| |

Homemade Sugar Cookie Latte (Iced or Hot)

A sugar cookie latte is the perfect holiday drink, with a sweet buttery taste, topped with whipped cream and decorated with sprinkles. If you’re trying to make this Starbucks drink at home, try this recipe!

(Related: See what Starbucks offers for their newest fall, holiday, winter, spring, and summer seasonal menus.)

Sugar cookie latte with red sprinkles.

(Please note that this article contains affiliate links, and that means that I may earn a commission if you buy something. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Why it works

Pairing espresso with the sweet sugar, almond, and butter flavors of a decorated sugar cookie results in a warm cup of awesomeness that will remind you of your favorite holiday.

This latte is especially great when using almond milk, as that brings out the almond-y flavor that’s often included in many favorite cookies. Topping it with whipped cream and your favorite sprinkles, bring the whole drink together.

Ingredients

For creating this latte, the ingredients are basic: flavored syrup, espresso, milk, whipped cream, and sprinkles.

But, the flavored syrup is really where this recipe becomes unique. It’s actually hard to find a store-bought flavored syrup that is “sugar cookie.” Several options do *not* work, such as Belgian cookie, speculoos, or even a typical cookie syrup, which are actually completely different flavor profiles. These typically contain spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. That’s not what you want for this recipe!

What you want to find is a flavored syrup that has a simple sugar and butter taste. I suggest making it at home and you can use my sugar cookie flavored syrup recipe. It comes together quickly in the microwave and you can use it for weeks to come.

If you want to try to purchase syrup Torani’s Shortbread Syrup is your best bet, you can get it on Amazon. It’s not exact but has similar flavors.

If making that syrup, two unanticipated ingredients you’ll need are a vanilla butter emulsion and white chocolate chips.

FAQs

Is this the same as the Starbucks’ Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte?

Yes, it’s very similar to the Starbucks drink. If you DIY the syrup with my recipe, you’ll be getting a very similar flavor profile. The Starbucks drink uses red and green sprinkles to top off the drink.

What is the vanilla butter emulsion?

Emulsions are similar to extracts but are water-based instead of alcohol-based. They hold flavor better when cooked and work well in syrups like this because they are water-soluble. My recipe for just the sugar cookie flavored syrup has more details.

Do I have to use almond milk?

No, you can use any milk you like, that’s the beauty of making it homemade! (Okay, at Starbucks you can just ask for any milk, too.) Almond milk pairs well though because it brings out that hint of almond that is in many favorite holiday cookies.

What if I don’t have an espresso machine at home?

If you have a way to make espresso-like coffee at home, that’s ideal. You can use a Nespresso or Aeropress. If not, heating up cold brew concentrated or using double-strength drip-brewed coffee are also options. (Or, sign up for my emails to get my Quick Start Guide: Lattes at Home, to find out all the details you’ll need.)

Can I make this dairy-free?

Maybe. The recipe I included for the sugar cookie syrup is not dairy-free because of the white chocolate chips. If you purchased the syrup elsewhere, check the ingredients as it’s likely dairy-free. Then just use dairy-free milk and whipped cream!

Can I make this iced?

Definitely, this sugar cookie latte can be made iced. Instead of heating and frothing the milk, just pour it cold into your mug and add a bit of ice.


Logo for Quick Start Guide: Lattes @ Home

Get my free Quick Start Guide: Lattes at Home for signing up for my email list!

Sugar cookie latte with red sprinkles.

Sugar Cookie Latte

This sugar cookie latte recipe brings together the hints butter and sugar from your favorite decorated sugar cookie into your coffee. Perfect hot or iced, this is a great treat for your favorite holiday.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Latte, starbucks
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

Sugar Cookie Syrup

Sugar Cookie Latte

  • 3 tablespoons sugar cookie syrup
  • 2 ounces espresso or double-strength coffee
  • 12 ounces almond milk or milk of your choice
  • whipped cream optional
  • red sprinkles optional

Instructions

Sugar Cookie Syrup

  • Add water, white sugar, brown sugar, butter vanilla emulsion, and almond extract into a microwave-safe bowl* and whisk together.
  • Heat mixture in the microwave for about three minutes or until it is boiling.
  • Remove and add white chocolate chips to the hot mixture and whisk quickly until fully melted and combined.
  • Cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator**. Will keep for 2-3 weeks.

Sugar Cookie Latte

  • Add the sugar cookie syrup to the bottom of your cup or mug.
  • Pour espresso or double-strength coffee on top of syrup and give a slight swirl to mix.
  • For Hot: Separately, heat and froth milk and then gently pour over the espresso and syrup. If not adding whipped cream, top with a 1/4 inch of foam.
  • For Iced: Add cold milk over the espresso and syrup, leaving an inch or two for ice. Add ice to the top of the cup.
  • Optional: Top with whipped cream and festive sprinkles.

Notes

* I like using a large glass measuring cup. That way you can see when it boils and there is plenty of space for the liquid to expand.
**When stored in the fridge the syrup will start to separate. Just stir it back together when ready to use.

Nutrition

Serving: 16oz | Calories: 300kcal
Tried this recipe?Write a review about how it was!

Similar Posts

10 Comments

  1. I made the sugar cookie syrup yum tweaked of course I used real unsalted butter two table spoons. Melted till light brown. Then added one cup brown n one cup white sugar, small pinch of salt mix well then one cup of water boil till it became thicker about 15 minutes. Added a teaspoon almond extract and teaspoon vanilla cooled then put in mason jar. This is our new go to coffee flavor mix. We love it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating