Boba Tea Pearls, also known as tapioca pearls, are chewy, slightly sweet balls made from tapioca starch that I love adding to milk tea, fruit tea, or iced lattes. Making them from scratch is easier than it seems, and it’s so satisfying to watch them go from simple dough to glossy, bouncy pearls perfect for any homemade bubble tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it lets me control the freshness and texture of the pearls—no more stale, store-bought boba. The homemade version is extra chewy, slightly sweet, and so fun to customize with colors or flavors. Whether I’m making a fun drink at home or prepping them for friends, these pearls always elevate my boba tea experience.
Boba Tea Pearls Recipe
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Tapioca starch (also labeled tapioca flour)
- Brown sugar or black sugar
- Water
- Optional: food coloring or flavor extracts (for custom versions)
Directions
- In a small saucepan, I combine water and brown sugar and heat it until it comes to a boil.
- I remove it from the heat and quickly stir in a portion of the tapioca starch until smooth.
- I return it to the heat for a few seconds until it thickens slightly, then remove again.
- Off the heat, I add the rest of the tapioca starch and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Once it’s cool enough to handle, I knead the dough on a clean surface until it’s smooth and pliable.
- I divide the dough into small pieces and roll each into tiny balls about the size of a pea.
- I toss the balls in extra tapioca starch to keep them from sticking.
- I bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the pearls. I boil them for 20–25 minutes until they float and turn chewy.
- I turn off the heat, cover, and let them sit in the hot water for another 20 minutes.
- I drain the pearls and soak them in sugar syrup or honey to keep them soft and flavorful before using in drinks.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes enough boba pearls for about 4 drinks.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Resting time: 20 minutes
Total time: Around 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I use black sugar for a deeper flavor, or add food coloring to match themed drinks. I’ve also added matcha powder or cocoa to the dough for flavored boba. If I want smaller or larger pearls, I just adjust the rolling size—but I keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
storage/reheating
I use the cooked pearls the same day for the best texture. If I need to store them, I keep them in sugar syrup at room temperature for up to 4–6 hours. They harden quickly in the fridge and don’t reheat well. If needed, I reboil them briefly to soften again, but they’re always best fresh.
FAQs
Can I use cornstarch instead of tapioca starch?
No. Only tapioca starch will give that signature chewy texture. Cornstarch won’t form the right dough or consistency.
How do I make boba pearls black?
I use dark brown sugar or black sugar syrup for a rich color, or add a few drops of food-grade black food coloring to the dough.
Can I freeze uncooked pearls?
Yes. I freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a bag. I boil them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Why are my pearls too hard or too mushy?
Hard pearls may be undercooked or not soaked long enough after boiling. Mushy pearls may be overcooked. I always test one before draining the batch.
Do I need to soak them in sugar syrup?
Yes. Soaking in sugar or honey syrup keeps them soft and adds flavor. Otherwise, they start sticking together and harden quickly.
Conclusion
Making Boba Tea Pearls from scratch is one of my favorite DIY kitchen projects. It’s fun, hands-on, and incredibly rewarding—especially when I take that first sip of a fresh bubble tea with perfectly chewy pearls I made myself. Whether I’m keeping it classic or getting creative, homemade boba brings an authentic and delicious touch to every drink.
Print
Boba Tea Pearls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage Add-on
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Taiwanese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade Boba Tea Pearls are chewy, slightly sweet tapioca balls perfect for bubble tea. Made from tapioca starch, these pearls are fun to create, customizable, and offer a fresher alternative to store-bought boba.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tapioca starch (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or black sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: food coloring or flavor extracts
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine water and brown sugar. Heat until it comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of tapioca starch until smooth.
- Return to heat briefly until the mixture thickens slightly, then remove from heat again.
- Stir in the remaining tapioca starch until a shaggy dough forms.
- Allow dough to cool slightly, then knead on a clean surface until smooth and pliable.
- Divide dough into small pieces and roll into balls about the size of a pea.
- Dust with extra tapioca starch to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add the pearls.
- Boil for 20–25 minutes until they float and become chewy.
- Turn off heat, cover the pot, and let the pearls sit for 20 more minutes.
- Drain and soak the pearls in sugar syrup or honey to keep them soft and flavorful.
Notes
- Use only tapioca starch for authentic chewy texture—cornstarch won’t work.
- Customize with food coloring or flavored extracts like matcha or cocoa.
- Adjust pearl size to preference—larger pearls may need longer cooking.
- Use pearls the same day for best texture; they harden quickly when stored.
- Reheat briefly in boiling water if needed, but fresh is best.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
