The Cinnamon Dolce Latte is a cozy favorite among Starbucks fans, known for its sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor and creamy texture.
Inspired by the warmth of cinnamon and the richness of espresso, this drink combines bold coffee with a hint of brown sugar sweetness.
It’s a comforting choice for chilly days, and now, you can easily recreate it at home.
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious latte that rivals the one from your favorite coffee shop!
How To Make A Cinnamon Dolce Latte: At A Glance
- Brew 2 oz espresso or ¾ cup strong coffee.
- Heat 1 cup milk with 1–2 tbsp cinnamon dolce syrup until warm.
- Froth the milk, then pour over the espresso in a mug.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
What is a Cinnamon Dolce Latte?
As we touched on, a Cinnamon Dolce Latte is a warm, comforting coffee drink that combines rich espresso, creamy steamed milk, and homemade cinnamon dolce syrup.
The term “dolce” means “sweet” in Italian, perfectly capturing the essence of this latte with its hints of cinnamon and brown sugar sweetness.
The drink’s key components each play a role: espresso adds depth and bold flavor, the milk makes it smooth and creamy, and the cinnamon dolce syrup infuses it with a warm, spiced sweetness that’s both unique and inviting.
Topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and often a swirl of whipped cream, this latte has become a Starbucks favorite for anyone seeking a sweet twist on a classic coffee.
Ingredients Needed
For the Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Latte
- 2 ounces freshly brewed espresso (or ¾ cup strong brewed coffee as an alternative)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1–2 tablespoons cinnamon dolce syrup
- Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Dolce Syrup
Follow these steps to make a flavorful cinnamon dolce syrup that adds a cozy sweetness to your latte:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, add 1 cup of water, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of white sugar, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
- Heat and Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a warm, aromatic touch to the syrup.
- Cool and Store: Allow the syrup to cool completely. Once cooled, pour it into a sealed container or jar and store it in the refrigerator.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Cinnamon Dolce Latte
- Brew the Coffee Base: Start by brewing 2 ounces of espresso or, if you don’t have an espresso machine, ¾ cup of strong coffee.
- Heat the Milk and Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based) with 1–2 tablespoons of cinnamon dolce syrup. Warm the mixture over medium heat until heated through, but avoid boiling.
- Froth the Milk: Use a milk frother to froth the warm milk until it’s creamy and foamy. If you don’t have a frother, pour the milk into a jar with a lid, shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, then remove the lid and microwave for 20–30 seconds to stabilize the foam.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the freshly brewed espresso into a mug. Slowly add the steamed milk, then top with the frothed milk for a smooth, layered effect.
- Optional Toppings: For an extra treat, top with whipped cream and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Latte
Espresso Alternatives
If you don’t have an espresso machine, there are still great options to make a rich coffee base for your latte.
A Moka pot can create a strong, espresso-like coffee that works well in this recipe.
Another option is an Aeropress, which brews a concentrated coffee that mimics espresso.
If neither of these is available, simply use ¾ cup of strong brewed coffee.
While it may not be as bold as espresso, it still brings enough depth to make a delicious Cinnamon Dolce Latte.
Milk Options
The choice of milk can greatly impact the texture and taste of your latte.
Traditional dairy milk froths easily, especially if you use whole milk or 2% milk.
If you prefer a plant-based option, oat and soy milk froth well and add a creamy consistency.
Almond milk is also a good choice, though it may not froth as much as other options.
Each milk type brings a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment and find the one that complements the cinnamon dolce flavor best.
Adjusting Sweetness
One of the perks of making this latte at home is that you control the sweetness.
The cinnamon dolce syrup is naturally sweet, so start by adding 1 tablespoon of syrup to your latte and adjust from there.
If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the syrup to 2 tablespoons.
Customizing the sweetness lets you create a drink that perfectly suits your taste, without being overly sugary.
Serving Suggestions
A Cinnamon Dolce Latte pairs beautifully with a variety of pastries and breakfast items, making it a perfect choice for a cozy morning or afternoon treat.
For a balanced flavor combination, try serving it alongside buttery croissants, cinnamon rolls, or even a slice of banana bread—the warmth of the latte enhances the sweetness of these treats.
For a lighter option, a scone or a simple biscotti can also be a delicious pairing, adding a nice crunch without overpowering the latte’s spiced flavor.
To recreate the feel of a coffeehouse at home, pour your latte into a clear glass mug to showcase its creamy layers, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Adding a decorative touch like a cinnamon stick as a stirrer can elevate the presentation, making it feel like a special treat right from your own kitchen.
Storage and Shelf Life
Storing leftover cinnamon dolce syrup is simple and ensures you have it ready for future lattes.
Once the syrup has cooled completely, transfer it into a clean, airtight container or a glass jar with a secure lid.
Keep the container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
To maintain the best flavor and texture, avoid leaving the syrup at room temperature for extended periods.
If you notice any crystallization or thickening over time, a quick stir or gentle reheat in the microwave can help restore its consistency.
Conclusion
Making a homemade Cinnamon Dolce Latte is simple and rewarding.
With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy this cozy, café-style drink right from your kitchen.
Give it a try and experience the warm, spiced sweetness that makes this latte a favorite.
We’d love to hear how it turned out—feel free to share your experience with us!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cinnamon dolce syrup?
Yes, store-bought cinnamon dolce syrup works perfectly if you’re short on time or prefer a ready-made option.
Popular brands like Starbucks or Torani offer cinnamon dolce syrups that deliver a similar taste and are easy to find in stores or online.
How can I froth milk without special equipment?
If you don’t have a milk frother, you can still achieve frothy milk using a simple jar or microwave method.
Pour the milk into a mason jar, filling it halfway, then secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
Remove the lid and microwave the milk for 20–30 seconds to stabilize the foam.
This quick trick creates a creamy froth for your latte without any special tools.
What are some low-sugar alternatives for this recipe?
To reduce the sugar, you can adjust the syrup amount or use a sugar-free version.
Many brands offer sugar-free cinnamon dolce syrup, or you can make your own with sugar substitutes like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.
