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The air is getting crisper, the leaves are turning shades of gold and amber, and there’s palpable excitement as we trade our flip-flops for cozy sweaters. Yes, the holiday season is upon us, bringing with it the warmth of festive traditions and the joy of seasonal flavors. Among the most anticipated delights this year is the Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew, a drink that perfectly captures the essence of the season in a cup.
How to make Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew
Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew is a seasonal drink offered by Dunkin’ that combines their cold brew coffee with a cookie butter flavor, creating a sweet and creamy beverage reminiscent of the popular cookie spread.
Ingredients:
- Cold Brew Concentrate: You’ll need about 1 cup of cold brew concentrate, which you can either buy ready-made or prepare at home by steeping coarse-ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours.
- Cookie Butter: Available at most grocery stores, cookie butter is a spread made from crushed speculoos cookies. You’ll need 2-3 tablespoons or to taste.
- Milk or Cream: Depending on your preference, about 1/4 cup to add richness.
- Brown Sugar: 1-2 teaspoons, adjusted to your sweetness preference.
- Whipped Cream: You’ll need about 1/2 cup of heavy whipping cream for the cold foam.
- Cookie Crumbs: Optionally, crush some speculoos cookies for garnish.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash for enhanced flavor in the cold foam.
- Ice: To chill your beverage.
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Cold Brew: If you’re making your cold brew from scratch, do so ahead of time. Once ready, strain out the grounds and chill your concentrate.
- Create the Cookie Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cookie butter and brown sugar with a splash of water or milk to help dissolve and meld the ingredients together. Stir until you achieve a smooth consistency. Allow the mixture to cool.
- Make the Cookie Butter Cold Foam: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream with a tablespoon of the cookie butter mixture and a dash of vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a frothing device to whip the cream into a thick cold foam consistency.
- Assemble the Cold Brew: Fill a serving glass with ice. Pour the cold brew concentrate over the ice, leaving some space for the cookie butter mixture and cold foam.
- Incorporate the Cookie Butter: Add the cookie butter mixture to the cold brew. Adjust the quantity accordingly depending on how sweet and pronounced you like the cookie butter flavor.
- Top with Cold Foam: Gently spoon your cookie butter cold foam on top of the cold brew, creating a thick layer.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the top with crushed cookie crumbs for that final touch of indulgence and authenticity.
Tips:
- If you prefer a less potent coffee flavor, mix your cold brew concentrate with water to your preferred strength before pouring it over ice.
- To make a vegan or dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk alternative for both the mixture and cold foam, and opt for a dairy-free whipped topping.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your cookie butter mixture for added spice.
- Store any leftover cookie butter mixture in the refrigerator and use it to flavor other beverages or as a delicious spread on toast or pastries.
- If you don’t have a hand mixer for the cold foam, shaking the cream vigorously in a sealed jar can also get you a foamy texture, although it may be less aerated than whipped cold foam.
- Serve your Cookie Butter Cold Brew with a metal straw to add a touch of elegance and eco-friendliness to your indulgence.
What to serve with
Pairing your homemade Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew with the right treats can elevate your coffee experience to new heights of delight. Here are some suggestions on what to serve with your festive beverage to complement its rich and comforting flavors:
Breakfast and Brunch Ideas:
- Speculoos Cookies: Continue the cookie butter theme by serving actual speculoos cookies on the side. The crisp, spiced cookies are perfect for dipping into your cold brew or simply nibbling alongside it.
- Buttery Croissants: The flakiness and buttery taste of a fresh croissant balance the sweetness of the Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew beautifully.
- Cinnamon Rolls: Pair your cold brew with a warm cinnamon roll for a comforting, indulgent start to your day. The cinnamon flavors will mirror the spice notes in your cookie butter mixture.
- Scones: Opt for flavors like pumpkin, cinnamon, or caramel to complement your festive drink. Serve them warm with a side of clotted cream or butter.
Light Fare:
- Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses, especially those that are creamier and richer such as Brie, Camembert, or aged Gouda can subtly balance the sweetness of the drink.
- Fruit Salad: For a healthier option, a fresh fruit salad with apples, pears, and grapes can offer a refreshing contrast to the cold brew’s richness.
Dessert Companions:
- Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert has coffee flavors that resonate well with the cold brew. Its creamy texture adds another layer of luxury.
