What if I told you that you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy this festive treat? That’s right—today, I’m sharing a simple recipe to recreate the Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
How to make a Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte
The Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte is a seasonal iced espresso drink from Dunkin’. It features rich espresso mixed with cookie butter–flavored syrup, topped with a layer of cookie butter cold foam and crunchy cookie butter crumbles.
Ingredients
- 1-2 shots of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee if you don’t have an espresso machine)
- 1 cup milk of choice (whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, or even half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1-2 tablespoons of cookie butter spread (such as Lotus Biscoff or Trader Joe’s cookie butter)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for more sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cold heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon cookie butter spread
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- A small pinch of cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
- Crushed cookie bits (use crushed Biscoff cookies or any spiced cookies like gingerbread)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Espresso or Coffee
- Brew 1-2 shots of espresso (depending on how strong you like your latte) or make half a cup of strong brewed coffee. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Heat the Milk and Combine Flavors
- In a small saucepan, gently heat your milk over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of cookie butter spread to the milk and mix until fully melted and incorporated into the milk.
- Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract for added warmth and sweetness.
- Once the mixture is heated but not boiling, remove it from the heat.
Step 3: Make the Cookie Butter Cold Foam
- In a small mixing bowl or frother, combine 1/4 cup of cold heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of cookie butter, and 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar.
- Use a handheld milk frother or whisk the mixture vigorously until it becomes light and fluffy. The texture should resemble soft clouds.
- Gently mix in a tiny pinch of cinnamon for added holiday warmth (optional).
Step 4: Assemble the Latte
- Pour your prepared espresso or coffee into a cozy mug or a tall glass if you’re serving it iced.
- Slowly pour your warmed cookie butter-infused milk mixture over the espresso. Stir gently to combine.
- Spoon your whipped cookie butter cold foam generously over the top of the latte.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Finish the drink with a sprinkle of crushed Biscoff or gingerbread cookies for that signature crunch.
- If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle a little extra melted cookie butter on top for a picture-perfect finish.
Tips for the Perfect Cookie Butter Cloud Latte
- Use Quality Coffee: For the richest flavor, use fresh espresso or strong, freshly brewed dark roast coffee. Pre-ground coffee works too, but grinding fresh beans will enhance the taste.
- Chill the Cream: Making cold foam requires very cold heavy cream. Try chilling your whisk or milk frother equipment beforehand for even better results.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you’re not a fan of super-sweet drinks, start with less sugar and cookie butter, then adjust to your taste.
- Frothing Without Fancy Equipment: No frother? No problem! Add the milk or cream mixture to a mason jar, seal the lid, and shake vigorously until foamy. Just make sure it’s tightly closed!
- Iced Version: For a cold version of the latte, skip heating the milk, add your ingredients to a tall glass with ice, and top it off with the cold foam.
What to serve with
The Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte is an indulgent, dessert-like drink with warm, spiced flavors reminiscent of the holiday season. While it’s absolutely delicious on its own, pairing it with the right treats can take your latte experience to the next level.
1. Spiced Cookies or Biscotti
Since the latte’s signature flavor is inspired by cookie butter, naturally, cookies make the perfect pairing! Choose treats that match its warm and spiced flavor profile.
- Biscoff or Speculoos Cookies: These are the original cookie butter cookies, so they pair seamlessly with the latte. The crunch and spiced cinnamon-nutmeg flavors will complement the Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte perfectly.
- Gingerbread Cookies: A classic holiday choice, gingerbread’s bold ginger spice and molasses taste will amplify the seasonal vibes of your Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte.
- Biscotti: Almond, cinnamon, or even chocolate biscotti are excellent choices for dipping into the steamy Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte. Their hard texture softens as you dip, and they make for a perfect crunchy complement.
2. Pastries and Baked Goods
Soft, warm pastries add a comforting element to go alongside your latte. Their buttery richness complements the creamy texture of the drink beautifully.
- Cinnamon Rolls or Sticky Buns: The gooey, cinnamon-sugar filling resonates harmoniously with the latte’s cookie butter flavor.
- Croissants (Especially Almond or Chocolate): Flaky and buttery croissants, sweetened with almond paste or chocolate, are a delightful pairing that adds depth to your coffee moment.
- Pumpkin Bread: A thick slice of moist pumpkin bread is the epitome of seasonal flavors that work well with the drink. Add some cream cheese frosting for an extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making a Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte at home doesn’t have to be limited to specific ingredients—there are plenty of substitutions available that can cater to dietary preferences, allergies, or availability constraints.
1. Espresso or Coffee Substitutes
The latte’s base relies on espresso, but you can absolutely get creative if that’s not an option.
