Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew Recipe

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Amidst the plethora of pumpkin-flavored this and caramel-draped that stands a uniquely enticing beverage that has caught my attention and, quite frankly, captured my heart: Dunkin’s Cookie Butter Cold Brew. If you’re anything like me—someone who revels in the joy of discovering new flavors while harboring a soft spot for anything that promises the comfort of baked cookies with a sophisticated twist—then you’re in for a treat.

How to make Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew

The Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew is a seasonal drink offered by Dunkin’ Donuts. It combines Cold Brew coffee with a cookie butter-flavored swirl. Cookie butter is a sweet, spiced spread made from crushed cookies, often resembling the taste of gingerbread or speculoos biscuits. This drink features the smooth and rich flavor of cold brew coffee paired with the creamy sweetness of cookie butter, creating a deliciously indulgent beverage.

Ingredients:

For the Cold Brew:

• 1 cup coarsely ground coffee beans (Choose a quality, medium roast for the best flavor)
• 4 cups cold, filtered water

For the Cookie Butter Syrup:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp cookie butter spread

For the Cookie Butter Cold Foam:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind you prefer)
• 2 tbsp cookie butter syrup (from above)
• Cookie butter crumbles or crushed speculoos cookies

Instructions:

Preparing the Cold Brew:

1. Combine the coffee grounds and water: In a large jar or pitcher, mix the ground coffee with cold, filtered water. Stir thoroughly to ensure all grounds are wet.
2. Steep overnight: Cover the mixture and let it steep in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours, depending on how strong you like your cold brew.
3. Strain: After steeping, strain the coffee mixture using a fine mesh strainer or a coffee filter to remove the coffee grounds. Your cold brew concentrate is now ready. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Making the Cookie Butter Syrup:

1. Combine ingredients in a saucepan: Mix the brown sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract and cookie butter spread, continuing to heat until smooth and fully combined. Allow it to cool before using.

Preparing the Cookie Butter Cold Foam:

1. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, and 2 tablespoons of the cookie butter syrup until thoroughly combined.
2. Froth: Use a milk frother or an electric mixer to froth the mixture until it’s light and foamy but not too stiff.

Assembling the Drink:

1. Pour the cold brew: Fill a glass with ice and pour the cold brew concentrate over it, leaving some room at the top. If you prefer a milder coffee, dilute the concentrate with water.
2. Add the syrup: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of the cookie butter syrup into your cold brew, adjusting to taste.
3. Top with cold foam: Gently spoon the cookie butter cold foam over the cold brew.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle the top with cookie butter crumbles or crushed speculoos cookies for a festive touch.

Tips for the Perfect Brew:

• Coffee Grind: The coarseness of the coffee grounds is crucial for a smooth cold brew. Too fine, and your coffee might end up bitter and over-extracted.
• Steeping Time: The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor. Find your sweet spot between 12-24 hours for the perfect balance.
• Cookie Butter Syrup Storage: Any leftover syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and is perfect for flavoring other drinks or desserts.
• Foam Consistency: For the best cold foam, ensure your cream and milk are very cold before frothing. Adjust the ratio of cream to milk if you prefer a denser or lighter foam.

What to serve with

Pairing your home-brewed Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew with the perfect accompaniment can transform a simple coffee break into an enchanting pause that delights all the senses. The key is to complement the rich, spiced, and sweet notes of your drink while ensuring a balance that doesn’t overwhelm you. Here are some meticulously chosen pairings that promise to enhance your coffee experience:

1. Classic Biscotti: A twice-baked Italian biscuit known for its dry, crunchy texture, biscotti is an excellent companion to any coffee drink. Opt for almond or vanilla flavors to subtly enhance the cookie butter theme without competing with it. Dip the biscotti into your cold brew for a softened, flavor-soaked treat.

2. Spiced Pumpkin Bread: Embrace the spirit of fall with a moist slice of spiced pumpkin bread. The familiar warmth of pumpkin spice harmonizes beautifully with the cookie butter’s gingerbread-like warmth, creating a comforting echo of flavors that feels like a hug in every bite.

