Starbucks Coffee debuted the iced sugar cookie almond milk latte in 2021.
At the time of this article’s writing, the combination of blonde espresso, sugar cookie-flavored syrup, almond milk, and brightly colored sprinkles is spending its second year on the coffeehouse franchise’s seasonal menu.
If you ask us, this caffeinated drink — which is also available hot — is just the fuel you need to power through your holiday to-do list.
Don’t worry about squeezing “Go to Starbucks” between tasks. Instead, use our recipe to whip up one of these lattes in the comfort of your own home, leaving you plenty of time to get back to wrapping presents and trimming the tree.
What Does the Sugar Cookie Latte Taste Like?
Traditional German spritz cookies inspired the Starbucks sugar cookie latte, so it isn’t surprising that the festive drink has a sort of buttery taste with notes of sweet vanilla and a slightly nutty flavor with hints of almond.
The mellow light roast espresso makes it taste like you dunked your cookie into a cup of coffee before taking a bite. Each sip is sweet, yet not overly so, and creamy, whether you have it hot or iced.
@roastycoffee Happy Holidays! Let’s make a sugar cookie latte with homemade syrup #sugarcookielatte #coffeetok #christmascoffee #starbucksrecipe ♬ Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – Dean Martin
A Guide to Homemade Sugar Cookie-flavored Syrup
Before you power up your espresso coffee maker and start assembling a homemade version of the Starbucks seasonal drink, you’ll need to get your hands on sugar cookie-flavored syrup.
You can buy it from one of the brands that keep this product in stock. However, making it is such a quick, simple process that you might as well do it yourself.
You’ll Need
- 1 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of white sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of almond extract
- 1 tablespoon of butter extract
- saucepan
- mason jar or another airtight container
The Process
Step One
Heat water and the white and brown granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the ingredients occasionally to dissolve all of the sugar. Then, remove the mixture from the heat when it comes to a boil.
Step Two
Add the vanilla, almond, and butter extracts before stirring the simple syrup again.
Step Three
Once it’s well mixed, let the homemade sugar cookie syrup cool before transferring it to an airtight container for storage.
Keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it; ensure maximum flavor by putting it back there when you’re finished.
Roasty’s Sugar Cookie Latte Recipe 
It’s time to put the sugar cookie simple syrup you made or purchased to the test.
Pull out the espresso maker and round up a few more ingredients; let’s make a latte!
You’ll Need
- 2 espresso shots
- 2 tablespoons of sugar cookie syrup
- milk of your choice
- festive sprinkles (optional)
- mug
- milk frother
- frothing pitcher
The Process
Step One
First, use your trusty espresso machine to pull two shots of the rich, strong coffee. Remember that high-quality beans are the key to making a great-tasting cup of coffee.
If you can, buy whole beans and grind them yourself just before brewing to create the freshest, most flavorful taste possible.
Step Two
Pour the hot espresso shots into a mug with about two tablespoons of sugar cookie syrup. Use more or less depending on how sweet you want your drink to be.
Step Three
Pour milk into a frothing pitcher and use a milk steaming method to create warm, bubbly milk foam.
Since the Starbucks sugar cookie latte recipe calls for almond milk, that’s what we used, but you can use whatever kind of milk you prefer.
For an extra kick of sugar cookie sweetness, drizzle some flavored syrup into the milk before steaming it.
Step Four
Pour the frothy milk atop the hot coffee. Then, top things off with red and green sprinkles — this part is optional, of course, but it makes the latte a little more fun.
Finally, there’s nothing else to do but enjoy!
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Can I Make an Iced Sugar Cookie Latte Instead?
The iced version of this copycat Starbucks holiday drink tastes just as delicious as it does hot.
Make it by filling a tall glass with ice, then adding espresso, sugar cookie syrup, and milk.
FAQs
How Much Caffeine Is in a Sugar Cookie Latte?
A grande sugar cookie almond milk latte from Starbucks contains 170 milligrams of caffeine. However, the caffeine content of your homemade version will vary based on the beans you use to brew your espresso shots.
What Coffee Is in the Sugar Cookie Latte?
The typical sugar cookie latte contains one or two shots of espresso. Starbucks’ default is blonde espresso.
However, you can request your drink be made with the franchise’s signature or decaf espresso roasts instead.
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When it comes to the kind of coffee in your homemade latte, the choice is yours; you’re free to use whatever beans you like best.
Feel free to check out our guide to the best espresso beans for suggestions on what to brew.
Do I Have To Use Steamed Milk?
Nope! If you plan to sip your coffee-infused dose of sugar cookie flavor over ice, you can use cold milk instead.
Pour it over the joe straight from the carton or use a handheld frother to create cold milk foam
Make the Holidays a Little Sweeter
If you’re a huge sugar cookie fan with a penchant for espresso, this latte is probably right for you, as it brings these two worlds together deliciously.
Happy Caffeinating!
Sugar Cookie Latte Recipe
This sugar cookie latte is without a doubt the perfect holiday drink! Make this Starbucks drink at home to enjoy it iced or hot, creating a warm and festive atmosphere!
Ingredients
- 2 espresso shots
- 2 tablespoons of sugar cookie syrup
- milk of your choice
- festive sprinkles (optional)
- mug
- milk frother
- frothing pitcher
Instructions
- Use your trusty espresso machine to pull two shots of the rich, strong coffee.
- Pour the hot espresso shots into a mug with about two tablespoons of sugar cookie syrup.
- Pour milk into a frothing pitcher and use a milk steaming method to create warm, bubbly milk foam.
- Pour the frothy milk atop the hot coffee.
- Top things off with red and green sprinkles.
