Cinnamon Dolce Latte Starbucks Recipe [+Tips]
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Oh, the Cinnamon Dolce Latte – it’s like a warm, comforting hug in a cup! Imagine the cozy aroma of cinnamon swirling through steamed milk, rich espresso shots, and just the right amount of sweetness dancing on your taste buds. If you’ve ever wandered into a Starbucks during the cooler months or just craved something delightfully spiced and sweet, this drink is probably what you ordered (and maybe even obsessed over).
This isn’t just any latte – it’s a magical mix of bold espresso and cinnamon sugar sweetness, topped with a velvety cloud of whipped cream and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. Whether you want to impress your friends with barista-level skills at home or just treat yourself to a delicious coffee break, mastering the Cinnamon Dolce Latte recipe will be your new favorite go-to.
We’re going to break down everything: the ingredients that make this drink sing, the step-by-step process to craft it perfectly, expert tips to get it just right, some fun variations to switch things up, and of course, some cozy final words to wrap it all up. Ready? Let’s go!
Ingredients For Cinnamon Dolce Latte Starbucks Recipe
Now, here’s where the magic begins! The beauty of the Cinnamon Dolce Latte is in the simplicity of its ingredients-each one playing a key role in creating that sweet-spicy symphony.
Here’s What You’ll Need
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Espresso
- About 2 shots (or roughly 2 ounces) of freshly brewed espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, strong brewed coffee or concentrated cold brew can work as a substitute, but espresso is the real deal for that authentic punch.
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Milk
- 1 cup of your choice: whole milk is traditional for creaminess, but you can use skim, almond, oat, or soy milk depending on your preference or dietary needs. The milk is steamed or heated until it’s nice and frothy.
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Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- This is the star sweetener of the drink. It’s a cinnamon-sugar flavored syrup that Starbucks uses. You can either buy premade cinnamon dolce syrup online or from some specialty stores, or you can easily make your own at home (recipe coming soon!).
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Whipped Cream
- A generous swirl of whipped cream on top adds that luscious, creamy finish.
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Ground Cinnamon
- For sprinkling on top, to give it that signature cinnamon aroma and a little extra spice kick.
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Optional Sweeteners
- Sometimes you might want a little extra sweetness. You can add a dash of vanilla syrup or simple syrup if you like things sweeter.
How To Make Cinnamon Dolce Latte Starbucks?
Okay, now for the fun part – making your very own Cinnamon Dolce Latte that tastes like it just came from the barista at Starbucks. It’s easier than you think, and I’m going to guide you step-by-step.
Step 1: Prepare Your Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
If you want to make your own homemade syrup, here’s a quick recipe:
- Combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small saucepan.
- Bring it to a simmer and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Let it simmer for 10 minutes to infuse that cinnamon flavor.
- Strain out the cinnamon bits, let cool, and store in a jar.
Step 2: Brew The Espresso
- Pull 2 shots of espresso using your espresso machine.
- No machine? Brew a very strong cup of coffee or use concentrated cold brew.
Step 3: Steam Or Heat The Milk
- Steam your milk until it’s about 150°F (warm but not boiling), creating a silky froth.
- If you don’t have a steamer, heat milk gently on the stove or microwave and whisk vigorously to create foam.
Step 4: Assemble The Latte
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of your cinnamon dolce syrup to a large mug.
- Pour in the hot espresso shots.
- Add the steamed milk, holding back the foam with a spoon.
- Spoon the milk foam on top.
Step 5: Top It Off
- Generously dollop whipped cream on top of your latte.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the whipped cream for that perfect finishing touch.
Step 6: Sip And Enjoy!
- Grab your favorite cozy spot and enjoy the delicious blend of cinnamon and espresso sweetness.
Expert Tips
Alright, let’s get a little pro here – these insider tips will help you elevate your Cinnamon Dolce Latte to barista-quality or even better:
- Use Freshly Ground Espresso Beans – Freshness matters! Coffee beans start losing flavor quickly after grinding, so grind right before brewing for the best taste.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking – The syrup is sweet, so start with less and add more if needed. Remember, you can always add, but you can’t take it away!
- Perfect Your Milk Froth – Steaming milk is an art. The goal is velvety microfoam – silky and smooth, no big bubbles. Try heating the milk slowly and whisking vigorously if you don’t have a steamer.
