Name: Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 ounces boiling water; 1 to 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder; ½ cup milk; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ tablespoon light brown sugar; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Pinch of ground nutmeg; Whipped cream; Ground cinnamon (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 64 reviews

If you have ever craved the warm, cozy flavors of a coffeehouse favorite right at home, look no further than this delightful Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe. It beautifully combines the rich aroma of espresso with a perfect balance of cinnamon and sweet vanilla notes, making every sip feel like a hug in a mug. Whether it’s a chilly morning or a relaxing afternoon treat, this homemade version captures all the magic of the original with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can follow to create a coffee experience worth savoring.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two clear glass mugs with handles hold drinks with three visible layers: a light brown coffee layer at the bottom, a thick white whipped cream layer in the middle, and a dusting of cinnamon powder on top. Each mug sits on a dark plate with soft, beige fringed fabric underneath, all placed on a white marbled surface. Around the mugs, there are cinnamon sticks, a small wooden spoon with brown powder, and a white bowl with a similar powder nearby. The lighting is bright, showing clear textures of the creamy whipped topping and the spiced dusting photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients ready is one of the joys of making this Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe because each component plays a crucial role in creating the drink’s signature taste and comforting texture. From the robust espresso to the aromatic spices, these essentials bring the latte to life.

6 ounces boiling water: Perfect for extracting the rich flavor from the instant espresso powder to create a strong coffee base.
1 to 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder: This is what gives your latte that authentic Starbucks espresso kick without needing an espresso machine.
½ cup milk: Provides creaminess and helps balance the bold espresso; whole milk yields the richest texture, but feel free to use your favorite alternative.
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the latte with its defining warm spice and invites the comforting scent of cinnamon that everyone loves.
½ tablespoon light brown sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness with a hint of molasses that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile by adding a smooth, sweet depth that rounds out the spices and coffee.
Pinch of ground nutmeg: Gives a subtle earthy warmth that softly lifts the entire drink’s complexity.
Whipped cream and ground cinnamon (for garnish): The final crowning touch to recreate that luxurious Starbucks presentation and mouthwatering aroma.

How to Make Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe

Step 1: Brew the Espresso Base

Start off by stirring the instant espresso powder into the 6 ounces of boiling water. This quick step builds a rich, concentrated coffee foundation that mimics that signature Starbucks espresso shot. Set it aside while you prepare the creamy milk mixture.

Step 2: Whisk the Milk with Spices and Sweetness

In a glass measuring cup, combine the milk, ground cinnamon, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg. Whisk everything together thoroughly until you have an even blend of spices and sweetness ready to infuse into the milk.

Step 3: Heat and Froth the Milk

Place the milk mixture in the microwave and heat it for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Watch it closely as it begins to froth—this froth is essential to achieving the creamy latte texture. Remove it, whisk once more, then return it to the microwave for an additional 30 seconds to build up that perfect foam.

Step 4: Combine the Espresso and Milk

Slowly pour the warm, frothy milk mixture into the brewed espresso while stirring gently. This blending step ensures all the rich flavors mingle harmoniously, creating that smooth latte consistency we crave.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Top your latte with a generous swirl of whipped cream, then sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top. This final flourish not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the spice aroma with every sip.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your homemade Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe is now ready to enjoy. Sip slowly and savor the warm layers of spice, sweetness, and creamy coffee bliss that rival your favorite café.

How to Serve Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe

A clear glass cup filled with three layers: the bottom layer is smooth brown coffee, the middle layer is a thin, bubbly light cream foam, and the top layer is a large swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with brown cinnamon powder. Two cinnamon sticks stand upright on the right side of the whipped cream. The glass cup sits on a beige woven coaster, placed on a white marbled surface. There are coffee beans and cinnamon sticks near the cup with a small white bowl of brown sugar and a glass of milk blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The whipped cream topped with a dusting of cinnamon is classic and irresistible, but you can also experiment with a drizzle of caramel or a pinch of clove for an extra festive touch. These simple additions elevate the latte visually and deepen its flavor profile.

Side Dishes

Pair this latte with buttery croissants, cinnamon rolls, or even a slice of spiced pumpkin bread for a perfectly balanced coffee break. The cinnamon and vanilla notes in the latte naturally complement these cozy, comforting treats.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your latte in a clear glass mug to showcase the beautiful layers of coffee and frothy milk. Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer to boost the aroma and give your presentation a rustic café feel that will impress friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While this latte is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the frothed milk will lose its texture, so a quick whisk before reheating will help revive the creaminess.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for the prepared latte, as the texture and flavor of the milk and espresso can suffer. Instead, freeze leftover milk and espresso separately if needed and combine fresh upon reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the latte gently on the stove or in the microwave at a low setting to avoid curdling the milk. Stir frequently to maintain the smooth texture. Adding a bit of fresh froth or whipped cream can restore its original appeal.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of instant espresso powder?

Using regular brewed coffee will work in a pinch but won’t have the same intense, concentrated flavor that instant espresso powder provides. For the true Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe taste, espresso powder is best.

Is there a non-dairy version of this latte?

Absolutely! Swap the milk for almond, oat, or soy milk and follow the same steps. These alternatives froth nicely and complement the spice blend beautifully.

How can I make this latte less sweet?

You can reduce the light brown sugar or omit it altogether and adjust to your taste. The warmth of cinnamon and vanilla still provides plenty of flavor without too much sweetness.

Can I prepare the flavored milk mixture ahead of time?

You can mix the milk and spices in advance but only heat and froth it fresh just before serving to retain the best texture and flavor.

How strong is the coffee flavor in this latte?

The espresso powder gives a medium to strong coffee flavor depending on how much you add. Start with 1 teaspoon and increase to 2 if you prefer a bolder cup.

Final Thoughts

Making the Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience that brings warmth and indulgence to your day with every delightful sip. It’s an easy yet impressive way to enjoy a café-quality treat with your own personal touch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back for that comforting blend of cinnamon, vanilla, and espresso that feels like a little moment of magic in a mug.