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Cozy Copycat Starbucks Christmas Sugar Cookie Latte

cozy copycat starbucks christmas sugar cookie latte - featured image

Recreate the magic of a Starbucks Christmas Sugar Cookie Latte at home with this easy recipe. It features a homemade sugar cookie syrup and velvety microfoam for that perfect holiday hug in a cup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 shots (about 2 ounces or 60ml) strong brewed espresso or 1/2 cup (120ml) strong brewed coffee
  • 2–3 tablespoons homemade sugar cookie syrup
  • Whipped cream for topping (optional)
  • Red and green sprinkles for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the Sugar Cookie Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil vigorously, just a gentle simmer. Once dissolved, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. If using the optional butter, add it now and stir until it melts completely. Let the syrup cool for 5 minutes. Pour it into a jar or bottle and set aside.
  2. Brew Your Coffee: While the syrup is cooling, brew your espresso or strong coffee. If using an espresso machine, pull two shots into your mug. If using a Moka pot, brew a strong batch. If using a regular coffee maker, use half the water you normally would for a very concentrated brew. You want about 1/2 cup of strong coffee.
  3. Add the Syrup: Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of your homemade sugar cookie syrup into the mug with the hot coffee. Stir gently to combine. Taste it here. If you want it sweeter, add a little more syrup.
  4. Froth the Milk: Pour your milk into a microwave-safe jar or a milk frothing pitcher. Heat it in the microwave for 45-60 seconds, until it is hot but not boiling. If using a handheld frother, place the frother just below the surface of the milk and turn it on. Move it up and down gently for 20-30 seconds until the milk doubles in volume and has a thick, creamy foam. If using a French press, pour the hot milk in and pump the plunger vigorously for 30 seconds.
  5. Assemble the Latte: Pour the frothed milk into the mug with the coffee and syrup. Hold back the foam with a spoon so the liquid milk goes in first. Then, spoon the thick foam on top.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Finish with a sprinkle of red and green sprinkles. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

The syrup will thicken as it cools. If it becomes too thick to pour, microwave it for 10 seconds to loosen it up. Be careful not to overheat the milk; if it boils, it will lose its ability to froth properly and can develop a scalded taste. The syrup keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Nutrition

Keywords: sugar cookie latte, Starbucks copycat, Christmas latte, holiday coffee, homemade latte, sugar cookie syrup