- Cinnamon Dolce Syrup Storage – Keep homemade syrup refrigerated and shake well before use. It can last about 2 weeks.
- Try Different Milks – Each type of milk adds a unique texture and flavor. Oat milk is naturally sweet and foams beautifully, while almond milk adds nuttiness.
- Use a Thermometer – Heating milk to the right temperature (around 150°F) prevents scalding and bitterness.
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some tasty twists on the classic Cinnamon Dolce Latte to try:
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Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Brew espresso, add cinnamon dolce syrup, pour over ice, and top with cold milk and whipped cream. Perfect for warmer days!
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Vegan Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Use plant-based milk (oat, almond, soy), skip the whipped cream or use coconut whipped cream, and homemade syrup is naturally vegan.
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Mocha Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder with the cinnamon dolce syrup for a chocolaty-spiced delight.
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Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Mix in a bit of pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice blend with the syrup for a seasonal fall treat.
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Sugar-Free Version
- Use a sugar-free cinnamon syrup alternative or make your own with sugar substitutes like erythritol and cinnamon extract.
Final Words
Making your own Cinnamon Dolce Latte is such a rewarding experience – not only do you get to control the flavors, but the aroma that fills your kitchen is simply unbeatable. Whether you’re treating yourself on a chilly morning, impressing friends with your home barista skills, or mixing up a new coffee date ritual, this recipe is a cozy crowd-pleaser.
Don’t stress about being perfect; it’s all about enjoying the process and the delicious payoff. Plus, with a few tweaks and variations, this latte can be the perfect personalized pick-me-up any time of the year.
FAQs
What Is A Cinnamon Dolce Latte At Starbucks?
A Cinnamon Dolce Latte is a popular Starbucks drink made with espresso, steamed milk, cinnamon dolce syrup, and topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a warm, sweet, and spiced beverage perfect for colder months.
How Can I Make A Cinnamon Dolce Latte At Home?
To make a Cinnamon Dolce Latte at home, brew a shot of espresso, add cinnamon dolce syrup (or a homemade version), steam milk to your desired texture, and combine all ingredients. Top with whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon.
What Is In Cinnamon Dolce Syrup?
Cinnamon dolce syrup is made from a combination of sugar, water, cinnamon, and sometimes vanilla. It creates a sweet and spiced flavor that’s ideal for flavoring lattes, coffee, and desserts.
Can I Use A Cinnamon Substitute For Cinnamon Dolce Syrup?
Yes, you can make a homemade cinnamon syrup by dissolving sugar in water, adding cinnamon sticks, and simmering to infuse the flavor. However, the flavor may differ slightly from the cinnamon dolce syrup used at Starbucks.
How Many Calories Are In A Cinnamon Dolce Latte At Starbucks?
A standard Cinnamon Dolce Latte with 2% milk and whipped cream contains around 310 calories for a tall (12 oz) size. The calorie count will vary depending on the type of milk and any modifications to the drink.
Can I Make My Cinnamon Dolce Latte Iced?
Yes, you can easily make an iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte by using cold milk, espresso, cinnamon dolce syrup, and ice. Stir or blend together for a refreshing iced version of the drink.
Can I Make A Dairy-free Cinnamon Dolce Latte?
Yes, simply substitute dairy milk with a plant-based milk option like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. You can also use a dairy-free whipped cream to make it completely dairy-free.
How Much Cinnamon Dolce Syrup Do I Need For One Cinnamon Dolce Latte?
Typically, for a tall (12 oz) Cinnamon Dolce Latte, you would use about 2 tablespoons of cinnamon dolce syrup. Adjust the amount to your sweetness preference.
What Is The Best Milk To Use For A Cinnamon Dolce Latte?
The best milk for a Cinnamon Dolce Latte depends on personal preference. Whole milk provides a creamy and rich texture, while 2% milk is a good middle ground. For dairy-free options, oat milk or almond milk are popular choices.
How Do I Make Homemade Cinnamon Dolce Syrup?
To make homemade cinnamon dolce syrup, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 4-5 cinnamon sticks in a pot. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Strain the cinnamon sticks and allow the syrup to cool before using.