- Apple Pie or Tart: The cinnamon and apple flavors in these desserts pair nicely with the spicy notes in the cookie butter brew.
- Pumpkin Pie: Embrace the spirit of the season with a slice of pumpkin pie, which marries well with the warming spices of your beverage.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip fruits or marshmallows into melted chocolate for a fun, interactive dessert that guests can enjoy with their cold brew.
Savory Snacks:
- Quiche: Choose a savory quiche Lorraine or a spinach and feta quiche that can stand up to the sweetness of your drink.
- Toasted Nuts: A bowl of toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts seasoned with a hint of cinnamon or maple syrup can be a satisfying snack.
Heartier Meals:
- Gourmet Grilled Cheese: A gourmet grilled cheese with a mix of cheeses and a touch of fig jam or caramelized onions offers a sweet and savory balance to the cookie butter flavors.
- Roast Chicken: For a more substantial meal, roasted chicken with aromatic spices and herbs can accompany your cold brew, especially if you’re hosting a luncheon or dinner.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew at home can be a delightful project, especially when you might need to substitute some ingredients for availability or personal preferences.
- Cold Brew Coffee: At its base, the drink uses cold brew, which you can either prepare at home by steeping coarsely ground coffee in cold water for 12-24 hours or buy pre-made from a store. You can substitute strong brewed coffee that’s been cooled down or even instant coffee mixed with cold water, though the flavor profile may differ slightly.
- Cookie Butter Syrup: This is where the unique flavor comes into play. If you can’t find cookie butter syrup, you can make a quick version by melting down actual cookie butter (speculoos spread) with a bit of water to thin it out to a syrupy consistency. Alternatively, a mix of caramel syrup with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg can mimic the essence of cookie butter.
- Milk or Cream: Whether Dunkin’ uses milk or a cream product, you can easily substitute this with any nondairy milk (almond, coconut, oat, etc.) if you’re avoiding dairy or just prefer the taste of a specific milk alternative.
- Whipped Cream: While whipped cream adds a luxurious finish, if you need a dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream is a fantastic substitute. It’s made by whipping chilled coconut cream and can be sweetened with a touch of powdered sugar.
- Cookie Crumbles for Garnish: Speculoos cookies are traditionally used as garnish. However, if those aren’t available, any type of ginger snap or cinnamon cookie should provide a similar crunch and flavor. For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free gingersnap cookies.
Final Thoughts
With these steps and tips, you’re ready to craft a Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew that might just rival the original. Enjoy the harmonious symphony of sweet cookie butter and robust coffee in each sip, and let this homemade delight add a touch of Dunkin-inspired joy to your holiday season.
More Cookie Recipes:
- Biscoff Cookie Butter Cheesecake Recipe
- Homemade Coffee Bean Cookie Butter Recipe
- Homemade Oreo Coke Cookies Recipe
- Crumbl Cookie Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Cake Recipe
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Soufflé
Ingredients
- Cold Brew Concentrate
- Cookie Butter
- Milk or Cream
- Brown Sugar: 1-2 teaspoons, adjusted to your sweetness preference.
- Whipped Cream: You'll need about 1/2 cupÂ
- Cookie Crumbs: Optionally, crush some speculoos cookies for garnish.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash for enhanced flavor in the cold foam.
- Ice: To chill your beverage.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Cold Brew: If you're making your cold brew from scratch, do so ahead of time. Once ready, strain out the grounds and chill your concentrate.
- Create the Cookie Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cookie butter and brown sugar with a splash of water or milk to help dissolve and meld the ingredients together. Stir until you achieve a smooth consistency. Allow the mixture to cool.
- Make the Cookie Butter Cold Foam: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream with a tablespoon of the cookie butter mixture and a dash of vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a frothing device to whip the cream into a thick cold foam consistency.
- Assemble the Cold Brew: Fill a serving glass with ice. Pour the cold brew concentrate over the ice, leaving some space for the cookie butter mixture and cold foam.
- Incorporate the Cookie Butter: Add the cookie butter mixture to the cold brew. Adjust the quantity accordingly depending on how sweet and pronounced you like the cookie butter flavor.
- Top with Cold Foam: Gently spoon your cookie butter cold foam on top of the cold brew, creating a thick layer.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the top with crushed cookie crumbs for that final touch of indulgence and authenticity.
