Copycat Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte Recipe

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What if I told you that you don’t have to brave the chilly air or queue at your local Dunkin‘ to indulge in this seasonal pleasure? That’s right, with a few simple ingredients and a dash of holiday spirit, you can recreate the magic of the Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte right in the comfort of your kitchen.

How to make Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte

The Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte is a seasonal beverage offered by Dunkin’ during the holiday season. It’s a festive latte that combines espresso with a sweet, cookie-flavored syrup, typically featuring hints of flavors like sugar cookies or a similar dessert-inspired taste. The drink is often topped with whipped cream and sometimes sprinkles or other holiday-themed garnishes, making it a cozy and indulgent choice for the winter months.

Ingredients:

For the Latte:

• 2 shots of espresso (about 2 ounces) or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee
• 1 cup of milk (whole milk will give you the richest taste, but use any milk of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract (for that toasted almond flavor note)
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional, for an added spice note)

For the Topping:

• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Cookie crumbles (shortbread or sugar cookie works well)

Tools:

• Espresso machine, coffee maker, or French press
• Milk frother, small whisk, or a jar with a lid
• Saucepan
• Measuring spoons
• A latte mug or glass

Instructions:

1. Brew the Espresso or Coffee: Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee. If using espresso, pull two shots. If you’re using regular coffee, make it stronger than usual to resemble the espresso flavor for your latte.
2. Prepare the Flavored Milk: In a small saucepan, combine your choice of milk with the brown sugar. Warm the milk over medium heat, stirring constantly to help dissolve the sugar. Do not let it boil. Once the brown sugar is fully dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the almond extract and a pinch of cinnamon (if desired).
3. Froth the Milk: If you have a frother, froth the milk until it is creamy and has roughly doubled in size. No frother? No problem. You can heat the milk and sugar mixture until it’s steamy, then whisk it vigorously by hand or shake it in a jar (with the lid on tightly) until it’s frothy.
4. Assemble the Latte: Pour the hot espresso or coffee into your latte mug. Gently add the warm, frothy milk to your espresso, holding back the foam with a spoon to let the liquid pour out first.
5. Add the Toppings: Spoon the foam that you held back on top of your latte. Then, generously apply whipped cream on top. Drizzle with caramel sauce in a back-and-forth motion to create a lattice pattern. Finally, sprinkle with cookie crumbles for that authentic holiday cookie touch.
6. Serve Immediately: Your homemade Holiday Cookie Latte is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it piping hot for a cozy, heartwarming experience!

Tips:

• Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor base, use high-quality espresso or coffee. Freshly ground coffee beans are ideal for a rich and aromatic taste.
• Milk Texture: The density of the foam can make or break your latte. Froth the milk until it’s creamy but still pourable. Over-frothing can make it difficult to blend with the espresso.
• Customization: Feel free to adjust the sweetness and flavors to your liking. If you’re a fan of vanilla or hazelnut, consider adding a dash of extract to the milk mixture for a personalized twist.
• Presentation: To achieve a cafe-quality look, use a clear glass mug to showcase the layers of your latte. Remember, we eat (and drink) with our eyes first!

What to serve with

Pairing the perfect treats with your Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte can elevate the overall experience, creating a delightful symphony of flavors that complement the festive notes of your homemade concoction.

1. Assorted Holiday Cookies: A variety of holiday cookies, such as gingerbread, snickerdoodle, or classic sugar cookies adorned with festive icing, are the perfect match for your Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte. Their spiced and sweet notes will harmonize with the drink’s almond and caramel flavors.

2. Biscotti: Dunk a crunchy biscotti into your Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte for a lovely contrast of texture. Traditional flavors like almond or chocolate work exceptionally well, providing a satisfying nibble between sips.

3. Scones or Pastries: Serve with a warm scone, offering flavors like cranberry orange, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice. Flaky pastries, such as croissants or Danish, also pair splendidly, offering a buttery complement to the sweet and creamy beverage.

4. Fruit Tartlets: Mini fruit tartlets with a creamy custard filling and fresh fruit topping can add a fresh and slightly tart counterpoint to the sweet, warming spices of your latte.

5. Dark Chocolate: Offer a few squares of dark chocolate or chocolate-covered espresso beans. The bitterness of the dark chocolate pairs delightfully with the sweetness of your Holiday Cookie Latte, providing a rich and decadent-tasting experience.

6. Savory Quiches or Breakfast Breads: If you prefer a more substantial accompaniment, consider small slices of quiche with subtle herbs like thyme or sage. These herbs complement the flavors in your latte without overpowering them. Savory breakfast bread with cheese and chives also offers a delicious counterbalance to the sweetness of the drink.

7. Cheese and Cracker Platter: A simple platter with an assortment of cheeses—think Brie, aged cheddar, or creamy goat cheese—alongside a selection of crackers provides a salty contrast that can cleanse the palate and enhance the layered profile of your latte.

8. Granola and Yogurt Parfait: For a healthier option, a granola and yogurt parfait with nuts, seeds, and a drizzle of honey can offer a nutritious complement to the indulgent holiday flavors.

9. Pumpkin or Banana Bread: The moist and comforting flavors of pumpkin or banana bread pair beautifully with the latte, echoing the warm and homey notes of the holiday season.

10. Cheese Danish or Cinnamon Rolls: Indulge in a cheese Danish or a warm, ooey-gooey cinnamon roll. The creamy cheese and sweet icing are a delightful accompaniment to your latte’s rich almond and caramel flavors.

Ingredients Substitutes

To make a Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte at home, you might not always have the exact ingredients on hand that the original recipe calls for. Fortunately, there are plenty of substitutes you can use to capture the essence of this festive beverage.

Espresso:

Substitutes: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use strong brewed coffee, instant espresso powder, or a stovetop Moka pot to achieve a similar rich coffee base.

Milk:

Substitutes: Any type of milk can be used according to your preference or dietary restrictions. Options include almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. If the recipe calls for steamed milk and you don’t have a steamer, you can gently heat the milk on the stove and whisk or blend it to create foam.

Cookie Syrup:

Substitutes: If you can’t find cookie-flavored syrup, you can use other flavors that evoke a holiday feel, such as vanilla, almond, or hazelnut syrup. Even a combination of these can mimic the cookie flavor. For a homemade touch, you can mix a bit of brown sugar with vanilla extract and add a pinch of holiday spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Caramel Syrup:

Substitutes: If caramel syrup is not available, you can use caramel sauce, which is thicker but will still add the desired sweetness and flavor. Alternatively, you could make a quick caramel by simmering sugar and water until it reaches an amber color, then whisking in some cream and a pinch of salt.

Whipped Cream:

Substitutes: If you don’t have whipped cream, you can use a dollop of Greek yogurt or a similar foamed milk topping for a lighter version. Alternatively, you can whip up a small amount of heavy cream with sugar to make your own whipped cream.

Cookie Crumble Topping:

Substitutes: Crushed cookies of any type can be used to create a topping that resembles the original. Gingerbread or speculoos would work well for the holiday theme, but even graham crackers or chocolate chip cookies would be delicious. You could also opt for a sprinkle of crushed nuts or cinnamon for a bit of texture.

Nutmeg or Cinnamon:

Substitutes: If nutmeg is not available, a little ground allspice or cloves can bring in similar warm spice notes. Cinnamon can often stand on its own if additional spices are lacking.

Sugar:

Substitutes: Depending on your preference, you can substitute white sugar with brown sugar, honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup for a different type of sweetness. Adjust to taste as some sweeteners are sweeter than others.

Final Thoughts

By following these detailed instructions and tips, you’ll be well on your way to sipping a delicious homemade Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte.

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