Go Back
Copycat Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Copycat Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe

I still remember the first time I tried to save money on my Starbucks habit. I stood in my kitchen with a jar of cinnamon sticks and a lot of hope. After a few tries, I finally nailed a homemade cinnamon dolce latte that tastes just as warm and sweet as the one from the drive-thru.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee — this is the bold, caffeinated base of the whole drink
  • 1/2 cup milk — whole milk froths beautifully but any milk you like works fine
  • 1 cup water — used to dissolve the sugar and build the syrup base
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar — gives the syrup its classic sweet backbone
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar — adds a warm molasses-like depth Starbucks' version is known for
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon — the star flavor so use fresh, fragrant cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract — rounds out the syrup with a soft sweet finish
  • Whipped cream for topping (optional) — makes the drink feel extra indulgent
  • Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional) — a light dusting on top adds aroma and looks pretty

Method
 

  1. I bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan, then stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until they dissolve completely. Next, I add the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 8 to 10 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly into a syrup-like consistency you can pour easily.
  2. Once the syrup has thickened, I take it off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes on the counter. I pour it into a clean mason jar using a funnel to keep things tidy. This cinnamon dolce syrup recipe keeps well in the fridge, so I always make a full batch to use across the week.
  3. While the syrup cools, I brew two shots of espresso using my machine, though strong brewed coffee works in a pinch too. If you're using a cinnamon dolce latte Nespresso recipe approach, two espresso capsules give you the closest match to the Starbucks-style intensity. I pour the hot espresso straight into my favorite mug.
  4. I spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the warm cinnamon dolce syrup directly into the espresso and stir well. This step is where all that cozy cinnamon and brown sugar flavor gets absorbed into the coffee itself. Taste it here and adjust the syrup amount if you want it sweeter or lighter.
  5. I heat my milk gently, either on the stovetop or in the microwave, then froth it using a handheld frother until it's light and foamy. I pour the frothed milk over the espresso and syrup mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon until the end. This is the step that turns your coffee into a true latte.
  6. Finally, I spoon the reserved foam on top, add a dollop of whipped cream if I'm feeling extra indulgent, and finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon. Serve it immediately while it's warm and fragrant. This is the moment that makes the whole process worth it.

Notes

  • I always use whole milk when I want the creamiest texture, since it froths thicker than skim.
  • I make a double batch of syrup on Sundays so my week of lattes is basically instant.
  • I stir the syrup into hot espresso rather than cold coffee, since it blends in much more evenly.
  • I taste my syrup while it simmers and add a pinch more cinnamon if I want a bolder flavor.
  • I let my syrup cool completely before sealing the jar, or condensation builds up and waters it down.