This easy-to-make version of the popular Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte will give you all the cozy, sweet, and cinnamon goodness of the original right in the comfort of your own home!
If you’re a fan of sweet, spiced coffee drinks, the Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte is probably a familiar favorite. This warm, comforting beverage combines rich espresso with a creamy, cinnamon-sugar syrup that adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Whether you’re indulging in it during the chilly months or craving something cozy year-round, it’s no surprise that this latte has become a go-to treat for many.
Plus, if you’re craving that sweet, cinnamon goodness but don’t want to leave the house, we’ve got you covered. Here’s my review of Starbucks’ Cinnamon Dolce Latte and a simple copycat recipe that will allow you to enjoy this great drink at home — for a fraction of the cost!
Other Starbucks copycat recipes you’ll love:
Copycat Starbucks Pistachio Latte Recipe (+Nutrition Facts)
Starbucks Iced Caramel Macchiato Upside Down Coffee
Starbucks Tuxedo Mocha Recipe (Secret Menu Item)
Starbucks Copycat Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher
Review of Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte
The Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte is a fan-favorite, combining rich espresso with the sweet and spicy taste of dolce-flavored syrup, making it the perfect treat to warm you up on chilly mornings. The drink is topped off with steamed milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon, making it a sweet, comforting experience in every sip. For those who enjoy their drinks on the colder side, an iced cinnamon latte is also a great choice!
This cinnamon-flavored drink is made with a shot of espresso, a shot of dolce syrup, steamed milk, and cinnamon topping. It’s packed with flavor and sweetness, which makes it a delightful coffee drink. For a truly classic espresso experience, Starbucks typically uses nonfat milk, but you can customize your latte with milk of choice, such as oat milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk if you’re looking for plant-based options.
However, when it comes to Starbucks drinks, the sugar content can be a bit high. A standard Cinnamon Dolce Latte has a considerable number of grams of sugar, which some may want to reduce. But don’t worry! With our copycat recipe, you can make your own version with fewer calories and fewer grams of sugar while still enjoying that great cinnamon flavor.
Why Make Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte at Home?
If you’re a fan of Starbucks version of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte, making this drink at home offers several benefits. I love making Starbucks drinks at home with copycat recipes! You can adjust the sweetness, use plant-based milks, and control the dietary fiber in your cup of coffee. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a great treat with simple ingredients at a fraction of the cost!
For coffee lovers who like to experiment with their daily caffeine fix, this recipe provides the best ways to customize your drink to suit your tastes. Whether you want to cut back on sugar or switch up your milk choice, the possibilities are endless.
So the next time you’re craving that first sip of a sweet cinnamon syrup latte or searching for the nearest Starbucks, you can make your own iced cinnamon or hot coffee treat in the comfort of your home!
What Ingredients Are Needed to Make Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte
If you want to make a homemade cinnamon latte, the recipe requires some simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen:
Cinnamon
Ground cinnamon is used to make the cinnamon dolce syrup. Cinnamon sticks can be used as both a garnish and a way to infuse even more cinnamon flavor into your drink. If you want a stronger cinnamon taste, stir your latte with a cinnamon stick while it’s still hot to release its oils.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon flavors. It’s optional but a great way to enhance the sweetness of your drink without relying solely on the syrup. You can substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different type of sweetness.
Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee
The base of any good Cinnamon Dolce Latte is the espresso. If you have an espresso machine or espresso maker, go ahead and brew a shot (or two) for that bold, rich flavor. For those without an espresso machine, you can substitute with strong brewed coffee, though it won’t have quite the same intense, concentrated flavor. If you want a more authentic Starbucks taste, brew coffee with a dark roast for extra richness.
Milk of Choice
The type of milk you choose will affect the overall flavor and creaminess of your latte. For a lighter version, try almond milk or nonfat milk, which both add a creamy texture without the heaviness of whole milk. If you prefer a richer drink, go for full-fat milk.
Ice Cube (for Iced Version of Cinnamon Dolce Latte)
If you’re making an iced version of this drink, ice cubes are a must. They help chill the coffee and milk, making it a perfect cool treat for warmer days. You could even use cinnamon-flavored ice cubes for a little extra spice! Tip: To avoid watered-down drinks, try freezing leftover coffee or milk into ice cubes for a flavorful twist.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Make the Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
Start by combining water, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small saucepan. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed. Stir constantly over medium heat to prevent the sugar from burning. The mixture should come to a simmer, but don’t let it boil. This ensures the syrup thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Keep the syrup at a low simmer for 5-7 minutes until it begins to thicken. Once the syrup has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using it in your latte. If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add a little more syrup when assembling your latte later.