3. Belgian Waffles with Caramelized Apples: If you’re leaning towards a more decadent pairing, Belgian waffles topped with caramelized apples offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The apples’ natural sweetness and subtle tartness cut through the cold brew’s richness, while the waffles provide a satisfying crunch.

4. Maple Pecan Scones: A soft, buttery scone studded with crunchy pecans and a hint of maple syrup can elevate your coffee break into a gourmet experience. The maple accentuates the cookie butter syrup’s sweetness, and the pecans introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smooth cold foam topping.

5. Croissants: For a simpler but no less luxurious option, serve your cold brew with a freshly baked croissant. Its buttery layers and light, airy texture make it a versatile partner to the creamy, spiced notes of your coffee. Consider warming the croissant slightly to release its aroma, making each bite a perfect melt-in-your-mouth moment.

6. Cheese and Fruit Platter: For those who enjoy a touch of savory with their sweetness, a carefully selected cheese and fruit platter can provide an intriguing contrast. Choose mild cheeses such as Brie or Gouda and pair them with sliced pears or figs. The fruit’s sweetness complements the coffee’s complexity, while the cheese adds a creamy texture that echoes the cold foam.

7. Chocolate Chip Shortbread: Chocolate and coffee are timeless companions, and when combined with the buttery richness of shortbread, the result is irresistible. Opt for cookies with a high butter content to match the luxurious mouthfeel of the cold brew, and enjoy how the chocolate chips provide a satisfyingly gooey contrast.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making a Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew at home allows you to customize the drink to your liking and dietary needs. If you need to substitute some of the ingredients commonly found in the original recipe for health or preference reasons, here are some alternatives:

Original Ingredient: Coffee (Cold Brew)

Substitute:

• If you prefer decaffeinated beverages, use decaffeinated coffee beans for your cold brew.
• If you don’t have time to make cold brew, you could use a strong brewed chilled coffee or an instant coffee that’s been cooled down.

Original Ingredient: Cookie Butter Syrup

Substitute: Cookie butter syrup is a specific flavor, but if it’s not available or if you want to make a homemade version, consider a mix like this:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of cookie butter (Biscoff spread or any speculoos spread) with 1 cup of simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves and then cooled). To mimic cookie butter’s speculaa biscuit flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger powder.
• If you want a sugar-free version, substitute stevia or monk fruit sweetener for sugar in the simple syrup.

Original Ingredient: Milk or Cream

Substitute:

• You can replace cow’s milk with almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk for dairy-free options. These will add their unique flavor profiles to your cold brew.
• If you want to lower the fat content, you can use light cream or half-and-half instead of full-fat cream.

Original Ingredient: Whipped Cream/Cold Foam

Substitute:

• Similarly to milk, if you need a dairy-free alternative, consider coconut cream whipped up with a mixer or shaken vigorously in a jar.
• Use lightly whipped cream or make foam from skim milk for a lower-calorie option.

Original Ingredient: Cookie Crumbles/Cookie Butter Drizzle

Substitute:

• If you’re avoiding gluten, use a gluten-free cookie crushed into small pieces for the crumble.
• For a healthier topping, consider a drizzle of honey or agave instead of cookie butter. While it won’t have the same flavor, it can add a nice touch of sweetness.
• If you’re making your cookie butter drizzle, try blending peanut or almond butter with maple syrup or honey and a dash of cinnamon.

Final Thoughts

By following this guide, you can enjoy the comfort and joy of Dunkin’s Cookie Butter Cold Brew from your kitchen, making every sip a delightful reminder of the season’s warmth and cheer.

More Dunkin’ Recipes:

• Copycat Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Latte Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte Recipe
• Dunkin’ Iced Peppermint Mocha Recipe
• Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Latte Recipe
• Dunkin’ Marshmallow Ube Drink Recipe