- Strong Brewed Coffee: If you don’t own an espresso machine, use a dark roast coffee brewed slightly stronger than usual. Aim for 1/2 cup for a robust flavor that mimics espresso.
- Coffee Concentrates: Cold brew concentrates are widely available and can replace espresso for a smoother flavor.
- Instant Espresso Powder: If you’re in a pinch, dissolve 1–2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder in hot water to create a quick espresso substitute.
- Decaf Options: If you’d prefer a caffeine-free version, decaffeinated espresso or coffee works equally well.
2. Milk Substitutes
Milk is an essential component for the latte’s creamy texture, but it can easily be swapped out based on dietary preferences.
Non-Dairy Milks:
- Oat Milk: The creamy consistency of oat milk works particularly well for latte recipes and complements the cookie butter flavors wonderfully.
- Almond Milk: Slightly nutty and lightweight, almond milk is another excellent choice. The unsweetened vanilla variety adds a touch of flavor.
- Soy Milk: Rich and creamy, soy milk is a good alternative for those who need a dairy-free option.
- Coconut Milk: If you enjoy a subtle coconut undertone, this milk can add richness to the drink.
- Cashew Milk: Ultra-creamy and mild, cashew milk makes an ideal base for a silky latte.
- Half-and-Half: For a thicker, more decadent latte, substitute some or all of the milk with half-and-half.
3. Cookie Butter Substitutes
The star ingredient, cookie butter, provides the drink’s signature spiced and nutty flavor. If you don’t have cookie butter, here are some alternatives:
- Homemade Cookie Butter: Make your own by blending Biscoff cookies (or any spiced cookies like Speculoos) with melted butter and a splash of cream or milk.
- Nut Butters: Smooth almond butter or cashew butter are great options, especially if you add a little honey or maple syrup to mimic sweetness. Peanut butter works too, but it has a stronger flavor that may overpower the spices in the drink.
- Spiced Cookie Crumble: Crush spiced cookies like gingerbread or gingersnaps finely and mix them into the latte. If you don’t have cookie butter, this adds texture and flavor directly into your drink.
- Caramel Sauce: While it won’t replicate the spices of cookie butter, caramel sauce can offer a sweet and rich flavor that complements the latte well.
4. Brown Sugar Substitutes
Brown sugar adds a deep sweetness to the latte, but if you don’t have any on hand, here are alternatives:
- White Granulated Sugar: You can simply use regular white sugar as a substitute, though it won’t have the same molasses-like depth as brown sugar.
- Coconut Sugar: This natural sweetener provides a similar richness to brown sugar and works well in lattes.
- Maple Syrup: For a liquid alternative, maple syrup adds a hint of earthiness and warmth that complements the cookie flavors.
- Honey: Honey offers natural sweetness and warmth but has a distinct flavor that may slightly alter the profile of the drink.
- Agave Syrup: A mild and neutral liquid sweetener that works seamlessly as a sugar substitute.
5. Vanilla Extract Substitutes
Vanilla provides that smooth, aromatic undertone in the latte. Here’s what you can use instead:
- Maple Extract: This is a fantastic alternative for adding subtle sweetness and depth to your drink.
- Almond Extract: Use sparingly—this extract has a strong, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with cookie butter.
- Cinnamon Extract: Great for boosting the spiced profile of the latte.
- Imitation Vanilla Flavor: If you don’t have pure vanilla extract, artificial vanilla flavor will work just fine.
6. Heavy Cream Substitutes for Cold Foam
The cold foam is typically made with heavy cream, but there are plenty of substitutes that can yield similar results:
- Whipping Cream: Regular whipping cream works just like heavy cream for cold foam.
- Half-and-Half: Use chilled half-and-half for a lighter version of foam. While it’s not as rich as heavy cream, it can still create a velvety texture when whipped.
- Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free version of cold foam, chilled coconut cream (scooped from the top of a can of coconut milk) whips up beautifully and complements the cookie butter flavors.
- Soy Cream or Oat Cream: Dairy-free heavy cream alternatives are available in most grocery stores. These work as an excellent direct substitute for heavy cream.
7. Powdered Sugar Substitutes for Cold Foam
Powdered sugar helps sweeten and stabilize the cold foam, but you can switch it out for other sweeteners:
- Granulated Sugar: You can use regular sugar, but it’s best to grind it into a finer consistency (using a blender or food processor).
- Honey or Agave Syrup: For a natural option, liquid sweeteners are easy to use in cold foam, but they won’t thicken the cream as powdered sugar does.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: A calorie-free replacement for powdered sugar that works well for foam stabilization and sweetness.
Final Thoughts
The Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cloud Latte isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience, and pairing it with the right foods amplifies the cozy, indulgent vibe it offers.
More Dunkin’ Recipes:
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