Tip: If you want a deeper flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of clove for extra warmth.
Brew the Espresso
Brew 1-2 shots of espresso using your espresso machine, or if you don’t have one, make a strong brewed coffee. Pour the espresso directly into your mug. Use fresh coffee beans for the best flavor, and consider using a dark roast to complement the rich cinnamon flavor of the syrup. If you prefer a less intense flavor, you can adjust the amount of espresso.
If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use a French press or an Aeropress to make a concentrated coffee for the same bold flavor.
Heat the Milk
In a separate small pot, heat the milk of your choice over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching. If you want it frothy, use a milk frother, or a whisk to create foam by vigorously stirring the milk. Be careful not to overheat the milk; you want it hot, but not boiling. Boiling milk can change the flavor and make it less creamy. Heat the milk until it reaches about 150°F (65°C).
For a lighter version, you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk. These milks froth beautifully and add a different flavor profile. For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the milk for a more indulgent latte. For an iced latte, simply skip the heating step and pour cold milk over ice. You can also try freezing milk into ice cubes for a fun twist!
Assemble the Latte
Add the homemade cinnamon dolce syrup to the brewed espresso, starting with about 2 tablespoons and adjusting to taste. Stir well to make sure the syrup blends evenly with the coffee. If you like a sweeter latte, don’t hesitate to add a little extra syrup, but if you prefer it less sweet, start with a smaller amount and taste-test.
Pour the hot milk (or cold milk for iced latte) into the mug with the espresso and syrup mixture. Stir gently to combine the milk with the espresso, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
Add Garnishes
For a festive touch and extra flavor, stir your latte with a cinnamon stick. This adds an aromatic, cinnamon-infused taste while also giving your drink a beautiful presentation. If you don’t have a cinnamon stick, sprinkle a small amount of ground cinnamon or even a dash of nutmeg on top of your latte for extra flavor.
Tip: Try adding a dollop of whipped cream on top and drizzle some extra syrup over it for a luxurious touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a little cheese foam on top for an interesting contrast to the sweetness.
Serve and Enjoy
If you’re making an iced latte, pour the cinnamon espresso mixture over a glass of ice, and then top with cold milk. Stir well and garnish with a cinnamon stick for added flair. To keep your iced latte from getting watered down too quickly, consider using coffee ice cubes instead of regular ice. You can make these ahead of time by freezing leftover coffee.
Tip: For a truly indulgent treat, drizzle some caramel sauce or a little bit of chocolate syrup on top for an added layer of sweetness.
Now, you’re ready to sit back and enjoy your homemade Cinnamon Dolce Latte, whether hot or iced. It’s the perfect drink to cozy up with or sip on during a relaxing afternoon!
And there you have it — a delicious, creamy, and flavorful cinnamon latte made right at home! This homemade version lets you enjoy the taste of Starbucks without worrying about the grams of fat, grams of carbohydrates, or the calories from the full-fat options.
Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte Review + Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Dolce Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Latte:
- 1-2 shots of espresso
- 1/2 cup milk of your choice
- 2 tablespoons homemade cinnamon dolce syrup to taste
- Ice if making iced latte
- Cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup starts to thicken slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let it cool.
- In a separate pan, heat up your milk over low heat. You can froth the milk if you have a frother or use a whisk to create some foam. If you prefer an iced latte, simply skip heating and pour cold milk over ice.
- To assemble the Cinnamon Dolce Latte, pour your brewed espresso into a mug. Add homemade cinnamon dolce syrup, adjusting it to taste if you like it sweeter. Pour the heated milk into the mug and stir to combine.
- For a little extra cinnamon flavor, stir your drink with a cinnamon stick or sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder on top.
- For an iced latte, used iced coffee or espresso serve it over ice and garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.
The Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte is a great drink, especially with the cinnamon dolce syrup, frothed milk and cinnamon topping. However, by making this drink at home, you can enjoy all the flavors of Starbucks trademarks without the hassle (and cost!) of going to the Pike Place Market. Whether you go for classic espresso or iced cinnamon, a shot of espresso, or a cold brew with cinnamon sticks, this copycat recipe delivers all the indulgence without the grams of sugar.
What’s your favorite drink from Starbucks? Would you try making it at home with this recipe? For more fun and tiktok trends on coffee, check out our other posts and get inspired to create the perfect cinnamon latte with your own espresso machine.
