Copycat Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Latte Recipe

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Dunkin’ has perfectly captured the essence of the season with its indulgent Cookie Butter Latte, a beverage that warms not only the hands but also the soul with its rich buttery sweetness. In this article, I am beyond excited to share with you a homemade Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Latte recipe that brings the cozy ambiance of Dunkin’s beloved seasonal offering right into your kitchen.

How to make Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Latte

The Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Latte is a limited-time seasonal beverage from Dunkin’ that blends the flavors of cookie butter with its signature latte. Cookie butter is a sweet, spiced spread made primarily from crushed speculoos cookies (spiced shortbread-like cookies). Dunkin’ incorporates this flavor into espresso, steamed milk, and ice (for an iced version), resulting in a rich, warm, and slightly spiced drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 shots of espresso (or about 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine)
• 1 cup of milk (any variety to suit your dietary preferences)
• 2 tablespoons of cookie butter spread
• 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract (for the toasted almond flavor)
• Whipped cream for topping
• Caramel sauce for drizzling
• Cookie crumbles or a sprinkling of crushed speculoos/biscoff cookies for garnish (optional)

Equipment:

• Espresso machine or coffee maker
• Milk frother or small saucepan and whisk
• Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan

Instructions:

1. Brew your espresso or strong coffee. If using coffee, make it more concentrated than usual to mimic the robust flavor of espresso.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, mix the cookie butter spread with brown sugar and a splash of milk. Heat the mixture until the sugar and cookie butter are fully melted, stirring frequently to ensure they combine well. This should take about 30 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes on the stove.
3. Stir the almond extract into the melted cookie butter mixture.
4. Froth the milk using a milk frother. If you don’t have one, heat your milk in a saucepan and whisk vigorously by hand until it’s hot and frothy. Another option is to use a French press by pumping the plunger up and down to aerate the milk.
5. Pour the brewed espresso or coffee into a large mug, followed by the cookie butter mixture. Stir well to fully incorporate.
6. Slowly add the frothed milk to the mug with the espresso-cookie butter mixture, holding back the foam with a spoon to top off the drink.
7. Top your latte with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
8. For extra holiday decadence, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with cookie crumbles or crushed speculoos cookies, if desired.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips:

• Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of cookie butter to suit your taste preferences if you want a stronger or more subtle flavor.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and whipped topping. Almond or oat milk can complement the cookie butter flavor.
• For a sugar-free latte, consider substituting the brown sugar with a sugar alternative and looking for sugar-free cookie butter alternatives or make your own using sugar substitutes.
• Always heat your milk to just below boiling to avoid scalding, which can affect the flavor and texture.

What to serve with

Serving the perfect accompaniment to your homemade Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Latte can turn a simple coffee break into a delightful and indulgent experience. With its rich, buttery notes and a hint of spice, the latte pairs wonderfully with various snacks and treats.

Savory Options:

• Cheese and Fruit Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly brie or gouda, paired with slices of apple or pear can balance the sweetness of the latte with their creamy, tangy flavors. Adding a few nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to the platter can enhance the experience.
• Mini Quiches or Savory Tartlets: Bite-sized quiches with spinach, mushroom, or bacon offer a satisfying savory contrast to the sweet, spiced latte. Their flaky pastry and rich filling make for an elegant and satisfying pairing.

Sweet Options:

• Speculoos/Biscoff Cookies: Since cookie butter is a central ingredient in the latte, serving it with the cookie itself can be a delightful treat. The crisp, caramelized flavor of the cookies complements the drink’s buttery, spiced profile.
• Cinnamon Rolls or Danishes: Pastries with cinnamon or cardamom offer a warm, spicy sweetness that echoes the latte’s flavors. The soft, buttery texture of these baked goods pairs perfectly with the smooth, creamy latte.
• Pumpkin or Banana Bread: Loaves with rich, moist textures and autumnal spices like nutmeg and cinnamon go hand-in-hand with the latte’s festive feel. A slice of pumpkin or banana bread can be a comforting, homey side to your coffee.
• Apple or Pear Tart: A fruit tart with a buttery crust and sweet glaze enhances the latte’s subtle fruit and almond notes. The freshness of the fruit combined with the richness of the pastry creates a harmonious balance.

Healthier Options:

• Granola and Yogurt Parfait: For a lighter pairing, layer Greek yogurt with granola and a drizzle of honey. The parfait’s tanginess, mixed with the crunch of granola, offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy latte.
• Oatmeal Cookies: Baking oatmeal cookies with raisins or dried cranberries can provide a wholesome, fiber-rich companion to the beverage. Choose recipes with cinnamon or nutmeg to match the latte’s flavor profile.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating your own version of the Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Latte at home allows for customization and adaptation according to dietary restrictions, taste preferences, and ingredient availability. A homemade latte offers the flexibility to substitute various components while still capturing the essence of the original drink’s warm, spiced, and comforting tones.

Espresso or Strong Brewed Coffee

Substitute: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strong-brewed coffee as a base. A French press or AeroPress can make coffee with a concentrated flavor that stands up to the other bold ingredients in this latte.

Cookie Butter

• Substitute with Homemade Spread: You can make a similar spread by blending crushed speculoos or Biscoff cookies with a bit of butter and sweetened condensed milk or syrup to achieve a creamy texture.
• Nut Butter Alternative: For a nuttier profile that mimics the depth of cookie butter, consider almond or cashew butter mixed with a dash of molasses and cinnamon.
• Pumpkin Butter: For a fall-inspired variant, pumpkin butter, with its rich, spiced profile, makes an excellent substitute.

Milk

• Dairy-Free Options: Almond, oat, or coconut milk can replace cow’s milk for those avoiding dairy or seeking a different flavor profile. Each brings a unique taste; oat milk, for example, enhances the latte’s creamy texture, while coconut milk adds a slight tropical note.
• Lactose-Free Milk: A simple switch for those with lactose intolerance, providing all the creaminess of traditional milk.

Sweetener

• Maple Syrup or Honey: Instead of sugar or store-bought syrups, natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey can add layers of flavor. Adjust quantities to taste, as they may be sweeter than traditional sugar.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a lower-calorie option, these sweeteners can replace sugar in the latte, keeping the sweetness without the added sugar.

Spices

• DIY Spice Mix: If you don’t have a pre-mixed pumpkin spice or similar blend, you can create your own with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences.

Whipped Cream (Topping)

• Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free topping, chilled coconut cream can be whipped until fluffy with a touch of vanilla extract.
• Skip or Substitute: For a lighter version, you can skip the whipped cream or use a light dusting of powdered sugar and spice.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Latte at home allows you to savor the holiday flavors while being in control of the sweetness and intensity of the drink. It’s a perfect way to treat yourself and bring some festive cheer to your daily coffee ritual.

More Latte Recipes:

• Copycat Starbucks Toffee Nut Latte Recipe
• Copycat Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte Recipe
• Dunkin’ Peppermint Mocha Latte Recipe
• How to Make Matcha Latte at Home
• TAZO Tea Chai Latte Concentrate Recipe