Level: You can adjust the sugar in the whipped coffee or add sweetener to your milk depending on how sweet you like your drink.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap cow’s milk for oat, almond, or coconut milk for a vegan-friendly twist.
• Flavor Boost: Try flavored syrups like caramel, hazelnut, or mocha in the milk for an indulgent treat.
• Cold Brew Option: Add a splash of cold brew coffee into the milk for a double caffeine hit.

Make Your Own Dalgona Bubble Coffee Today!

This Dalgona Bubble Coffee recipe isn’t just another trendy drink—it’s a summer staple in the making. It looks fancy, tastes decadent, and comes together in just 15 minutes. And hey, once you master it, you’ll probably never go back to your plain iced coffee again.

Let us know how your Dalgona Bubble Coffee turns out and don’t forget to tag us on social media @zulay_kitchenusing #kitchenhappiness and #DalgonaBubbleCoffee. Cheers!

Other Kitchen Tools You’ll Love

Want to make this recipe (and all your kitchen tasks) faster and more fun? Here are our top tool picks from Zulay Kitchen:

• • Milk Frother – Create that signature whipped topping effortlessly.
  • Mixing Bowl Set – Your go-to for whipping, mixing, and prepping.
  • Silicone Spatulas – Say goodbye to sticky messes and stubborn ingredients.

Bring the joy back to your kitchen—because the right tools make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dalgona Bubble Coffee

Can I make Dalgona coffee without a milk frother?

Yes! While a milk frother makes the process faster and easier, you can also use a balloon whisk or immersion blender if you have. It will take a bit more elbow grease—about 8–10 minutes with a whisk—but you’ll still get that creamy, cloud-like texture. Just be sure to whisk in a circular motion consistently and use equal parts of sugar, coffee, and boiling water.

Where can I buy tapioca pearls?

Tapioca pearls can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online retailers. They come in various sizes and flavors, from plain to brown sugar and fruity varieties. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package you buy, as cook times and texture can vary. For the best results, use them fresh and avoid storing leftovers for more than a few hours.

Is this drink high in caffeine?

Yes, Dalgona Bubble Coffee does contain a solid caffeine punch due to the instant coffee whipped on top. One serving of instant coffee typically has about 60–80 mg of caffeine. If you’re caffeine-sensitive or making this for kids, you can opt for decaffeinated instant coffee and still enjoy the flavor and texture without the buzz.

How long does the whipped Dalgona topping last?

The whipped coffee is best used right away for the ultimate fluffy texture. However, you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It may lose some volume but will still taste delicious. Give it a quick stir or re-whip it with your milk frother if needed before serving. 

Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant?

Unfortunately, no. The magic of Dalgona coffee lies in the foaming properties of instant coffee. Brewed coffee doesn’t have the same concentration and won’t whip up into that signature frothy texture. Stick to instant coffee for this recipe—even better if it’s a bold, dark roast!

What milk is best for Dalgona Bubble Coffee?

Whole milk gives a creamy, indulgent base, but you can absolutely use non-dairy options like oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk. Oat milk is especially popular for its neutral, creamy profile. Just avoid very watery plant-based milks, which can dilute the drink's richness and mouthfeel.