Try this quick and easy Cinnamon Dolce Latte recipe. Tastes just like Starbucks, without the expense or unhealthy ingredients. Perfect for the holidays or any time of the year. Pairs well with my pumpkin cookies or spiced carrot bread.
Call me crazy, but wasn’t the Cinnamon Dolce Latte once available only during the holiday season?
For some reason, I can’t shake the idea that it used to be a limited time offer like the Salted Caramel or Pumpkin Spice Latte. Have I lost my marbles?
Anyway, I guess it doesn’t matter much anymore because Starbucks added it to their regular menu, but there’s even better news to share – you can make Starbucks copycat Cinnamon Dolce Lattes at home now year-round too!
Does this recipe use ground cinnamon or cinnamon dolce syrup?
This homemade version of the popular Starbucks drink was a bit trickier to develop than the others. I thought we could shake some cinnamon on top, stir it around and be good to go. And then one trial after another, it kept on clumping instead of dissolving…
It was kinda gross… clumps of “stuff” in my coffee at the top, and then the inevitable thick, potent cinnamon sludge that lingered at the bottom of my mug.
Because of this lumpy cinnamon factor, this specialty drink requires one extra step to prepare. It’s not difficult by any means.
The trick is to make a simple syrup called cinnamon dolce syrup. As you may know, ground cinnamon is essentially ground bits of cinnamon bark, so it will not dissolve fully in water or a cup of coffee with a quick stir. However, if you boil ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick in water, you can make a syrup.
Don’t ask me why but it works, but it does. This syrup is then added to coffee with some cream or milk and voila! Homemade Cinnamon Dolce Latte.
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Not only is it warm and satisfying, but this cinnamon dolce latte is also:
- Frugal. Without question, making a cinnamon dolce latte yourself is much cheaper than picking one up at Starbucks or any other fancy coffee shop.
- Healthier. When you make your own, you are avoiding artificial sweeteners and additives that may be hiding in commercial products.
- Delicious. Cinnamon is a lovely aromatic spice with both a sweet and savory flavor. It goes perfectly in this coffee recipe.
- Versatile. Decide how much natural sweetener you’d like to add, based on your preference. This recipe is also super easy to make dairy-free with plant-based milk.
What are the ingredients for a Homemade Cinnamon Dolce Latte?
- Filtered water
- Cinnamon
- Coconut Sugar (or any preferred granulated sugar)
- GOOD hot coffee
- Cream or milk
What is dolce flavor?
Did you know that “dolce” means sweet? It does, and if you splurge on a $5 latte, you’ll notice their version is very sweet, and even more so if you’re trying to eat less sugar in general.
This recipe works well with just one tablespoon of maple syrup, but if you’re looking for that over-the-top sweet, add in the other remaining tablespoon, a little bit at a time, and taste along the way.
How to make a cinnamon dolce latte
Cinnamon Syrup
- Combine water, cinnamon, and coconut sugar in a small saucepan. Heat on very low heat just until the sugar dissolves, 2-3 minutes, whisking often.
- Remove from heat. Pour cinnamon syrup into a glass jar and store sealed in the refrigerator.
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Combine 1 Tbsp of cinnamon syrup with coffee and cream.
- Add additional maple syrup if you like it sweeter.
How can I make my Cinnamon Dolce Latte frothy?
If you like just a bit more froth to make it more latte-ish, put your coffee, cinnamon syrup, and milk into a mason jar and give it a good shake. This will froth up the milk and mix the syrup in really well. Then pour into your favorite mug to enjoy. Make sure to be careful holding the mason jar, it can get hot quickly!
Looking for other homemade latte ideas?
This post explains why we stopped drinking coffee creamer in the first place, and here’s a nice list of other homemade latte recipes:
By the way – I tested this cinnamon flavor in a cup of tea too – yummy!
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- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 16 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ⅛ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup good, strong coffee
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
Cinnamon Syrup
- Combine water, cinnamon, and maple syrup in a small saucepan. Heat on very low heat for 5 minutes, whisking often.
- Remove from heat. Pour cinnamon syrup into a glass jar and store sealed in the refrigerator.
Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Combine 1 Tbsp of cinnamon syrup with coffee and cream.
- Add additional maple syrup if you like it sweeter.
Notes
Do not cook the cinnamon syrup for longer than 5 minutes or the mixture will become very thick with the texture of an egg white. If this happens, throw it away and start over.
Are you a fan of the cinnamon dolce flavor? What foods would you try to flavor with this rich, cinnamon-y syrup?
the recipe calls for coconut sugar, but the comments mention maple syrup? which ingredient is correct?
I’m comfused as well. Coconut sugar in the recipe but maple syrup in the directions?
Both are options that can be used.
Excellent recipe! Using quality maple syrup makes all the difference. Cheap maple syrup will probably not taste so good in any recipe. We absolutely loved this! Thank you so much for sharing!
You’re so very welcome Kathleen!
I gagged as soon as I took a sip. This recipe just wasn’t for me.
I’m sorry you didn’t like it KM!
When I poured the cinnamon water into the jar there was a blob of cinnamon at the bottom of the pan. Do I add that to the water or toss it? I whisked most of the time it was on so I hope I didn’t mess up somehow? Thanks I’m so happy to have found this. I will be sharing.
It’s best to keep as much of that cinnamon that you can, but no worries if it didn’t make it all in. Shake well before using and it’ll be great!
Will regular syrup do or is maple syrup a must? Can’t wait to make it!
Hi Tiffany! Regular syrup will work in a pinch, but it’s much sweeter than pure maple syrup. Add to taste!
This recipe sounds great, and I’ll definitely try it! However, having worked at Starbucks, I can tell you the “Dolce” part is brown sugar flavor. If anyone is having trouble with the maple aspect of it not tasting right, I’d suggest trying brown sugar.
Also, you’re right – Cinnamon Dolce was introduced as a seasonal flavor, but I think it was an after-Christmas one. One Starbucks flavor I’d love to see is the Honey Latte they had once upon a time!
I’ve seen brown sugar is other dolce recipes, but maple syrup is definitely more natural. Maybe a raw demera sugar, or making a better brown sugar with coconut sugar and molasses would be good… Mmm!! Honey latte? I haven’t heard of that one, but I’m interested!
I think the honey one may have just been a one-time thing. It might not have been successful enough for them to run it again. I absolutely try to do as natural as I can, but I am happy enough with my organic brown sugar when I do use brown sugar. It’s definitely not the same as “regular” brown sugar.
Yum! Can’t wait to try this. I have also found that mixing the cinnamon into coffee grounds before brewing works but can really vary the cinnamon taste
I’ve heard a similar tip from another reader too Terri – thanks for sharing!
Could you make the syrup with a cinnamon stick instead of powder?
You can, but I tried it and didn’t like it. I thought it wasn’t a strong enough flavor for me and too watery. 🙂
I think this has been my favorite blog series ever 🙂 Thanks!
You’re very welcome Beth! More to come! 😉
YUM! I love homemade coffee drink recipes and cinnamon is one of my favorites! I can’t wait to try this. 🙂
So good!