From that first gentle snowfall to the cozy gatherings with loved ones, there’s something undeniably magical about the holidays that makes us crave flavors that warm both hands and hearts. Dunkin‘ understands this craving, and it’s no surprise they’ve crafted a beverage that wraps up the essence of the holidays in a delightful, sip-able package: the Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte.
With each sip of this special latte, you’re not just drinking coffee—you’re savoring memories of baking sugar cookies, sharing laughter with family, and the excitement of holiday cheer.
How to make Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte
The Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte is a seasonal drink offered by Dunkin’ during the holiday season. It combines espresso with steamed milk and flavors inspired by holiday cookies. The drink typically features a rich blend of sugar cookie flavor. It is topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cookie crumbles or sprinkles, creating a festive and indulgent coffee experience.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots of espresso or ¾ cup of strongly brewed coffee: The foundation of any good latte, choose a quality espresso or coffee bean for a rich flavor.
- 1 cup of milk: Any variety will do, whether it’s whole milk for creaminess or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar: This will give you that molasses-like sweetness of many holiday cookies.
- ½ teaspoon of almond extract: To emulate the toasted almond notes reminiscent of Dunkin’s version.
- Whipped cream: For topping.
- Caramel sauce: A generous drizzle for both flavor and aesthetics.
- Cookie crumbs: Use your favorite sugar or gingerbread cookies, crumbled, for the garnish.
Instructions:
- Prepare the espresso or coffee: Brew your espresso or strong coffee. If using coffee, opt for a dark roast ground finely to achieve a rich and bold flavor.
- Warm and flavor the milk: In a small saucepan, combine the milk and brown sugar over medium heat. Whisk until the milk is hot and the sugar has dissolved. Once hot, remove from heat and stir in the almond extract. For a frothy finish, use a milk frother or blender to aerate the milk until it’s nice and foamy.
- Assemble your latte: Pour the espresso or coffee into a large mug. Gently add the flavored milk, holding back the foam with a spoon to let the liquid out first, then spooning the foam on top.
- Add the finishing touches: Generously top with whipped cream. Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream and sprinkle with cookie crumbs.
- Enjoy! Savor your homemade Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte, ideally with a cookie in hand for the full experience.
Tips:
- Espresso vs. Coffee: If you have an espresso machine, use it for the most authentic latte experience. However, strong coffee can also work well; just make sure it’s brewed stronger than usual.
- Milk Texturing: For the best latte experience, texture your milk until it’s creamy and frothy. This not only improves the mouthfeel but helps blend the flavors smoothly.
- Customization: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar. Similarly, the almond extract can be increased or reduced based on your preference for that nutty flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: For a festive touch and the ultimate holiday comfort, serve your holiday cookie latte with a side of gingerbread or sugar cookies.
What to serve with
Pairing your Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte with the right treats can enhance the festive experience, turning a simple coffee break into a delightful holiday celebration. The richness of the espresso, combined with the sweet and nutty flavors of the latte, makes it versatile for pairing with various snacks and desserts.
1. Gingerbread Cookies: Nothing says “holiday season” quite like gingerbread cookies. Their spicy warmth harmonizes beautifully with the sweet and nutty notes of the Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte. Deciding gingerbread cookies can be a fun, festive activity for all ages.
2. Cinnamon Rolls: The sweet and spicy cinnamon flavor pairs splendidly with the coffee, providing a comforting, indulgent treat. For an extra special touch, opt for homemade rolls or a high-quality store-bought version for convenience without sacrificing taste.
3. Almond Biscotti: A classic coffee companion, almond biscotti offers a delightful crunch and nuttiness that echoes the almond extract in the latte. Dip the biscotti into your latte for an enhanced flavor experience.
4. Chocolate Croissants: The flaky, buttery layers of croissants filled with rich chocolate make for a luxurious complement to the Holiday Cookie Latte. The combination of chocolate and coffee is a timeless duo that’s hard to resist.
5. Fruit and Nut Cheese Board: For a more sophisticated pairing, create a cheese board with various cheeses, fresh and dried fruits, and nuts. The variety of flavors and textures makes for an exciting taste experience with each sip of your latte.
