Name: Cookie Butter Cold Brew
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: Cold Brew Coffee: Start with 1 cup of your favorite cold brew; Cookie Butter: 2 tablespoons.; Milk or Cream: About ¼ cup; Vanilla Extract: A splash for some added depth of flavor.; Sugar or Sweetener: To taste, if you prefer a sweeter drink.; Ice: Enough to fill your serving glass.

Amidst the pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon that traditionally heralds the arrival of fall, a new contender has stealthily emerged to captivate our taste buds and wrap them in a cosy hug of sweetness. Imagine, if you will, the rich, velvety depth of cold brew coffee lovingly intertwined with the sweet, slightly spiced embrace of cookie butter. Yes, you read that right – Cookie Butter Cold Brew, the drink that’s been stirring up conversations from coffee shop corners to fervent foodie forums online.

How to make Cookie Butter Cold Brew

Cookie Butter Cold Brew is a specialty coffee drink that combines cold brew coffee with cookie butter flavoring. It’s typically made by mixing cold brew coffee with a sweet, spiced cookie butter syrup or spread, which is often flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to mimic the taste of speculoos cookies (a spiced shortbread cookie). The result is a creamy, rich, and indulgent drink with the smoothness of cold brew and the sweet, buttery flavor of cookie butter.

Ingredients:

Cold Brew Coffee: Start with 1 cup of your favorite cold brew. You can either purchase a pre-made version from your local grocery store or make your own by steeping coarse coffee grounds (1 cup) in water (4 cups) overnight (about 12-16 hours) in the refrigerator.
Cookie Butter: 2 tablespoons. This sweet spread is available in most grocery stores near peanut butter and other spreads. It’s made primarily from crushed spice cookies, fat (like vegetable oil), flour, and sugar.
Milk or Cream: About ¼ cup, depending on how creamy you like your cold brew.
Vanilla Extract: A splash for some added depth of flavor.
Sugar or Sweetener: To taste, if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Ice: Enough to fill your serving glass.

Instructions:

Prepare the Cold Foam:

In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of milk or cream with 2 tablespoons of cookie butter. Add a splash of vanilla extract.
Use a milk frother to whip this mixture into a creamy, smooth foam. If you don’t have a frother, you can use a blender or whisk vigorously by hand. The goal is to get a light, airy foam.

Assemble the Drink:

Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour the cold brew over the ice, filling the glass about three-quarters of the way.
Sweeten the cold brew with sugar or sweetener, if desired, and stir well.
Gently spoon the cookie butter cold foam over the top of the cold brew, allowing it to blend with the rest of the drink slowly.

Serve:

Optionally, drizzle a small amount of melted cookie butter over the foam for an extra touch of indulgence.
Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Tips:

Cold Brew Concentration: If you like a stronger coffee flavor, consider making a stronger batch of cold brew by reducing the water portion slightly during the brewing process.
Foam Consistency: For thicker foam, increase the amount of cookie butter. This will also intensify the flavor.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re avoiding dairy, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for the foam. A sugar substitute can be used in place of regular sugar to suit lower-sugar diets.
Enhancements: To amplify the holiday feel, sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the foam before serving.

What to serve with

Pairing the right snacks or meals with your Cookie Butter Cold Brew can elevate your tasting experience, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that complement each other perfectly.

For Breakfast:

Belgian Waffles: The crisp yet soft texture of waffles, especially when topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a light drizzle of cookie butter, complements the velvety smoothness of your cold brew. The flavors are rich and indulgent, making for a luxurious breakfast.
Almond Croissants: The flakiness of a croissant, combined with the nutty sweetness of almond filling, pairs wonderfully with the spiced coffee notes of the cold brew. This pairing brings out the nuttiness in both the croissant and the beverage.
Fruit Parfait: For a lighter start to your morning, a yogurt and fruit parfait with granola offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Cookie Butter Cold Brew. The tartness of the fruit and the crunch of the granola balance the creamy sweetness of the drink.

For a Midday Snack:

Cheese and Crackers: A platter of cheeses (think Brie, Gouda, and aged Cheddar) with an assortment of crackers can balance the sweetness of your cold brew with savory, umami flavors. This creates a delightful palate cleanser between sips.
Nutty Granola Bars: A homemade or quality store-bought granola bar loaded with nuts and a hint of honey or maple syrup pairs beautifully with the drink. The nutty elements resonate with the cookie butter’s richness, while the sweetness echoes the cold brew’s flavor profile.

For Dessert:

Ginger Snap Cookies: The spice of ginger snaps alongside the cold brew creates a symphony of warm, comforting spices. It’s like enjoying the essence of fall or winter in each bite and sip.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serving a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream as a simple dessert or even as an affogato with an extra shot of cold brew poured over it offers a creamy, dreamy pairing. The vanilla enhances the cookie butter flavor while providing a cool contrast to the cold brew.
Chocolate Fondue: If you’re entertaining or just feeling indulgent, a chocolate fondue with fruit (like strawberries, bananas, and apple slices) and marshmallows for dipping can be a fun and decadent way to enjoy your Cookie Butter Cold Brew. The chocolate adds a rich depth that complements the coffee and spices beautifully.

Ingredients Substitutes

Cookie Butter Cold Brew is a delicious twist on traditional cold brew coffee, typically featuring the iconic flavors of spiced speculoos cookies turned into a spreadable butter. If you’re looking to make this delectable beverage at home but find yourself missing some ingredients, fear not! There are several substitutes you can utilize without compromising too much on taste.

Cold Brew Coffee Substitutes:

Iced Coffee: Brew a strong pot of regular coffee, let it cool, and then chill it in the refrigerator. It won’t have the same smoothness as cold brew, but it’s a good alternative.
Instant Coffee: Dissolve instant coffee in a small amount of hot water to make a concentrated solution and then add cold water and ice.

Cookie Butter Substitutes:

Peanut Butter or Almond Butter: If you can’t find cookie butter, use a creamy nut butter and add a pinch of ginger and cinnamon to mimic the spicy cookie flavor.
DIY Cookie Butter: Crush speculoos cookies or graham crackers into a fine powder, mix with powdered sugar, melted butter, and milk until a spreadable consistency is achieved, then spice with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

Milk or Cream Substitutes:

Alternative Dairy-Free Milks: Almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk can all work for those who avoid dairy or want a different taste profile.
Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: If you want a richer beverage, you can substitute milk with half-and-half or even a shot of heavy cream.

Sweetener Substitutes:

Maple Syrup or Honey: These are natural sweeteners that can add an extra flavor dimension to your drink.
Stevia or Agave Nectar: If you’re looking for a low-calorie option, these sweeteners work well, though they bring their unique flavor profiles.

Whipped Cream Substitutes:

Coconut Whipped Cream: This can be a delicious topping for those who are dairy-free or simply enjoy the taste of coconut.
Marshmallow Fluff: For an even sweeter and more fun alternative, try marshmallow fluff atop your cold brew.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Cookie Butter Cold Brew recipe aims to replicate the delightful balance of comforting spice and robust coffee flavors, bringing a trendy coffeehouse treat to your home with ease and flare.

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