6. Pumpkin Pie: Serve a slice of creamy pumpkin pie with your latte for a truly festive treat. The spices in the pie, like cinnamon and nutmeg, will harmonize with the latte’s holiday flavors.
7. Maple Walnut Scones: The rich maple flavor and crunchy walnuts in these scones complement the brown sugar and almond notes of the latte. Serve them warm for a cozy, comforting snack.
8. Holiday Spice Cake: A moist, spice-laden cake makes for a perfect holiday dessert and pairs wonderfully with the festive flavors of the latte. Look for cakes with ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for the most complementary flavors.
9. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies: Shortbread cookies have a buttery richness that pairs well with coffee, and dipping them in chocolate adds an extra layer of decadence that matches the latte’s sweet profile.
10. Cream Cheese Stuffed Dates: For a lighter pairing, try dates stuffed with cream cheese. The natural sweetness of the dates and the creaminess of the cheese offer a delightful contrast to the Holiday Cookie Latte.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a homemade version of Dunkin’s Holiday Cookie Latte involves blending the comforting flavors of coffee with hints of sweet almond and vanilla, reminiscent of holiday cookies. If you don’t have the exact ingredients typically required for a replica recipe, there are numerous substitutes that can help you capture the essence of this festive latte.
Espresso or Strong Coffee
Substitute: If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can substitute strong-brewed coffee from a French press or a stovetop Moka pot. Instant espresso powder is another quick and effective alternative.
Almond Milk (or Your Choice of Milk)
Substitute: Any type of milk can be used depending on dietary preferences or availability. Oat milk, soy milk, and coconut milk are great dairy-free options, each adding its unique flavor profile. For a richer latte, half-and-half or light cream can be used.
Almond Extract
Substitute: If the almond extract is unavailable, vanilla extract can provide a warm, sweet flavor. For a nutty taste without almond extract, hazelnut syrup or extract is a wonderful option, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
Vanilla Syrup
Substitute: Homemade vanilla syrup can be easily made by simmering sugar, water, and vanilla extract until thickened. Alternatively, maple syrup or honey can provide a natural sweetness. Consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar when making homemade syrup for a deeper flavour.
Cookie Crumbles for Garnish
Substitute: If you don’t have cookie crumbles, you can top your latte with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a few chocolate shavings. Crushed graham crackers or biscotti pieces can also mimic the texture and sweetness of cookie crumbles.
Whipped Cream
Substitute: If you’re out of whipped cream or looking for a lighter option, a dollop of frothed milk can add creaminess without the extra calories. Coconut cream, whipped until light and airy, is an excellent vegan alternative.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up your own Dunkin’ Holiday Cookie Latte at home allows you to tweak the flavors to your liking and enjoy a cozy, festive beverage anytime you wish.
More Dunkin’ Recipes:
- Dunkin’ Brown Sugar Cookie Drink Recipe
- Homemade Dunkin’ Halloween Donuts Recipe
- Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 shots of espresso or ¾ cup of strongly brewed coffee
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar: To emulate the toasted almond notes reminiscent of Dunkin's version.
- Whipped cream: For topping.
- Caramel sauce: A generous drizzle for both flavor and aesthetics.
- Cookie crumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the espresso or coffee: Brew your espresso or strong coffee. If using coffee, opt for a dark roast ground finely to achieve a rich and bold flavor.
- Warm and flavor the milk: In a small saucepan, combine the milk and brown sugar over medium heat. Whisk until the milk is hot and the sugar has dissolved. Once hot, remove from heat and stir in the almond extract. For a frothy finish, use a milk frother or blender to aerate the milk until it's nice and foamy.
- Assemble your latte: Pour the espresso or coffee into a large mug. Gently add the flavored milk, holding back the foam with a spoon to let the liquid out first, then spooning the foam on top.
- Add the finishing touches: Generously top with whipped cream. Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped cream and sprinkle with cookie crumbs.
- Enjoy! Savor your homemade Dunkin' Holiday Cookie Latte, ideally with a cookie in hand for the full experience.
